Miniature Poodle

Breed Type: Toy
Common nicknames: Dwarf, Dwarf Poodle
Coat: Curly
Hypoallergenic: Yes, they may not trigger allergies.
Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, adaptable, eager-to-please
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
Color & patterns:
Hero image
Miniature Poodle - apricot
Miniature Poodle - black
Miniature Poodle - Brown
Miniature Poodle - cream
With their lively eyes and curly fur that feels like a cloud of cuddles, Miniature Poodles bring a delightful spark to any home. Not only is the Miniature Poodle’s coat an absolute head-turner, but it’s also less allergenic, meaning fewer sneezes and less vacuuming for those with allergies. These pups are also highly intelligent: They have an uncanny ability to learn tricks and commands and even outsmart you in a game of hide-and-seek. Originally bred in Germany as water retrievers, these pups have come a long way to become cherished family pets and show-stoppers. Miniature Poodles have a small yet sturdy build — they stand at around 10 to 15 inches tall — perfectly suited for indoor living and outdoor adventures. These pups are natural performers and thrive in the spotlight, bringing endless joy and entertainment to their families.

Miniature Poodle characteristics

Learn about about Miniature Poodle basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Miniature Poodle facts.

Average height

8-15 inches (20.3-38.1cm)

Average weight

7-28 pounds (3.2-12.7 kg)

Average lifespan

10-18 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How big do Mini Poodles get?

Mini Poodles typically stand about 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, and they usually weigh between 10 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Their small stature and relatively light weight make them a conveniently sized companion, suitable for various living environments such as apartments or smaller homes.

What colors do Mini Poodles come in?

Mini Poodles come in a variety of solid colors including black, white, silver, blue, gray, cream, apricot, brown, café-au-lait, and red. Some may have patterns or markings. The coat colors can vary within these shades and can be influenced by factors such as genetics and breeding lines.

What is the rarest Mini Poodle color?

The rarest color for a Miniature Poodle is the merle pattern, which is a speckled coat with darker and lighter areas. The merle pattern is more commonly associated with other breeds, such as Australian Shepherds.

Do Mini Poodles shed?

No, Mini Poodles are not known to shed a lot. Their coat is considered hypoallergenic due to minimal shedding, which results in reduced dander and allergens. While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, Poodles tend to shed less than many other breeds.

How long do Mini Poodles live?

Mini Poodles have an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. When provided with adequate care, a well-rounded diet, consistent exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, certain Mini Poodles can live even longer.

When do Mini Poodles stop growing?

Mini Poodles reach their full height by 12 months of age, but they may continue to fill out and develop muscle until they are 18 months to 2 years old. Although their height growth stabilizes relatively early, their physical and behavioral development continues for a bit longer. It’s important to offer proper nutrition, regular exercise, and address their specific health needs during this growth period to ensure your Mini Poodle mature into healthy adults.

How many types of Mini Poodles are there?

There is one main type of Mini Poodle, but it’s one of three size variations of the Poodle breed: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Mini Poodle is recognized for its smaller stature and is classified based on height, not separate types.

Miniature Poodle health

Learn about about the Miniature Poodle health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Mini Poodles hypoallergenic?

Yes, Mini Poodles are often considered a hypoallergenic dog breed due to their low-shedding coat. This low-shedding characteristic can help reduce allergens, making them a better choice for individuals with allergies. Their coat’s minimal shedding reduces the spread of dander and can potentially lessen allergic reactions. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent hair from becoming trapped in their coat and to maintain their hypoallergenic qualities. While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, the reduced shedding of Mini Poodles makes them a more compatible option for allergy sufferers.

How much exercise does a Mini Poodle need?

Mini Poodles need approximately 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities can help meet their energy needs and prevent boredom. This coupled with mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, can help keep Mini Poodles content and healthy. 

Do Mini Poodles need grooming?

Yes, Mini Poodles need grooming. Their distinctive curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing their coat several times a week is necessary to remove loose hair and prevent it from becoming matted. Professional grooming is often recommended every four to six weeks to maintain their coat’s shape and hygiene. Routine grooming tasks such as bathing, trimming, ear cleaning, and nail clipping are also vital to maintaining a Mini Poodle’s overall health and appearance.

Do Mini Poodles have health problems?

Yes, Mini Poodles have certain health problems they’re more prone to, including: 

  1. Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: This abnormal joint growth causes rubbing, grinding, pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can help if diagnosed early. Consult a vet when rescuing a Mini Poodle to assess their predisposition.

  2. Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is caused by a malfunction in the hormone production of the adrenal glands. With this disease, the body is unable to create enough cortisol. Without cortisol, a dog cannot manage stress or digest food properly. Dogs with Addison’s disease may suffer from weakness, an abnormally fast heart rate, depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and excessive thirst and urination. Your vet can test your Mini Poodle to detect Addison’s disease and provide long-term medication.

  3. Cushing’s disease: This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be caused by an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, but in some cases, a dog will develop too much cortisol from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination, increased hunger, hair loss, obesity, and bruising. Cushing’s disease can be treated with surgery and medication.

  4. Eye issues: Mini Poodles are susceptible to various eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), trichiasis, entropion, distichiasis, cataracts, and optic nerve hypoplasia, which may affect vision or lead to blindness.

  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. This condition causes lameness, limping, and hip joint pain. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

  6. Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  7. Others: Mini Poodles are also prone to conditions like hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus, urinary stones, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, and mitral valve disease. Veterinary tests can help detect and treat these conditions in your Mini Poodle.

Miniature Poodle history

Learn about where this Miniature Poodle came from!

What were Mini Poodles bred for?

Mini Poodles were bred as water retrievers and hunting dogs. Their primary role was to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, utilizing their excellent swimming ability and retrieving skills. Over time, their intelligence, agility, and trainability made them excel at tasks other than hunting, and they became popular as companions and competitive dogs in various sports.

Where do Mini Poodles come from?

Mini Poodles originate from Germany. They are a smaller variant of the Poodle breed, which was initially bred for water retrieval and hunting purposes. The Mini Poodle was developed by selectively breeding smaller Poodles to create a compact version of the original breed, favored for its intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat.

Miniature Poodle temperament

Learn about about the Miniature Poodle temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Mini Poodles good with kids?

Yes, Mini Poodles are known to be good with kids, especially when introduced to and socialized with them at an early age. Proper training and guidance can help foster a healthy relationship between Mini Poodles and children, making them delightful playmates and loving family members.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Mini Poodle to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child.

Are Mini Poodles easy to train?

Yes, Mini Poodles are easy to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and quick learning ability. They often excel in obedience training and various canine activities. Their cooperative and responsive nature makes training sessions relatively straightforward, but consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization play key roles in shaping their behavior. Also, keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Do Mini Poodles bark a lot?

Yes, Mini Poodles can be prone to barking a lot, as they are alert and intelligent dogs. Their tendency to bark can be influenced by various factors, such as socialization, training, and individual temperament. While they may alert their pet parents to unfamiliar sounds or activities, positive training methods can help teach them appropriate barking behavior.

Are Mini Poodles yappy?

Yes, Mini Poodles can be yappy due to their higher pitch voice. Their tendency to be vocal can vary based on individual personality, training, and socialization. Teaching them appropriate behaviors and providing mental stimulation can also help minimize yapping.

Are Mini Poodles good dogs?

Yes, Mini Poodles are generally regarded as excellent dogs due to their intelligence, friendly nature, and adaptability. Their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable and they thrive on companionship. Overall, Mini Poodles often make loving, well-mannered, and delightful canine companions.

Are Mini Poodles smart?

Yes, Mini Poodles are smart. They consistently rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, exhibiting quick learning and problem-solving abilities. Their sharp intellect, eagerness to learn, and capacity for understanding commands make them highly trainable and versatile. 

Are Mini Poodles good with cats?

Yes, Mini Poodles tend to be good with cats, but this often depends on early socialization and the individual temperaments of both the dog and cat. It’s important to properly and gradually introduce your dog and cat and let them get familiar with each other over time. Some Mini Poodles have the instinct to chase, so cautious supervision and training are important to ensure a respectful relationship between the dog and cat.

Can a Mini Poodle be a service dog?

Yes, Mini Poodles can be excellent service dogs. Their high intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various service roles, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs for the deaf, medical alert dogs, or emotional support animals. Their hypoallergenic coat and small size are also advantageous for people with allergies or those in need of a compact service dog. However, specific training, temperament, and health assessments are crucial to determine an individual dog’s suitability for a particular service role.

Are Mini Poodles good family dogs?

Yes, Mini Poodles often make excellent family dogs due to their friendliness, adaptability, and intelligence. They are generally affectionate, loyal, and enjoy being part of the family dynamic. Their minimal shedding and hypoallergenic coat can be beneficial for family members with allergies. However, early socialization and consistent training are essential to ensure they become well-mannered pets.

Popular Miniature Poodle mixes

The breeds that mix with Mini Poodles include the Golden Retriever (Goldendoodle), Labrador Retriever (Labradoodle), and Cocker Spaniel (Cockapoo). The appearance and temperament of these mixes is influenced by the traits of both parent breeds. Other breeds that mix with Mini Poodles include:

  • Bich-poo (Miniature Poodle + Bichon Frise)

  • Bossi-poo ( Miniature Poodle + Boston Terrier)

  • Lhasa Poo (Miniature Poodle + Lhasa Apso)

  • Chi-Poo (Miniature Poodle + Chihuahua)

  • Goldendoodle (Miniature Poodle + Golden Retriever)

  • Labradoodle (Miniature Poodle + Labrador)

Miniature Poodle Mixes picture

Find Miniature Poodle puppies near you

Adopting a Miniature Poodle

Learn about acquiring a Miniature Poodle - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.

Photo of Wyatt - PM

Wyatt - PM

Poodle (Miniature)

Male, young

Pataskala, OH

Color
White
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Wyatt’s adoption donation is $525 and he is being fostered in Central Ohio Wyatt is fully vetted—neutered, microchipped, up to date on all his vaccines (rabies, distemper/parvo, bivalent canine influenza, Bordetella), heartworm negative, and on heartworm/flea prevention. He’s had a dental cleaning too, so he’s ready to flash that sweet poodle smile! Meet Wyatt – A Resilient, Playful Poodle with a Heart Full of Love Wyatt is a 2-year-old Miniature Poodle with a sweet soul, a goofy personality, and a heart that’s finally ready to find its forever home. He may have had a rough start as a former mill dog, but Wyatt has come a long way—both physically and emotionally—and is now blossoming into the happy, affectionate pup he was always meant to be. After coming into rescue, we discovered that Wyatt needed surgery on both of his knees. Thanks to the care and dedication of his foster family (and a lot of cozy blanket piles), Wyatt made a fantastic recovery and is now thriving. His playful spirit is shining through, and it’s been a joy to watch him transform from a timid pup into a dog who runs, plays, and loves with all his heart. Wyatt adores being outdoors—rain, snow, or sunshine, he’s your little nature enthusiast! Whether he’s sunbathing, sniffing the breeze, or simply lounging in the yard, Wyatt finds peace and happiness in the open air. He also loves other dogs and would thrive in a home with a friendly, playful companion dog who can continue to help him build confidence and enjoy the joys of dog life. A secure, physically fenced yard is a must for him—Wyatt needs a safe space where he can explore, zoom around, and just be his silly, happy self. Though he’s not a fan of traditional dog beds, Wyatt is all about the comfort—give him a cozy pile of blankets and he’ll happily curl up and call it home. He’s crate trained and will go in willingly, and he’s doing great with potty training when kept on a regular schedule. Wyatt also does well with older kids (10+) who can give him the gentle encouragement he needs. This little guy is a gentle, goofy, and oh-so-lovable soul who’s come so far and is now ready to find a family who will celebrate all that he is. If you’re looking for a devoted sidekick, a playmate for your dog, and a pup who will remind you daily how beautiful second chances can be—Wyatt is your boy. Let Wyatt's next chapter begin with you. He’s waited long enough. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.PLEASE NOTE: If you are viewing this biography on a website other than the Ohio Fuzzy Pawz website like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, or another search engine (the OFP website is www.ohiofuzzypawz.com), not all information transfers to partner websites in some instances. If you go to the individual webpage of our dogs , you will be able to get more information each dog. Visual breed identification in dogs can be unreliable so, in many cases, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. Our Adoption Process The adoption process has several steps involved. Please review prior to submitting an application. Our adoption process is detailed here: http://www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/info/adoption Our volunteers work very diligently to process each application and we try to ensure that we are making the best match possible for each dog. We do not schedule meetings with dogs until an application has been approved. It can take up to a few weeks to process an application or as little time as a few days, from the time you submit an application, please be prepared to adopt as we cannot hold dogs. Special Requirements Some dogs may have special requirements (for example, medications, a fence) -- if you apply for a dog, please be sure to read over the biography completely to see if there are any special needs and if you're home would be suitable. If we indicate on the dog's biography that a fence is required, this means your home must have a physical fence. Other dogs may require a "strong vet reference" which indicates that we are looking for a home that has a documented history of veterinary care with previous pets. The first step in our process is to submit an online adoption application at www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/forms. The application MUST include the personal references and veterinary, grooming, and landlord references (if applicable) and their respective contact information. If you do not include the references and the contact information, your application will be delayed as it CANNOT be processed. Once the references have been successfully completed, a home visit is then scheduled when a rescue representative can meet all members of the family or residents of the home. No application is approved prior to the home visit being done. At that point, the Directors will discuss any and all applications on a foster dog and make a selection--in many cases, there are multiple applications for each dog, so please be understanding that our only priority is the successful placement of each of our foster dogs. Out of State Adoptions We do adopt out of state to outstanding applicants, however, our process requires a home visit, so out of state adoptions can take longer. We do not ship our dogs, adopters should be prepared to pick up the dog in Central Ohio. April 5, 2025, 9:00 am
Photo of Benny

Benny

Poodle (Miniature) Schnoodle

Male, 7 yrs 8 mos

Columbus, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered
Story
ABOUT ME… I came from a puppy mill as a breeding dog. I was then sent to a clinic to be euthanized but some amazing people rescued me! I am almost 8 years old and can not see very well. My ears work great tho! I AM GREAT WITH… Other animals, especially dogs. I use them as a guide since I am partially blind. I love playing with toys and finding a comfy spot to nap in. I haven't been around kids, but I don’t have a bad bone in my body. I do great in the crate—I just need guided in. I AM STILL WORKING ON… Potty training. Because of my past, I never got potty-trained. I'm working hard on learning to hold it until I'm outside, but sometimes I forget. Leash training is a new concept of mine and will need to be worked with. I do great with a fenced-in yard I AM NOT GOOD WITH… My eyesight, I run into walls a lot. I also get startled easily but announcing what will happen next helps. When my foster mom wants to pick me up, she lets me know before coming towards me. Otherwise, I'll run away. **All animals in our care are spayed/neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested (age 1 & up), given preventatives, and provided with initial vaccinations AT MINIMUM. Booster shots are included in the adoption fee and will be performed at our clinic, or the adopter can use their own vet at their expense. Adopters must reside within 2 hours of Columbus, OH. No transportation assistance is available.**
Photo of Pudding

Pudding

Poodle (Miniature)

Female, young

Ashville, OH

Color
White - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Online Adoption Application › Say Hello to Miss Pudding! This little girl is just a love bug. She came to DASH with a couple of other small dogs, when their owner could no longer care for them. She loves everyone, dogs, and cats. She is working on her leash manners, is crate trained and will use pee pads. She is not a fan of the cold weather but that's what the pee pads are for! She loves to snuggle with her foster mom and play with the other dogs in her foster home. She is the perfect all around girl. She has not been kid tested so proper introductions are a must. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 21, 2025, 12:11 pm