Miniature Poodle

While Miniature Poodles are a more recent Poodle type, Poodles have been around for at least the last 400 years, and probably longer. They are the national dog of France, yet it is widely believed that the origins of the Poodle are actually German. Originally developed as a hunting dog that was bred to retrieve ducks and other water fowl from rivers and lakes, the name Poodle is most likely derived from the German word pudel meaning ‘splash in water’ or ‘puddle’.

Miniature Poodles were bred as a smaller version of the Standard Poodle by breeding smaller sized Standards with each other. One of the reasons for this was that the smaller dogs were easier to care for. In the past, Miniature Poodles were used as circus dogs because they were smart and easy to train. They were also useful for searching out truffles, the mushroom-like fungus popular in French cuisine.

The smaller sized Poodles became very popular with the aristocracy and royalty throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries and the breed remains somewhat of a status symbol. After the Second World War the Poodle became one of the most popular breeds with families in the United States, and today Miniature Poodles remain extremely popular as companion animals.

Miniature Poodles have a lot of energy, so they require regular daily walks. They are also highly intelligent, and also need regular mental stimulation in the form of games and interactive play. They love to be part of the action and enjoy getting out and about with their owners and having fun and adventures whenever possible. If you are not able to offer your Miniature Poodle much freedom, he will make his own fun, running around the garden madly or even doing a few circuits of the lounge (including sofas and chairs) to let off steam when necessary.

Miniature Poodles are very smart, so training them is easy. They are quick learners and don’t forget easily. Training from an early age is the best way to avoid behavioural issues down the track.  Clear and simple commands are best, paired with firm, fair and consistent discipline. Often excelling at dog sports and obedience training, their intelligence and athleticism are wonderful traits, but must be managed carefully. A Poodle that is well-trained and not spoilt will prove a great companion animal.

Potential Poodle owners need to be aware of the grooming costs and the need to have the Miniature Poodle professionally groomed regularly – every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the style of trim.

The Poodle has a thick, curly, non-shedding coat all over his body. The various “hairstyles” the Poodle is known for have their origins in the poodle’s early hunting days. Owners would shear the legs of the poodles to make swimming less difficult, leaving fur only on the joints to guard against the severe cold of the water, as well as a jacket of fur on the body.

All Poodles require daily attention and regular brushing, bathing and trimming. Regular grooming appointments, along with a short trim such as the simple ‘sporting clip’ in which the coat is shorn to follow the outline of the body, will help to keep the coat maintained and reduce the amount of daily grooming required.

Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent the Poodle coat from matting or tangling, and care must be taken to keep the eyes, ears (inside and out), mouth, feet and anal area clean.

A Poodle’s hair doesn’t stop growing, which is why regular and diligent grooming is so important. Poodles are easily stressed and poor grooming has often resulted in nervous animals and skin irritations. Be sure to use only recommended shampoos as well.