We all know the poodle. But most people don’t know that there is the large poodle, the king poodle, the medium poodle and the small poodle. They are very similar, no wonder, because they come from the same genetic pool. And yet there are some small but subtle differences that you only notice when you get to know them better. They are all great dogs.
Character of the Miniature Poodle
The poodle has a unique character. He is intelligent, sensitive, empathetic, extremely docile and athletic. He is able to adapt to his circumstances, just as his human does. He is absolutely loyal to him. Due to his sensitivity and intelligence, he is also suitable as a therapy dog, rescue dog, guide dog for the blind and school companion dog.
The historical background of the Miniature Poodle
Records from the 14th century mention the Poodle for the first time as a hunting dog. Poodles were used especially for retrieving waterfowl. It is even assumed that the name “poodle” comes from puddling, as playing and jumping in the water. In the centuries to come, the larger poodles would also be used in the countryside for hunting.
Poodle breeding as we know it today began in the course of the 19th century. Especially the large poodles appealed to high society. The small poodles were rather the companion dogs of the fine lady.
Even though there were temporary problems with the actual origin of the poodle, in 1930, when the official recognition by the FCI was announced, France was registered as the country of origin.
The colours of the Miniature Poodle
The coat of the Poodle is dense and curly, but it does not shed much. This is good news for all allergy sufferers. The following colours can be found in the Small Poodle: White, brown, black, silver, abricot, red fawn, black and tan, harlequin.
What are the requirements of the Small Poodle?
The Small Poodle loves to have close contact with his people. He wants to be the fully accepted member of the family. Maybe that is why it is so difficult for him to stay at home alone. Sure – he can do it. But if it can be avoided, he would prefer it.
But much more important than that is for him to be exercised. But that doesn’t just mean physical exercise. It is already a great challenge, because the urge to move is also quite great in the small poodle.
At the same time, his intellect must also be given sufficient nourishment. So you have a lot to do not only to keep him busy, but also to push him to his limits.
Exceptionally, the small dog can also be kept busy indoors, which is not difficult due to its size. For a walk, however, a way outside is absolutely necessary. In addition, this is a good opportunity to establish “social” contacts among dogs.
In particular, this should be done on the dog exercise field. For here both components can be exercised – the intelligence, but also the physical component.
Because of its fine nose, the Poodle is a fantastic mantrailer. All tasks that have to do with this area of dog sports, the Poodle will do with flying colours. But he is just as good at agility, dog dancing, trick dog or dog frisbee. In a way, you have free choice. But don’t overdo it. Concentrating on two, at most three dog sports is more than enough.
However, he is only conditionally suitable as a watchdog. Nevertheless, due to his fine antennae, he knows which visitors are positive and which are not so friendly. And quite naturally he will take up a defensive position with the less friendly visitors.
The small poodle is not only intelligent and fit, but also particularly sensitive. This makes him suitable as a school companion dog, guide dog, rescue dog, ambulance dog and, more generally, as a therapy dog. He will gladly undergo these trainings. Because they appeal to his intelligence. An argument in which he will not be lukewarm.
Whoever now believes that the small poodle should definitely move into a family is mistaken. Correct – he is loyal. So he is also perfectly capable of getting involved with a single person.
Oh, and one more thing – practise throwing balls and sticks. Poodles belong to the category of retrieving dogs.
The small poodle and its health
It is hard to imagine that the Small Poodle is prone to various hereditary diseases. However, it must be said that these are only one possibility. In principle, the Small Poodle is quite healthy. This is probably due to the fact that the genetic material has been kept relatively original until today.
The following hereditary diseases can break out, but do not have to. In addition, breeding is working to eradicate them so that they are not passed on to further generations.
- Entropion
- Ear infections
- Sebadenitis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Missing nasolacrimal duct
- Cataract
- Hip joint dysplasia
- Microophthalmia
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
On the plus side, these conditions do not affect every animal. But one should go to the vet regularly for a check-up. Should an outbreak of the disease occur, it can be detected in time and treated accordingly.
The perfect person for a Miniature Poodle
He is sporty and likes to move around in the fresh air. Spending the whole weekend at a dog sports ground or going on a walking tour with the dog is the best leisure activity for them. Playing with dogs and children is also very close to his heart.
Basically, the Poodle always belongs to the family with his perfect human. Therefore, it is also unthinkable that this person leaves his dog alone at home for an unnecessarily long time.
The perfect person for the small poodle sees him as his companion, his family member. Therefore, he will always be there for him.
Buying the puppies of the Miniature Poodle
It should be a matter of course to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. This breeder not only has the pedigree of the two breeding animals at hand. All statements of the vet about possible hereditary diseases or congenital, malformations can be excluded on the basis of examination results. These are normally shown voluntarily, so that one is informed about possible hereditary diseases, but also about the whole breeding line, when the information talk is over.
Also, the breeder does not see it as a problem to visit the dogs regularly before handing them over. Once the decision has been made, man and dog can already get used to each other a little.
In addition, when buying a puppy directly from the breeder, it can be assumed that not only the health of the breeding animals and later of the puppies is a top priority. The specifications of the FCI standard are also adhered to. In this way, the purity of the breed is maintained and hereditary diseases are prevented or eradicated.
First equipment for the Miniature Poodle
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, in addition possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Long hair brush
- Undercoat brush
- Dog comb / lice comb
- Possibly clippers (but these should only be used if you really know how to use them).
- Dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the Miniature Poodle
You can get intensive advice in the feed shop. Even among the good types of food there are still great differences, and it is impossible to know all of them. The specialist staff in the feed shop, however, know their stuff and will be happy to advise you.
Often the breeders of the animal also have very good tips for feeding after puppyhood. Puppy food is a completely different matter, but it also needs to be chosen well.
Conclusion
The small poodle is just as popular as his big and little brother. Intelligent, eager to move and, what’s more, with a very low shedding rate, he gives his humans nothing but pleasure in all aspects of life. He also likes to look after the children when mummy is otherwise occupied with the household. They will find in him a loyal companion who will not let them down.
Whoever decides in favour of the small poodle will have no shortage of sporting, different leisure activities. Because with this dog, spending whole weekends with the dog group or at the dog park will from now on be the easiest and at the same time most beautiful thing in the world for you and your family. Because nothing works without a dog! And that’s right.
FAQ
How much does a small poodle cost at the breeder?
The price of a small poodle at the breeder is between £1500 and £2000. At present the price may have risen even higher. This is because the demand for dogs in general and small poodles in particular has increased enormously due to the Corona crisis and the lockdowns. This of course has an effect on the price.
Nevertheless, one should always buy a puppy from a breeder registered with the VDH. If you buy a “cheap” puppy, you must unfortunately reckon with the fact that it is a fun breeder (“the bitch should also have a litter one day…”) or a so-called multiplier who “produces” dogs like on an assembly line for purely financial reasons.
The latter is to be condemned most severely. Whether hobby breeders have taken all important aspects into consideration so that the bitch and the entire litter are in top health is certainly difficult to assess. Therefore – go to a VDH breeder for small poodles.
Where does the small poodle come from?
The origin of the small poodle is in France. From there it has spread all over the world. There are friends of the poodle breed in almost every country in the world.
How old can a small poodle become?
The small poodle can live from 15 to 18 years.
What is the size of a Small Poodle?
The height at the withers of the Small Poodle can reach a height of 35 to 45 centimetres. As with most dog breeds, it can be noted that females of the Small Poodle are smaller than males.
How heavy is the Small Poodle?
The weight is between 9 and 12 kilograms. Consequently, the bitches are the smaller animals.
How many puppies does the Small Poodle have?
The average litter consists of 4 to 5 puppies.
Is the Small Poodle a hunting dog?
It is true that in earlier centuries the Small Poodle or all types of poodles belonged to the hunting dogs. But today they are only companion, family and show dogs.
However, one must not underestimate the innate hunting instinct of the poodle, which still instinctively slumbers within him. The reason for this is the animal’s very good sense of smell. If a “tasty, good” smell catches its nose, it will follow it. For this reason it is advisable not to take the small poodle into the field without a lead.
Certainly there are various small poodles that are very well trained. Certainly there are many owners who do not want to wait for something like this to happen, who do anti-hunting training with their dog. This is always a good idea for dogs with a very good nose. In this way, it can be ensured that they perceive the scent but no longer want to follow it.
Is the small poodle a family dog?
The Small Poodle is a fantastic family dog. He can fit in well with the family because he is intelligent, smart and extremely lovable. He can quickly pick up on the vibes within the family and quickly adjust to the individual family member.
The Poodle is very friendly, adaptable and extremely fond of children. As a family dog they are a very good choice. Because of their intelligence and their love of learning and pleasing their humans, training them is not a problem.
Can the Small Poodle be left alone?
In theory, with patience and love, and perhaps some tricks, any dog can be made to stay alone for shorter, sometimes longer, periods of time. The poodle can also learn to do this if you take a lot of time to practise this lesson.
However, he will not be enthusiastic about this lesson. He will learn it reluctantly, probably to please his owner. But he does not like the time alone at home. If the staying away goes on too long, he may get silly ideas and seek an outlet for his inactivity.
In such cases, do not scold him too much. He “only” wants to be with his family. Take enough time to learn this lesson with him. Then it will work out well.
Can the small poodle be kept in a (city) flat?
The small poodle is very adaptable. In terms of size, it is no problem at all for him to find his home in a (city) flat. Fortunately, he is very adaptable, so a flat does not scare him off.
However, you should be aware that the small poodle has a certain urge to move around. It is therefore important to ensure that they get enough exercise. Long walks are suitable, and trips with him into the nearby countryside are conceivable.
However, he will enjoy exercise best in a dog sports club or at the dog park, the dog run. There he can fully live out his urge to move.
