(Miniature) Poodle

Toy and Miniature Poodles can be excellent family dogs for those with older, calmer children, who understand the importance of handling these little dogs kindly.

They tend to be gentle, playful, and patient, which makes them good-natured with children. They adapt well to what’s going on around them, meaning they can get along with other pets too. 

However, their little size makes them delicate and they’re not too tolerant of rough play. If they feel threatened or are picked up and bothered too much, they may growl or snap to let you know they don’t like it.

Standard Poodles, being larger, are more robust and better suited for homes with active children.

Like with any dog, it’s important to actively supervise a Poodle around children to prevent accidents or inappropriate interactions.

Poodles are incredibly affectionate! They love being close to their people and getting snuggles and fuss.

They’re loyal and form strong bonds with their families, often following their favourite people from room to room so they don’t miss out on any fun.

They’re known for their snuggly side and will happily nestle in with you on the sofa after a day of play. 

Even so, they don’t like strangers rushing up to them, and they take a few minutes to warm up to someone new. Once they do, they usually make themselves the life of the party and the centre of attention. 

If you’re looking for a dog that’s interactive, will give you plenty of love and attention, and be a constant companion, a Poodle won’t disappoint.

Absolutely! Poodles are known for being fun and energetic, and they’ll definitely keep you entertained!  

The smaller varieties were originally bred to travel easily in circuses, where they performed complex and impressive tricks. Over time, the Toy Poodle was bred specifically to be a small companion dog.

Their circus history makes them wonderful and quirky companions when their needs are met. They’re quick learners, so they’re great fun to teach new tricks to, as well.

But do keep them entertained, as a bored Poodle will quickly start to make their own fun… sometimes at the expense of your favourite belongings! 

If you want to get out and about, Poodles can excel at pretty much any dog sport you’d like to play with them, agility, heelwork, scent work, and more. 

For things you can do at home, try trick training, activity and puzzle toys, and games like find-it, fetch, and chasing.

Poodles are naturally alert and may bark to tell you about visitors, strange noises, or anything they think is interesting. 

But, with proper training and introductions to people and animals, you can teach them to only let you know if something’s not right.

Toy and Miniature Poodles are more barky than Standard Poodles as they’re generally more nervous. This is especially true if they don’t get to exercise their mind and body enough.

It’s important to remember that barking is often a sign of their intelligence; they want to communicate with you! So, make sure they have enough to keep them occupied to help stop excessive barking.

All dogs can develop behavioural issues if their needs aren’t met. Poodles, with their high intelligence and energy levels, are no exception. 

This brainy breed can get bored easily, so they need plenty of interesting activities and physical exercise.

Toy and Mini Poodles can become clingy and show separation anxiety with behaviours like excessive barking, chewing, or digging. So, their owners will need to build their confidence to do things on their own.

This breed does best if they’re not left alone for long periods.

Being so little and sensitive, they can get anxious around strangers, other dogs, and new situations. They might show reactive behaviours or bark a lot. 

To avoid this, give them lots of positive experiences and introduce them to animals and people in the right way. 

Poodles like to pick up and hold things. They can also guard their resources if they feel insecure or threatened, like if their favourite things are always taken away.

This breed can sometimes be sensitive to touch and grooming, especially if they’ve had a bad experience like accidentally brushing through a tangle. 

Poodles do best in homes where they get plenty of attention, can use their brains, and aren’t left home alone for long periods. 

Even so, they’re a very adaptable breed! They can thrive in a variety of homes, families, and lifestyles. 

Poodles are a brilliant choice for families with other pets, as long as they’re well-socialised, meaning they’ve learnt about other animals and people in the right way.

Toy and Mini poodles are a great choice for those who live in flats and small homes if they get enough exercise and time outdoors. 

To help them thrive, make sure to give them:
- regular one-on-one time with you
- sniffy walks in nature
- daily playtime
- brain games
- regular brushing

They’ll also appreciate a quiet, safe space where they won’t be overwhelmed by boisterous play or loud noises.

If you plan to leave your Poodle home alone, they’ll need even more attention when you’re around.

‘Poodle’ comes from the German word for “to splash about”, because they were bred to jump into water and swim to pick up waterfowl like ducks! So, they’re an athletic breed.

Despite their size, even Toy and Mini Poodles need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Around an hour a day is a good to aim for. 

Daily walks are essential, and they also love to run, play fetch, and do vigorous activities like swimming, hiking, and agility training. Because they’re incredibly adaptable, they’ll probably be excited to join you in whatever your favourite exercise is. 

They’re also a great choice for anyone considering dog-specific sports.

These smart cookies need to exercise their brains as well as their bodies. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions are great ways to keep their minds sharp.

Without sufficient exercise and activities, Poodles can become bored, which may lead to behavioural issues.

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, in a calm and polite way (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Poodles are generally easy to train. They quickly pick up on commands and enjoy learning new tricks. This makes them a favourite in obedience competitions and a whole range of dog sports.

However, their sharp minds also mean they can work out creative ways to find their own fun… which their owners might not appreciate! So, it’s important to stay consistent with training. 

Every dog needs reward-based training and to learn how to interact with other dogs, animals, and people. Otherwise, they can develop anxiety or unwanted behaviours.

Common behavioural issues in Poodles include:
- separation anxiety
- resource guarding
- jumping up
- sensitivity to handling
- reactivity to dogs and strangers

All dogs can change their behaviour throughout their lives, needing you to focus on certain aspects of training. We can help you with this through our free behaviour helpline. 

Poodles have a gorgeous, soft coat. It needs regular grooming to keep it in good condition. 

Their curly, low-shedding fur tends to be a good option for people with allergies. But it should be brushed several times a week to avoid matting and painful tangles. These tangles can get so bad that their fur needs to be shaved short. 

Regular professional grooming every four to six weeks is ideal, keeping their coat healthy and beautiful with clipping or trimming. 

Poodles can be groomed in a huge range of styles, from a simple pet trim to more elaborate show cuts!

Regular baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important for your dog’s overall well-being. You could do this at home if you train your dog to enjoy grooming from the start.

Poodles are generally healthy dogs but are prone to certain conditions. Common health concerns include:
- dental issues
- ear issues
- digestive system issues
- hip dysplasia (a joint problem)
- eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Addison’s disease (a deficiency in important hormones)

With good care, regular vet visits, and the right lifestyle, many of these risks can be minimised, ensuring your Poodle lives a long and happy life.

Remember, keeping any dog healthy involves regular check-ups and vaccinations, a balanced and complete diet, consistent exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.