Miniature Poodle

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingDaily grooming

  Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment13–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Progressive retinal atrophy · Epilepsy

The Miniature Poodle packs all the Poodle intelligence and eagerness into a small, apartment-friendly body. It is highly trainable, excels at tricks and agility, and forms an intense bond with its person — but that cleverness means it needs daily mental stimulation and interaction, not just a lap; a bored or lonely Mini Poodle can become yappy and anxious. It suits active owners who enjoy training a sharp little partner. The curly, low-shedding coat is allergy-friendlier but demands regular brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks to avoid matting. Health-wise it is generally long-lived, but buy from a breeder who screens for the breed's known issues: patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), progressive retinal atrophy and other eye disease, epilepsy, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease of the hip in young dogs. Small dogs also need diligent dental care to prevent the tooth and gum disease they are prone to. Give a Miniature Poodle training, exercise, grooming and company, and it will be a brilliant, devoted companion for thirteen to sixteen years.

• How much exercise does a Miniature Poodle need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Miniature Poodle need?

  Daily grooming. Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Is a Miniature Poodle suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Miniature Poodle a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Miniature Poodle live?

  13–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Miniature Poodle?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy, Epilepsy. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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