What is a Mini Poodle?

To be a registered Miniature Poodle, a dog must stand between 11″ and 14″ tall at the shoulder and weigh between 15 and 17 pounds. Mini Poodles are recognized as one of three sizes of Poodles by many worldwide dog breed associations, including the American Kennel Club, the FCI, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Kennel Club of the UK. They are popular show dogs and pets on almost every continent.

Coat Colors and Grooming

Recognized coat colors within the breed include the basic base colors of red and black. Mini Poodles also carry dilution genes, meaning they can be blue, silver, cream, and apricot (or fawn.) Silver and brown are also acceptable for registration, as is solid white. It should be noted, however, that “acceptable for registration” and “genetically possible” are not the same thing. “Off-color” dogs such as those with a black and tan coat, also called “phantom,” sable, ticked, and parti-color (Irish pattern) do occur in the lines from time to time. All of these colors are considered to be recessive at this time and can stay hidden until two carriers are bred together.

The Miniature Poodle dog’s coat may be either curly or, rarely, corded. The curly coat sheds less than other dogs and is considered to be ‘hypoallergenic’ for people with dog hair allergies for this reason. Time must be taken in caring for a Poodle’s coat and it must be groomed at most every six weeks, though some dogs need a trim in half that time. Poodles need their nails clipped at least every other month, and their teeth should be cleaned at that time, as well.

For showing purposes, a Mini Poodle’s coat should be groomed to best accent their sturdy build and square conformation. A puppy clip is permitted in the show ring on dogs that are under one year of age. This involves the shaving of the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail, leaving the rest of the coat long and full.

Adult dogs are permitted to have their coats clipped into either the English Saddle Clip, or the more well recognized Continental Clip. The English Saddle clip, also known as the modified Continental Clip, leaves more hair on the hind legs than the Continental Clip. The hair is styled into pompoms down the legs and the hair on the tail is left longer. The face, throat, feet, and base of tail are shaved.

The Continental Clip leaves longer hair on the front of the body, while the hind legs, all four feet, and face are shaved. A pompom of fur is left on the tail and over each hip; the dog also wears bracelets of thick fur around their ankles. This type of clip is the most historical for the Poodle breed, as the dogs were originally bred as water retrievers. The hair is left full over vital organs. This hair allows the organs to stay warmer as the rest of the coat dries more quickly. The Continental Clip is the one style of dog grooming that most people are familiar with and think of when they hear the word “poodle.”

Training and Socialization

Mini Poodles are intelligent and energetic dogs. They tend to get along well with other animals and children, especially if socialized from a young age. Obedience training is especially useful for these dogs, as they can be overly sensitive and develop barking issues. Some Miniature Poodles can be shy of strange people and animals. They are great pets and do well in apartments.

Miniature Poodles are capable of learning a wide range of tricks and do well in many canine disciplines. Though their larger counterparts were hunting dogs, the smaller versions have been lap dogs, guard dogs, and circus performers. Many registered dogs compete in conformation shows, obedience, and agility. Some are even enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of dock diving.

Health

The lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is, on average, between 12 and 15 years. They tend to be relatively healthy overall, though there may be concerns about issues such as epilepsy, blindness, and joint problems. Purchasing a Miniature poodle from a reputable dog breeder will help lower the risk for major health problems in the long run. Reputable breeders will not only health screen and genetically test their breeding stock, they will have proof that they have done these things.

As many best-in-show winners can attest, poodles as a breed are stylish, intelligent dogs with a majestic bearing and a rich history. Poodles were originally multicolored despite efforts over time to breed the solid colors that have been most common and greatly valued in recent years. However, multicolored poodles, including harlequin poodles, are not mixed breed dogs as proven by DNA testing. They are turning heads as more unique, fabulously colored poodles are emerging. The parti poodle (parti for ‘particularly colored’) is categorized as having a dominant white coat color with spots of another color like apricot, black, brown, and grey.

One variant of this is harlequin poodles, defined as strictly white with black spots or markings. Many have a mostly black head with a slender line of white from the forehead down to a small white beard. Ideally, they have two or three black spots or a black mantle (the dog’s back) which is commonly seen and a genetically dominant trait. Poodles wearing the mantle are often desirable for breeding purposes.

The pigmentation of a harlequin poodle’s skin must be light where its coat is white and darker or grey where the coat is black. The poodle’s mandibles (lower jaw) are expected to be black with darker skin pigmentation. The Harlequin poodle has dark brown eyes with nails that could be either black or white.

Breeding harlequins poodles is a delight as no two pups look alike so each litter is filled with surprises. A well-bred harlequin poodle should have clear lines between white and black with no blending. While the lines may appear blurred on a pup, this is normally resolved by the time the dog reaches adulthood. Ticking or small, irregular spots aren’t desirable in well-bred harlequins.

Breeding two parti poodles will produce a litter of all parti pups though it should be noted that the color combinations and patterns are impossible to predict. Partis paired with solid-colored poodles usually produce poodles of solid colors. Qhwn harlequins with spots, perhaps two or three, are bred, often the spots vanish, giving way to puppies with white bodies and black heads.

Contrary to popular belief, harlequins, like all parti poodles, can be AKC registered with pre-designated color numbers. While this is true, they can’t, at this time, be shown in AKC conformation events in the United States. They can be shown in obedience and agility events, however, and many enthusiasts are hopeful that one day they will be shown in conformation events in the US as they currently can in other countries.

Harlequins in miniature and medium-sized poodles have been enjoying attention in European countries like Germany for the last few years. King-sized harlequins are now being seen although with not enough frequency to be seen as anything but rare.

Harlequins, like all poodles, are a wonderful breed of dog for everyone from the beginner to the experienced enthusiast. Intelligent and friendly, poodles are perceptive, thoughtful, and responsive to the voice commands and wishes of their owners. They are good friends and good company, with great temperaments for all ages, making them ideal for families along with those who appreciate the poodle breed.

All poodles require regular maintenance to keep their coat looking beautiful. They don’t lose their hair and for people with asthma or allergies, they are an ideal breed.

Harlequins and parti poodles enjoyed a distinct popularity in the late 1900s as evidenced in paintings and photographs of the time. No written explanation is given but it would seem to the true dog lover that folks in that time knew what we are rediscovering — that harlequin poodles are not only beautiful, but bright, sweet, responsive, and ideal pets.

With their outgoing personalities and exuberance, harlequins and other poodles are highly trainable dogs. Quick learners, they ascertain patterns rapidly and are easily motivated with treats and praise from a trusted handler. Training sessions are usually enjoyable and rewarding for both dog and human.

After basic obedience has been established, harlequins can move on to more advanced disciplines including agility and trick training. Make certain they get proper exercise and have a peaceful environment, and you’ll have one of the greatest dogs you’ve ever had the privilege of befriending.

Toy poodles are a small breed of dog. The AKC recognized toy poodle breed is regulated by height, not weight.This breed of dog can be up to 10 inches in height and weigh between six and eight pounds. Poodles are known to be obedient, graceful, agile dogs. These small poodles love to jump and run and are happiest when they can sprint and play in open spaces.

Within this poodle breed, are two different physiques. The AKC build is recognized as the square breed. Their legs are long enough that their height is equivalent to their length. The second body type of this poodle is built lower to the ground and have a long back and short legs. This type of poodle has a physical deformity known as chondrodysplasia and they lack the agile elegance of their poodle counterparts. Additionally, poodles who have chondrodysplasia are more prone to spine and disk diseases.

Despite the type of build, a poodle is one of the most intelligent, coachable of all dog breeds. They are dogs who pay special attention to their owners, respond enthusiastically to teaching and pick up tricks and commands quickly and efficiently. This breed of poodle needs intellectual stimulation to be genuinely happy. Games between owner and dog can include hide and seek, catch, fetching, tug-of-war, or just playing with a variety of doggie toys.

In addition to being fun, high energy dogs, toy poodles make highly effective watch dogs. They have a sharp, high pitched bark and tend to be more reserved with strangers. While they are more standoffish with humans they do not know, they are affectionate, engaging dogs. They require daily attention and exercise. They are dynamic, vigorous dogs who need daily physical movement. If left alone for long periods of time, they can suffer from loneliness and extreme separation anxiety. They enjoy regular routines and can become agitated if these routines are adjusted or changed.

These poodles are delicate animals and can be prone to hypersensitivity. Loud noises, unexpected movements can make them nervous. While they are good dogs with a present demeanor, they startle easily and can become stressed around small children. Toy poodles can become emotionally distressed in households where there is loud activity or conflict. They prefer quiet homes
without roughhousing, but the way that poodles react to their surrounds is very much dependent on how they are socialized and what kind of training they have received. This type of dog can be well adapted to families of all types when they can experience their environments in a healthy manner.

If you prefer a dog breed who:

• is small, agile, athletic, light and vigorous
• has a short coat that sheds very little
• is one of the most hypoallergenic breeds for allergy sufferers.
• is easy to train and housebreak
• is one of the smartest dog breeds
• is attentive and easy to train
• is gracious to other people and dogs
• comes in an assortment of colors

A toy poodle may be the right dog for you.

The main things to consider when choosing whether a toy poodle is right for you are:

• Poodles have a difficult time dealing with high stress environments. To avoid neurotic poodle temperaments, ensure your
  home is quiet, consistent and free of loud noises. Healthy, stable dogs can be obedient and behavioral issues can be avoided if you create an environment that allows them to thrive. They are known to bark when their environment is not constant.
• Poodles are one of the easiest dogs to groom is they are taken care of properly. They are very light shedders, but they require constant clipping. To keep up with their short, curly coats, it is important to clip them every four to six weeks to keep the mats out of their hair. Failure to do this will result in tangles and mats within their coat. One can opt for the professional grooming and traditional pom tails and trimmed legs.

Proper socialization for poodles is important. Most of these dogs can be very friendly, but can be apprehensive. It is vital to expose these dogs to an outside environment of other dogs and people at a young age and throughout his/her life.

Toy poodles are exceptional dogs. These dogs can live up to 15 years and are relevantly healthy if they receive regular visits to a vet. Chronic health issues can include: eye diseases, disk problems, cardiac diseases, bronchial disorders and joint trouble. These issues can be avoided with regular check-ups. This breed of dog can be a wonderful friend to a loving family and provide years of companionship and camaraderie when given the love, training and affection they need and deserve.