The Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodle at the groomer

Breed Overview

The word “Poodle” comes from the German word “pfudel,” meaning “puddle” or “to splash” probably reflecting the dog’s water abilities.

The Miniature Poodle was a great combination for fashionable ladies. Poodles entered the show ring in the late 1800’s. Some of the early show Poodles were shown in corded show-coats in which the hair is allowed to mat in long, thin tresses rather than be brushed out. At the same time, Miniature Poodle population in America waned, so that in the late 1920’s, Poodles had almost died out in America. During the 1930’s, the breed had a comeback.

Highly trainable. Intelligent dog, loves to please, perky and wants to learn new things. Use clicker training and positive reinforcement. Keep training going through his life so he doesn’t forget anything. The more you train, the more he’ll bond and the happier he’ll be.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Miniature Poodle? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Miniature Poodle puppy is very easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

All Poodles need a LOT of interaction with people. They also need considerable mental and physical exercise. Miniature Poodles are no exception.

If you happen to get a Miniature Poodle with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Yes, usually with some exceptions.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Sort of. Will make friends with another dog and cat but it may take some time and introduce them on common turf such as a park or sidewalk.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Playfulness

VERY playful little dog.

Also very affectionate. Great family pet.

Yes, good tolerance with kids 6 and older. This is a great little dog for kids of most ages as long as they have been taught to respect dogs and treat them properly. The Mini Poodle is plenty playful and rugged enough to be a lot of fun for kids.

Good with Seniors over 65?

The Miniature Poodle is excellent for a senior. Not too heavy to pick up. Having a fenced yard to play in is a plus. If the senior can walk the dog twice a day, fine. This is a great companion dog, plenty of love and cuddle time suits the Poodle. It would enjoy the brushing time a senior would be able to give it.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, condo, city life all OK. Tolerates heat and cold fairly well. Might go swimming so a kids pool would be nice or even a sprinkler. NOT an outdoor dog, MUST live indoors.

Mini Poodle resting

Energy level

Lots of energy. Quite frisky.

Two nice walks and a little play time is good.

The Miniature Poodle is an excellent watchdog. Will bark at intruding flies.

NO. The Miniature Poodle likes people too much to guard anything.

Yes, heavy. See professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks if you are using a “standard” dog cut and every 4 weeks if using a standard “Miniature Poodle” cut. (You do NOT need to keep that show-dog look.) Most people around here just get a “regular” dog cut.

Brush the Poodle every day to prevent mats and tangled fur, which is curly anyway.
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The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog emergencies, illnesses and injures. This valuable reference book is for all dog owners and I keep a copy close at hand. ________________________________________________ Top

In the event you decide to go looking for Miniature Poodle puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training. Poodles are common so check your dog pound and other kennels.
Miniature Poodle Breeders with puppies for sale.

Miniature Poodle Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Miniature Poodle and are looking for a rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
online.
Petfinder – Miniature Poodle Rescue – (Nationwide) When adopting, dog health and past records are important.
Adopt A Pet There are plenty of other Miniature Poodle rescue groups and sites if you go online.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia – Hind end limping, back leg acts lame. Wear and time causes the femur to fit poorly into the pelvic socket with improper rotation causing great pain and difficulty walking. You may notice the dog “hopping”” like a rabbit when running plus hesitating to climb stairs, all due to pain in the hind quarters. The problem actually starts as a very young puppy with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and grows progressively. A vet can locate this with a diagnostics test.