Miniature Poodle Fact Center

Many countries show Poodle-type dogs in their earliest works of Art, dating as far back as the first century. Although Poodle-types have appeared in Russia, France, and various countries in southwestern Europe, Germany is the accepted place of origin. The breed’s very name is from the German word pudel or pudelin which roughly means to splash in water. An appropriate name considering the dog’s reputation as a water retriever. Poodles remain strong swimmers to this day and exhibit a powerful instinct to retrieve. Despite their German origins they have often been considered the national dog of France where they are called the Caniche, derived from chien canard, or duck dog. The misnomer, French Poodle, probably derived from the breed’s depiction in works of French art, their association with French royalty, and their appearances in traveling circuses as trick dogs.

Extremely responsive in all ways: to training, to their human family; to most people. Highly social at home, affectionate, protective, sweet natured, good with other dogs, eager to please, and among the most intelligent dogs available. Although they enjoy country pleasures such as retrieving, swimming, and hiking, they are superb in the city. Poodles are even-tempered dogs, quite tolerant and adaptive to most reasonable conditions. They are sensitive and intuitively comprehend the dynamics of family life. Because they are so loveable, it is easy to spoil a Poodle with excessive pampering and primping, to the point where they may constantly demand the focus and attention—at the expense of others in the family. Pet shop Poodles are usually of the Miniature variety and can be excessive barkers, chewers, and even aggressive, but this is not the norm for the breed. A normal Poodle is highly intelligent, frisky, dignified, and elegant to the point of adding stature to its owner. Typical Poodles are never shy or aggressive.

Deceptively powerful, athletic, well-muscled and beautifully proportioned with a squarely built appearance. Its eyes are oval-shaped. Its long ears hang down close to its head. It has a moderately rounded skull with a long, straight muzzle exhibiting well-defined facial features.

The Poodle coat comes in two varieties, curly or corded (rarely seen) and its color must be solid and even. They may be shown in blue, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream. They are taken into the show ring in either a “puppy clip,” “English Saddle” or “Continental Clip” or in the “Sporting Clip,” depending on the dog’s age or level of competition.

Housebreaking, excessive barking, jumping on people are usually the most typical problem behaviors but are easily corrected. Training is always successful with human patience and diligence. Poodles are extremely intelligent and always willing to please, which makes training an easier task.

The curly coat is thick, doubled not difficult to brush, comb or scissor. The corded coat, rarely seen, is allowed to grow into long, rope-like strings or cords, resembling the coat of the Komondor or the Puli. Once it has grown into long cords it is usually given a Continental trim. The curly coat requires daily brushing with hairs pulled out of the ears and, depending on the type of clip desired, requires shaping with scissors and electric razors. Maintaining a Poodle’s show clip requires great skill and experience and is usually done by a professional groomer.

As in all breeds there are the possibilities of inherited medical risks among which are hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s Disease, hypothyroidism, Addison’s Disease, Cushings Disease, epilepsy, dermatological disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat). Ask if the breeding animals have been medically screened by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and certified free of various disorders. You may also inquire if the breeding animals have been certified by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). A good breeder will be able to show you medical screening of the breeding animals.