Poodle 101: The Miniature Poodle | Dogs

By LisaACollins
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The Miniature Poodle is the middle sized of the three American Kennel Club Poodle types. (A fourth Poodle type - the Teacup Poodle - is not recognized). All Poodle types are considered the same breed - the Poodle. The Standard (or biggest) Poodle is the oldest of the variations. But because they were so big and active, a smaller version was wanted for those who lived in smaller homes.

The Miniature Poodle stands about eleven to fifteen inches tall at their withers (the highest point of the shoulder.) They only average about fifteen to seventeen pounds, compared to a Standard's average of fifty to sixty pounds

Standard Poodles have a minimum height requirement of fifteen inches at the withers, which most make easily. However, some Miniature Poodles have had both parents be Toy Poodles, or even both parents are Standard Poodles. All three recognized Poodle types are basically different sizes of the same breed of dog. You may see Teacup Poodles advertised, but they are not recognized as a show worthy Poodle type.

Any Poodle information for Standard Poodles tends to also apply to Miniature Poodles, only on a smaller scale. Their breed standards are identical (again, except for size). They should be lean, athletic dogs under remarkably puffy coats. Their expression should be happy and lively. Their trot should be lively and bouncy, with their heads and tails naturally held high. Many show Poodles have their tails half docked - a practice which is thankfully dying out.

The breed standard is usually based on looking at a Poodle in profile. In profile, a Miniature Poodle should stand square, have a level topline (spine) and a profile that looks somewhat chiseled and not heavily jowled. The preferred eye color for the show ring is a dark brown, but much lighter eye colors happen often in pet Miniature Poodles. The ears are floppy, with rounded ends and seem to hug the head. They may or may not have dewclaws.

All official Poodle information says that the Miniature Poodle is solid colored only, but pet quality animals may have two colors on the same body. Their trot is lively and they seem to always be looking around for admirers. This is a dog that loves the paparazzi (or should I say, pupperazzi?) Poodle types are considered the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, just after the Border Collie.

All coats of Poodle types are long and curly and are actually hair and not fur. Most Miniature Poodles fall short of their breed standard in many areas, but still can be purebred Miniature Poodles.

Miniature Poodles are a pretty distinctive breed, and usually are easily and accurately identified by even newbie shelter volunteers. Miniature Poodles, no matter what they look like, will make wonderful pets.

About the Author

About the author: Lisa A Collins is an avid lover of the Poodle and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Poodle Puppies plus a whole lot more.

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