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Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Miniature Poodle

All the Poodle brains in a small, sturdy package. Lively, quick to learn and low-shedding, but the coat needs regular clipping.

A black Miniature Poodle in a natural pet trim stands on long green grass
A Miniature Poodle in an easy-care pet clip.Photo: Belinda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
4.5–7 kg10–15 lb
Height
28–38 cm11–15 in
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Group
Utility / Non-Sporting
Origin
Germany & France
Popularity
#6 US#21 UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingEasy to trainFlat-friendlyFamily dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Intelligent, Lively, Affectionate, Alert.

Health problems to know about

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
  • Epilepsy

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks plus training games. Brush several times a week and book a clip every 4 to 8 weeks. Ask breeders for prcd-PRA DNA, eye, knee and hip results.

A good fit for

Flats and family homes, first dogs for owners who will train, allergy-conscious households (no dog is truly hypoallergenic).

Probably not ideal for

People who will not budget for grooming, homes where a bored, clever dog will be left alone for long hours.

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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