Sometimes called ‘sleeve dogs’, these pups are much more than a lap warmer. They are active, lively and will bring much joy to your family.

85-miniature-poodle

Miniature Poodles make for intelligent and joyful companions, but they get bored easily. If not stimulated enough, they cause trouble. Comical and clever, these well-proportioned dogs are popular as show dogs. Miniature Poodles are not keen on outdoor living – they love human companionship and are ideal pets for single owners or the elderly.

However, too much pampering can make them spoilt and they can become neurotic, unpredictable and demanding – a force to be reckoned with. Train your Miniature Poodle with a gentle, even-handed approach, with rules to follow and limits clearly laid out. Obedience training is recommended. If not trained well, they can get nervous and sensitive around boisterous children and strangers. They bark frequently.

Fun fact: Miniature Poodles were once circus dogs,

so go ahead and teach yours lots of tricks.

Miniature Poodles are an energetic breed that need a daily walk. But make sure they are always beside or behind you, never in front. They can be highly-strung and show behavioural problems if not given adequate exercise. They enjoy a romp in the park or a fenced-in yard, or the beach. Take a ball to the beach as they enjoy water retrieving.

They are a high-maintenance breed with a coat like a sheep’s that doesn’t shed and grows continually. Their coat needs to be clipped once every five to six weeks. This is non-negotiable. If allowed to grow, the woolly-looking, curly and dense coat will matt and pull their skin, which will hurt your little pal. A weekly bath is another must. Clean their ears, pulling out hairs inside the canal and checking for wax, mites or infection. Their teeth need regular scaling too. Miniature Poodles are hypoallergenic.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Miniature Poodles are prone to cataracts, retinal atrophy, patellar subluxation, as well as epilepsy.

Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

They are a small-sized breed weighing between 12-14kgs, with a height between 28-38cms.

Space

A Miniature Poodle will be happy curled up in an apartment.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily runs and games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.

Difficulty Of Training

Miniature Poodles are very intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions.

Compatibility with other Pets

They will befriend other cats or dogs, if socialised from a young age.

Need for Company

They have a moderate-to-high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

Yes

Coat and Grooming Needs

This breed is high-maintenance. They have a medium-long coat in blue, grey, silver, brown, apricot, or cream. Brush their coat down weekly, trim occasionally and make an appointment with a groomer every six weeks.

Shedding

They shed little to no hair.

Tendency to Bark

They have a high tendency to bark, so expect frequent conversations.

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