Miniature Poodle Dog Breed Facts & Information

They say good things come in small sizes, and Mini Poodles prove that. They have a standard poodle’s smarts, affection, and fluffy coat, all compacted into a smaller frame—like a fun-size candy bar. It’s no wonder why Miniature Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

So, if you’re wondering if this lovable, fun-sized companion could be a good fit for your family, learn all about the breed’s personality, trainability, grooming needs, exercise requirements, and more below. 

Mini Poodle Appearance 

All poodle varieties share the same AKC breed standard, which includes wide floppy ears, a long muzzle, a high-set tail (which may be docked), and, most distinctively, a curly coat of hair – not fur. Their coats are always solid and come in white, cream, blue, gray, silver, and brown colors. 

The main difference between a Mini Poodle and other varieties is their height. Miniature Poodles measure 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder: Poodles below 10 inches tall are classed as “toy” poodles, while those over are standard Poodles. 

Mini Poodle Origin & History

While you may associate Poodles with the refinement of France, they were initially bred in Medival Germany as water retrievers. In fact, the word “poodle” comes from the German word “pudelin.” meaning “to splash.” 

Miniature Poodles were later bred down from standard Poodles, giving them a similar temperament. However, according to breeders, Mini Poodles do have a few distinctions. 

Mini Poodle Personality & Lifestyle

Miniature Poodles are friendly, smart, and playful dogs who love their humans unconditionally. They tend to pick a favorite person in the house, says Jennifer Manders, AKC-certified breeder of merit and owner of Forever Poodles and Honor Havanese.

Manders says Mini Poodles can become clingy because of their intense love for their people, so be prepared to have a Velcro dog. However, because they are naturally confident, Manders says they aren’t necessarily anxiously attached or prone to separation anxiety. 

While a Mini Poodle may be content to cuddle in their favorite person’s lap, they’re far from couch potatoes. In fact, some have more energy than the standard variety, explains Angie Morgan-Killian, an AKC-certified breeder of merit and owner of Argan Poodles. Generally, be prepared for at least an hour of exercise every day. 

Mini Poodle Environment

Manders and Morgan-Killian say Mini Poodles can live well with kids, cats, and other dogs, making them a good choice for families. “They get along with pretty much anything and everything,” Manders adds. 

Both breeders say that Mini Poodles don’t necessarily need their own yard and can work well as apartment dogs. They just need an outlet for exercise, like a daily walk, a hearty play session, or a run in the dog park. However, these dogs also need regular mental stimulation. For that reason, they thrive in dog sports, like dock diving or nose work.

Lastly, Manders says that Mini Poodles generally only bark to alert, but Morgan-Killian adds that some dogs can be more vocal than others – something to keep in mind for your neighbors. 

Mini Poodle Training

Because Mini Poodles are smart and eager to please, they’re one of the easiest of all dog breeds to train.

Like all dogs, they thrive with positive reinforcement training. But Morgan-Killian explains that not all Mini Poodles are food-motivated. Some prefer toys or play sessions as an incentive. So, figuring out what your pup wants for a reward is important. You can get a head start by beginning puppy training as soon as you bring them home. 

Alongside positive reinforcement training, Manders says to socialize your puppy by exposing them to new people, pets, places, and experiences. Getting your Mini Poodle used to humans handling their bodies is also crucial since they’ll spend a lot of time on the grooming table. 

Mini Poodle Grooming

Poodles have hair, not fur, so a Mini Poodle’s coat will grow out indefinitely without regular haircuts. Dogs with hair don’t shed as often, making them potentially more allergy-friendly than other breeds. Although, there’s no such thing as a truly “hypoallergenic” dog since all breeds produce some dander. 

Manders says the timeline between grooms depends on your dog’s haircut. For example, she says shaved dogs can go as long as eight weeks between haircuts, while dogs with more complex haircuts may need trims every ten days. But, on average, most dogs with curly coats need grooming every four to six weeks. 

Ideally, you should brush your dog every day to prevent painful mats from forming. They also need regular nail trims, tooth brushing, and ear cleanings. 

Mini Poodle Health 

Mini Poodles are generally healthy dogs, and Poodles of all sizes live a median age of 14 years. But like all breeds, they’re prone to a few genetic health conditions. They can inherit orthopedic, ophthalmologic, and metabolic diseases, says Chelsie Narito, DVM, medical director of the Veterinary Emergency Group. 

Some of the most common health problems affecting Poodles include: 

• Addison’s disease
• Cushing’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Patellar luxation
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Diabetes
• Tracheal collapse

A breeder who genetically tests potential parents for health conditions before breeding can minimize the chances of a puppy inheriting these conditions.

Getting A Mini Poodle

If you believe a Mini Poodle could fit your family well, you have two main places to look: A breeder or a rescue. 

Because Poodles of all sizes are popular candidates for “designer dog” mixes, unfortunately, many people breed them irresponsibly. So, if you want to purchase a purebred puppy, look for a reputable breeder. 

You can find local clubs or breeders in your area with the Poodle Club of America’s database. “Make sure the breeder does health testing,” Manders says. Ideally, she also recommends looking for breeders who regularly show their dogs since it demonstrates that they adhere to the breed standards. 

The cost you can expect to pay for your pup from a responsible breeder can vary. For example, Good Dog says that the average cost of a poodle puppy is $2,150, which includes all size varieties, but Manders says you can expect to pay around $3,000 for a Miniature Poodle.  

If you’d prefer to rescue a dog, Manders explains that most states have Poodle rescues, which will typically find homes for Poodles of all sizes. The Poodle Club of America also runs a rescue foundation with contact information for many state rescues. 

No matter which option you choose, remember that all dogs need plenty of love, attention, and care. But if you’re up for the task, a Mini Poodle could become a devoted companion for the rest of your life. 

Alternative Dog Breeds to Consider 

If you’re not sure a Mini Poodle is right for you, consider why you feel that way. For example, if you’re not up to their grooming requirements, a dog with fur instead of hair might be a better fit. Additionally, a lower-energy breed may be a better choice if you aren’t active enough for a Miniature Poodle’s exercise needs. 

With that in mind, the following breeds have similar temperaments and sizes to Mini Poodles, making them a good place to start your research. 

• Havanese. This breed is affectionate, intelligent, and similar in size. But don’t expect the same desire to please. “Poodles want to please you, and Havanese would like you to please them,” Manders says. 
• Maltese. These toy-sized dogs are smaller than the Mini Poodle, but they’re also intelligent, affectionate, and don’t shed much. 
• Bichon Frise. Bichons are intelligent, friendly, and playful dogs who love their humans. But be prepared for them to share their excitement vocally with lots of barking.