BREED INFORMATION

The Miniature Poodle

About the breed:

The Miniature Poodle has a curly or corded coat that needs to be groomed regularly. The coat may be groomed any way, according to the owner’s preference. However, the most common styles are the “Pet” or “Puppy clip” (where the hair is relatively short all over the body), the “English Saddle clip”, and the “Continental clip” (where the rear half of the body is shaved, leaving bracelets around the ankles and pom-poms on the tail and hips). These clips are mainly used for showing purposes, although some Poodle owner’s do prefer these styles (see Grooming). Poodles can be any solid color, as well as Parti, Brindle, etc, which are not as common. (See pictures and list of colors below). Examples of colors are blue, black, silver, grey, cream, apricot, red, white, brown (chocolate), or café-au-lait. The Miniature Poodle’s tail is high set and docked to half its length or slightly less. Dewclaws are often removed. The feet are small, oval, and webbed, with arched toes. The ears are long, flat, wide, and lay close to the head. The eyes are black or brown, with a lively expression. The head is long and the neck is solid and slightly arched. A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same length (from chest to rear) as the height at the withers.

Temperament:

The Miniature Poodle is a cheerful, super smart, sensitive, and highly trainable as a companion dog. The breed is great at learning tricks and a favorite in the circus ring. The Poodle is a very social dog and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are very amusing and clever, and cannot easily be fooled. Once this dog learns something, it is not easily forgotten. Many owners feel this dog understands speech in an uncanny way. Some love to play with children, but some are sensitive and nervous. They can be somewhat high-strung. Be careful where you buy your puppy and purchase from parents you have met and liked, even ask to see the grandparents if possible. Miniature Poodles tend to be quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. This breed makes a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. They do tend to bark a lot. Poodles are generally friendly with other dogs and other pets.

Size:

Height: 11-15 inches (28-38 cm)
Weight: 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg)

Color:

Miniature Poodles can be many colors. They can be any solid color and can also be multi-colored. Below is a list along with a picture of the variety of Poodle colors. These are not all my own pictures or dogs and they are not all Miniature Poodles. Most of the pictures belong to the websites listed below (see list below pictures).

Picture credits to...
http://www.execuairpoodles-yorkies.com/AKC-Standard-Poodles.html
http://www.canine-genetics.com/pdlcolor.html
http://www.standardpoodle.net/summermis15.html
http://www.fullmoonpoodles.com/females.htm
http://www.alpacasofohio.com/doodle%20pictures.htm
http://www.petsonsale.com/members/smith/StandardsParti.html
http://terragethen.com/gallery.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle

Health Problems:

Poodles, being a long-lived breed, are nevertheless subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness. Allergies and skin conditions are common. Some develop due to unskilled use of clippers, or allergies to shampoo and/or reinforcer. Runny eyes and ear infections are common. Poodles are prone to PRA, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, and occasionally IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia). It is important for tests to be done to prevent these problems from passed to other generations. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely grey.

Living Conditions and Exercise:

The Miniature Poodles is good for an apartment lifestyle. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes. However, they will be kept in better shape if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. They enjoy exercise.

Life Expectancy:

The average life expectancy is about 12-15 years, depending on the environment and condition of the dog.

Grooming Requirements:

Extensive and proper grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and to protect the joints and major organs from cold. Many owners prefer the plain lamb clip, where the coat is the same length all over. It is easier to maintain and keep the coat tidy. The most common styles are the “Pet” or “Puppy clip” (where the hair is relatively short all over the body), the “English Saddle clip”, and the “Continental clip” (where the rear half of the body is shaved, leaving bracelets around the ankles and pom-poms on the tail and hips). The teeth need regular scaling and brushing to keep them healthy and clean from plague. Poodles shed very little to no hair and are good for people who suffer from allergies. 

Below are some pictures of Poodle clip styles.

Picture credits to...
http://standardpoodlesusa.com/clip-styles.html

Origin:

Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place in the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name “Poodle” probably derives from the German word “Pudel”, which means “one who plays in water”. The Poodle was used as a gun dog and originally was used in Germany and France as a retriever or waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog’s thick coat to help them swim, leaving hair on the leg joints and major organs to protect them from the extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breed’s high intelligence, trainability, and innate showmanship, and made the Poodle into a circus performer. The Poodle became greatly popular in that country which led to the breed’s common name, “French Poodle”. However, in France the Poodle is known as the “Caniche” or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in the 15^th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1^st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18^th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodles varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as the Standard Poodle. The three sizes are considered one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything. Some of the Miniature Poodle’s talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Group:

Gun Dog, AKC Non-Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, PCA, PCC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

CKC = Continental Kennel Club

FCI = Federation Cynologipue Internationale

AKC = American Kennel Club

UKC = United Kennel Club

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

CKC = Canadian Kennel Club

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

NKC = National Kennel Club

PCA = Poodle Club of America

PCC = Poodle Club of Canada

NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club

CCR = Canadian Canine Registry

APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.

ACR = American Canine Registry