Utility group · Germany/France
Miniature Poodle
Also called Mini Poodle, Caniche Nain.
What makes them remarkable
This smaller Poodle has a history of truffle hunting as well as performing in circuses.
- Intelligent
- Active
- Alert
- Faithful
- Trainable
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5 to 7 kg10 to 15 lb
- Lives
- 10 to 18 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Very High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Miniature Poodle
Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.
Mental Stimulation Critical
Start here
Among the smartest breeds. Boredom leads to destructive or neurotic behaviours.
Trick Training Excellence
Natural performers who love learning tricks. Use this for bonding and mental exercise.
Variety Prevents Boredom
Quick learners who get bored with repetition. Keep training fresh and challenging.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Miniature Poodle and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersHigh
- CatsHigh
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1 hour daily. Active walks, play, and mental games. Excel at agility and obedience.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing between groomings.
- Drool
- Very Low
- Coat
- Curly, Dense, Single coatBlack, White, Apricot, Silver, Blue, Brown, Cream, Cafe au Lait
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Moderate
Inherited eye disease causing gradual vision loss; DNA test available
Luxating Patella
Moderate
Kneecap displacement common in smaller poodles
Epilepsy
Moderate
Seizure disorder seen in some bloodlines; usually manageable
Where they come from
History
Bred down from Standard Poodles in France during the 1400s. Originally truffle hunters and performers. Became popular circus dogs due to intelligence and trainability.
- Circus Performers · Dominated European circus acts for centuries due to exceptional trainability
Similar breeds
All breeds
Toy Poodle
Behind the tiny companion is a water-retrieving ancestry, followed by a history of circus performance.
Toy · Utility
Shiba Inu
This Japanese mountain hunting breed nearly disappeared after the Second World War.
Small · Utility
Standard Poodle
The Poodle began as a German water retriever; its name is linked to a word meaning “to splash”.
Large · Utility
American Eskimo Dog
Despite its name, this breed descends from German Spitz dogs and became famous in American circuses.
Small · Utility