Are miniature poodles the right breed for my family and I? The miniature poodle is a wonderful family companion and is a hypoallergenic breed which makes them a wonderful option for people that are allergic, however they do require regular grooming maintenance, if they are not groomed regularly some people may experience allergic reactions. They can be very athletic and can be wonderful for the active family that is always on the go. They also can be couch potatoes and love to snuggle up with their people at night. They are a sturdy breed, if you have small children they are a wonderful option as a family pet.
A little about the Miniature Poodle History Available in miniature, standard and toy varieties, the Poodle is a breed belonging to the non-sporting classification and the toy variety belongs in the toy classification. They originated from Germany and then the French adopted them as their national breed. Originally used as an aid for duck hunters, the Poodle has become a circus performer, a frequent dog show winner, truffle hunters, a guide dog, and a loving pet.
VITAL STATS ABOUT MINIATURES Breed Group: Companion Dogs Height: 13 to 15 inches Weight: 15 to 17 pounds Lifespan: 13 to 19 years
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Originating from the working retriever breed, the Poodle’s body type is a reflection of its athletic root. The square-proportioned Poodle has a graceful appearance and a proud carriage. Its gait is springy, effortless, and light. The coat is dense, curly, and harsh; if corded, it hangs tight. Traditionally the clips were used for ornamental and functional purposes. The puppy, Continental, and English saddle, are the types of acceptable clips for Show Poodles.
PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT This sensitive dog tends to be dedicated to a single person or family, and, initially can be shy with strangers. In general, they are good with other dogs, other pets, and children. The lively, playful, and amiable Miniature Poodle is smart, responsive, eager to please, and obedient -- making it one of the most popular dogs today.
CARE Poodles require a lot of socialization and interaction with humans, as well as physical and mental exercise. A short and challenging play or obedience session, in addition to a walk, is required everyday, although, poodles should not be allowed to live outdoors. Show Poodles require daily hair brushing, however those with shorter coats need only a weekly brushing. Poodles do not shed however their hair does fall out just like ours, so when a poodle’s hair does fall it gets trapped in the adjoining hair, causing matting. Therefore, it should be removed at all costs. This can be done by taking the poodle for a haircut, which should be done once every four to six weeks at the very minimum, by a professional pet groomer.
HEALTH The Miniature Poodle has a lifespan of 13 to 19 years and may be prone to minor problems like trichiasis, entropion, distichiasis, cataract, glaucoma, lacrimal duct atresia and major concerns such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, and patellar luxation. Urinary stones are sometimes seen in this breed. Eye, knee, and hip tests are advised for Miniature Poodles, as are DNA tests, which can identify PRA and von Willebrand's Disease (vWD). Which all of our dogs are genetically tested for, please don't hesitate to ask us for the paperwork that shows the test results.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The earliest ancestors of the Poodle were said to be curly-coated dogs of central Asia, but it is also identified with France. Many rough-coated water dogs are also associated with the dog’s ancestry. The earliest dog breed of this group was the Barbet, a type of curly-coated dog, which was seen in Hungary, France, and Russia. However, the German strain of the dog exerted maximum influence on the Poodle we know today. The German word pudel, meaning to splash or puddle, is the source for the Poodle’s name and reflects its water abilities. In France, the dog was also named chien canard or caniche, indicating its duck-hunting qualities. Therefore, from its water and herding roots, it became an excellent water-hunting companion. It was also used as a truffle hunter, guide dog, guard dog, military dog, circus performer, and wagon puller for entertainers. Its coat was clipped to help it swim, but was left sufficiently long on the chest to keep in warm in cold water. The puffs of hair surrounding the tail tip and leg joints were meant for protection during hunting. Fashionable women in France carried poodles as elegant companions, as did the French aristocracy, making it the official national dog. The typical clip of the poodle was accentuated in France, and there was a concerted effort by poodle fanciers to perfect the smaller varieties. In the late 19th century, poodles gained access to the show ring. Some early show dogs had corded coats which had long matted or thin tresses, instead of well-brushed coats. This made the poodles look very impressive. Soon, the bouffant styles replaced it and became fashionable. However, the popularity of the Poodle waned in the United States and by the 1920s, North America hardly had any dog of this breed. The Poodle made a successful comeback after a decade or so, now becoming one of the most popular dogs in the North America.
