Miniature Poodle
A mid-sized Poodle with all the brains and athleticism of the breed in a more portable frame.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 28–35 cm
- Weight
- Males 6–8 kg · Females 5–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Exercise
- 45–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Curly, medium, long
- Colours
- Black, White, Brown, Grey, Apricot, Red, Fawn
- Bred for
- Companionship
- Country of origin
- France
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 172 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 4/5 – High |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 5/5 – Very high |
| Easy to train | 5/5 – Very high |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 1/5 – Very low |
| Grooming effort | 5/5 – Very high |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small, clever dog for training or sports
- prefer low shedding
- live in a flat but enjoy daily walks
Think twice if you …
- dislike regular grooming
- want a dog content with little stimulation
- need a very quiet dog
Care
Temperament
Bright, lively and affectionate, often attached to one person. Can be reserved with strangers and sensitive to noise and tension.
Exercise
Around an hour a day of walks and play; excellent at agility, trick training and scent games.
Grooming
Brush several times a week and clip every four to six weeks; shedding is minimal.
Training
Very trainable and quick to pick up routines; use positive methods and keep it varied.
Health
Progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and epilepsy are seen in the breed, along with dental problems. Ask the breeder for eye, knee and DNA results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Eye examination
- Hips (HD)
DNA tests
- PRA (prcd)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Miniature Poodle was bred down from the larger water-retrieving Poodle and became popular in France as a companion and performer, including in circuses. It is one of four Poodle sizes in the FCI standard, between the Medium and the Toy.
Miniatures are bright, quick and keen to join in. They thrive on attention and learning, and many shine in agility, obedience and trick training. At home they are affectionate and observant, sometimes a little vocal. Their size makes them easy to travel with, but they still need daily outings and mental work to stay balanced, plus regular grooming.
Did you know?
The FCI recognises four Poodle sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature and Toy, all under one breed standard.