Dog breed

Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is the Poodle variety that stands over 28 and up to 35 cm at the shoulder under the FCI standard: noticeably bigger and sturdier than the Toy, yet still easy to manage in an apartment. It combines the intelligence and work ethic of the old water dog with a curly, nearly non-shedding coat. It shines in dog sports, as a family dog and as a companion for older people.

Low shedding
FCI Group IX · Companion dogs · standard no. 172

Weight: 4.5–6.8 kg
Height: 28–35 cm
Lifespan: 12–18 years
Origin: France

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Photo: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Temperament

The Miniature Poodle is lively, bright and very observant. The FCI standard highlights its loyalty and ability to learn, which make it an especially pleasant companion, and the AKC gives it top marks for trainability and playfulness. At home, it knows exactly when walk time is and will remind you with a pointed look or a bark. It usually has a great time with children and is sturdy enough to handle family chaos better than a Toy. It is friendly but watchful with strangers and will always let you know someone is at the door. With other dogs it varies: some Poodles are outgoing, others prefer to keep their distance. It is emotionally sensitive and doesn't do well with a tense atmosphere, harsh words or inconsistent rules.

Energy: calmvery energetic
Affection: independentvelcro pet
With children: not idealgreat
With other pets: difficultgreat
Trainability: stubborneager to learn
For first-time owners: for experienced ownersyes
With strangers: waryoutgoing
Playfulness: dignifiedeternal puppy
Shedding: minimalheavy
Grooming: easydemanding
Being left alone: strugglescopes well
Apartment living: needs a house and yardgreat in a flat
Barking: quietvocal
With other dogs: difficultgreat
Protectiveness: lowhigh
Drooling: hardly anya lot
Cold tolerance: feels the coldexcellent
Heat tolerance: strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Miniature Poodle for?

The Miniature Poodle is an excellent first dog for a person or family who wants a small dog with a working dog's character. It does well in an apartment, a house, a family with children and with an active senior. It will disappoint someone who doesn't want to pay for regular grooming, works away from home all day, or expects a small dog not to need training.

Pros

exceptionally easy to train
barely sheds
long-lived
sturdier than a Toy but still easy to handle

Challenges

needs regular professional grooming
can be noisy
sensitive to tension at home
gets bored without a job

Size and looks

Size and looks: Miniature Poodle
Height at the withers	males 28–35 cm, females 28–35 cm
Weight	males 4.5–6.8 kg, females 4.5–6.8 kg
Lifespan	12–18 years
Coat	curly
Colors	black, white, brown, gray, fawn, apricot, parti-color
Country of origin	France
Classification	Group IX: Companion and Toy dogs
Also known as	Mini Poodle, Caniche Nain, pudel miniaturowy

Care and exercise

45–75minof exercise a day

4/5grooming needs

1/5shedding

A Miniature Poodle needs more exercise than its looks suggest. Plan 45–75 minutes of walks a day, including off-leash running and fetch, because, as the AKC points out, the Poodle still has a hunting dog's instincts. Many Poodles love to swim. They excel at agility, obedience and nosework. The coat grows nonstop and hardly sheds, so it needs brushing down to the skin several times a week and a groomer every 4–6 weeks. Unbrushed dogs quickly get covered in mats, which often end in a full shave-down. A short, practical clip makes everyday life much easier. Clear excess hair and wax from the ears, brush the teeth several times a week, and match portions to activity, since Poodles gain weight easily when they get lots of treats.

How much should the Miniature Poodle eat?The calculator starts from this breed’s typical weight: calories and grams a day.

Health and breed-related conditions

Miniature Poodles are among the longest-lived dogs. The AKC gives a range of 10–18 years, and in the British McMillan et al. (2024) study Poodles reached a median of 14 years. According to the AKC, luxating patella and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease occur more often in Miniatures and Toys than in Standards. Breeders also screen for eye diseases, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, von Willebrand disease and immune-mediated conditions. There is a DNA test for prcd progressive retinal atrophy, so ask for the result. Tartar is a common problem in older dogs.

luxating patellaAccording to the AKC, more common in Miniature and Toy Poodles than in Standards.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes diseaseAvascular necrosis of the femoral head, usually showing up in growing dogs.
progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)An inherited eye disease; parents are checked with a DNA test and an eye exam.
epilepsyThe AKC lists it among the conditions breeding dogs are screened for.
von Willebrand diseaseAn inherited blood-clotting disorder; important to know before planned surgery.

Health tests to ask the breeder about

patella exam
eye exam (ECVO)
PRA-prcd DNA test
vWD DNA test

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

All Poodles descend from old water dogs that retrieved ducks from lakes and marshes. The AKC notes that although France is considered the breed's homeland and is the patron country of the FCI standard, the Poodle's roots may also lie in Germany. The smaller varieties were created by gradually scaling down the Standard Poodle. According to the AKC, the elegant Standards and Miniatures won over the French nobility and eventually moved from the hunting field to the salon as companion dogs. The FCI recognized the breed in 1955. Today a single standard covers all four sizes, which differ only in height at the shoulder.

Fun facts

The Miniature Poodle shares its FCI standard with three other varieties, and height at the shoulder alone decides which variety a dog belongs to.
The FCI standard requires the Miniature to be a scaled-down copy of the Medium Poodle with no sign of dwarfism.
The AKC allows Miniature and Standard Poodles to compete in American hunting tests for retrievers and spaniels.
The word “poodle” comes from a German term for splashing in water.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Miniature Poodle weigh?

The FCI standard sets only height, over 28 and up to 35 cm at the shoulder. The AKC gives 4.5–6.8 kg for this variety. Weight depends on the build and height of the individual dog, so it's better to judge body shape than the number on the scale.

Are Miniature Poodles good for people with allergies?

Poodles are often recommended for allergy sufferers because their curly coat barely sheds. Still, no dog is fully hypoallergenic: allergens are also found in saliva and dander. Before buying, spend time with an adult Poodle a few times.

How long do Miniature Poodles live?

Very often well into their teens, and not uncommonly past 15. The AKC gives a range of 10–18 years, and in a large 2024 British study the median lifespan for Poodles was 14 years.

How often does a Miniature Poodle need grooming?

Usually every 4–6 weeks, depending on the length of the clip. Between groomer visits, brush the coat down to the skin several times a week, because mats form quickly, especially behind the ears and in the armpits.