The Miniature Poodle

Appearance

The Miniature poodle is the size of a cocker spaniel and is preferably under 15”(38cm) at the shoulder in height. He is intelligent and friendly and comes in a variety of colors – white, black, brown, cream, blue, silver, apricot and red.

History

Few dogs have climbed to such high favor as the Miniature Poodle yet no one knows for certain where the Poodle as a breed originated as many European countries have claimed it originated in their country. For years the Miniature Poodle was regarded as the National dog of France after French breeders miniaturized the larger water retrievers now referred to as Standard Poodles. Actually the name Poodle comes from the German Pudel or Pudelin, meaning to splash in water.

Poodles selected for field work had to be of exceptional quality, intelligence and reliability. It was this field work that was responsible for the first Poodle coat trim. The profuse coat provided the dog ample protection from freezing waters, however in swamps and reeds so much coat impeded his swimming. To overcome this problem, hunters sheared the dog’s hindquarters to allow free use of the back legs, giving the dog a lighter swifter swim. They left small cuffs of hair around the joints of the legs and hip to protect from continued exposure to cold, while the rest of the coat remained a cover for the chest and lungs and for added buoyancy. Tying of the topknot was also first associated with retrieving, since obviously a dog could see its quarry better when its forelocks were tied up.
Plus colored ribbons identified dogs in the water.

Temperament

The Miniature Poodle is assertive, extremely responsive, loyal and intelligent beyond belief. He is known as the entertainer . He will love walks but will be happy to chase a ball or catch a Frisbee if you haven’t the energy to take him. He is a clown and will dance on his hind legs, run through tunnels, climb ladders but if you are unwell or unhappy he will lay next to you and offer comfort and sympathy. He will adjust and fit in to any family situation around him and will be akin to an extra family member. He will understand everything you say and do and is easily trained for agility and obedience. Miniature Poodles are immensely popular and will be for a long time to come.

Care / Grooming

The Miniature Poodle does not shed and has a wool coat like a sheep rather than a dog hair coat. He will not shed but his hair will keep on growing as long as you let it. Every four to six weeks the Poodle needs clipping and styling and he is happy to have his coat in any style from a close shave to a bouffant show clip. If you don’t brush and comb his coat it will end up like a matted sheep and will have to be shaved off.

Health

Miniature Poodles puppies from dedicated breeders will come from sound parents which will have been tested for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which causes blindness and for patella luxation which is slipping knee caps where the tendons are stretched. Care should be taken that he does not become obese as this can also call patella problems.

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