Miniature Poodle

Like every breed, the Miniature Poodle is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start training and socialisation young so they grow up confident and sociable.
• Use reward-based techniques.
• Teach a "quiet" cue early, as they can be noisy.
• Try dog sports such as mini agility, heelwork to music or obedience to keep them busy and relaxed.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited condition in which the retina gradually deteriorates, starting with night blindness and potentially leading to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for prcd-PRA and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Osteochondrodysplasia

  A form of dwarfism caused by abnormal development of bone and cartilage. A DNA test is recommended before breeding.

• Hip dysplasia

  Poor development of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

• Patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place. In Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is reduced and the bone breaks down.

• Intervertebral disc disease

  Abnormality of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine.

• Heart disease

  Mitral valve disease, where the heart valves stop working properly, is recognised in Miniature Poodles.

• Hormonal conditions

  Cushing's syndrome, where too much cortisol is produced, and Addison's disease, where too little is produced, are seen in Poodles, as is hypothyroidism.

• Other eye conditions

  Poodles can be affected by cataracts, dry eye, entropion, where the eyelids roll inwards, and distichiasis, where extra eyelashes rub on the eye.

• Epilepsy and von Willebrand's disease

  Epilepsy is a brain disorder that can cause seizures. Von Willebrand's disease is a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Miniature Poodle home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Miniature Poodle home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Miniature Poodle suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Miniature Poodles do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.