Elegant, intelligent, and bursting with personality, the Miniature Poodle is proof that good things come in small packages.
These sharp-minded pups thrive in active homes, forming deep bonds with their humans and excelling in everything from agility to obedience.
Thinking about welcoming a curly-coated pup into your life? Or already sharing your life with a Miniature Poodle? This guide has everything you need to know about keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their bright minds engaged, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Miniature Poodle.
Top breed takeaways
Breed history
Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers in Germany, their name comes from a shortened version of ‘pudelhund’, which translates to puddle-hound. The breed quickly gained popularity in France, where they became a favourite among the aristocracy.
The Miniature Poodle was developed by breeding down the Standard Poodle to create a smaller, more companion-friendly version.
Key characteristics
Despite their refined looks, these dogs have a working heritage, making them energetic, eager to please, and highly trainable. With an ultra-low-shedding coat and an adaptable personality, they’re suitable for solo parents or families, apartments or homes with garden space.
Health considerations
Miniature Poodles are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to patellar luxation, gum disease, and sensitive stomachs. A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their joint health and overall health.
Appearance and size
The Miniature Poodles are known for their curly coat, which comes in a variety of colours, including black, white, apricot, and brown. Their expressive eyes and perky ears give them a charming and alert expression.
Miniature Poodle personality and temperament
Loving, playful, and energetic, Miniature Poodles make fantastic companions that thrive on human interaction.
They develop strong bonds with their pack and are family friendly. They can become anxious if left alone for long periods, so they’re best suited to a pack or parent that can give them the attention and love they need.
They’re an active breed with bright and alert minds, so they need equal amounts of physical and mental exercise to keep them happy. If they’re not given enough stimulation, they may find other channels for their energy and boredom, like excessive barking or chewing.
Miniature Poodle sizes
A full-grown Miniature Poodle weighs between 4.5-6.8 kg and can grow between 25-38 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by 12 months of age when they reach adulthood.
How long do Miniature Poodles live?
Miniature Poodles have a lifespan of 10-18 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible — and there’s a lot we can do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
“Miniature Poodles can be prone to developing joint conditions, which can be painful and affect their quality of life. A diet rich in real food ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric and ginger, can support their joint health and mobility.”
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
This small and spirited breed needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best Miniature Poodle diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Our mind and body thrive when we eat healthy food and the same goes for our pups.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Miniature Poodle’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Miniature Poodle puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Miniature Poodles from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Miniature Poodles can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
🐟Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints. 🌾Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development. 🌱Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs should have a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Each Lyka meal contains bioavailable ingredients gently cooked so they’re easy to digest.
Look for real ingredients to aid digestion like:
🥦Prebiotic fibre: Lyka meals contain soluble and insoluble fibre from vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots and cabbage, to nourish good gut bacteria and promote healthy bowel movements. 🐟Omega-3 fatty acids: meals enriched with omega-3 from fish and fish oil may reduce intestinal inflammation1, leading to more settled stomachs. ❌Free from pro-inflammatory ingredients: dogs with gut issues may be intolerant to ingredients like wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and lectins. Lyka avoids these pro-inflammatory ingredients that can irritate the gut and may contribute to chronic enteropathy2.
Grooming your Miniature Poodle is about more than just maintaining their good looks — it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. Investing a little time in their hygiene contributes to your dog’s health and happiness.
Coat types and shedding
Miniature Poodles have a dense and curly or wavy coat of hair that sheds minimally, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Grooming
A Miniature Poodle’s hair continuously grows and will eventually cord. Regular clipping is essential, unless you’re striving for a corded coat.
Many parents love the extravagant look of the continental cut (think dog show hairdo), though most prefer a more practical, low-maintenance look.
Because of their fast-growing hair, Miniature Poodles require regular brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
They’ll need a bath every 4-6 weeks too, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Miniature Poodle to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of infection, wax buildup, or irritation. And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Miniature Poodle exercise requirements
Bursting with energy, Miniature Poodles need at least 45–60 minutes of exercise per day.
They love activities like daily walks, fetch, agility training, and scent games for mental stimulation.
As water retrievers, many Poodles have a natural affinity for swimming or paddling in the shallows. Introduce them to water from an early age to help them develop confidence.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
Training a Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles have sharp minds and an eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. They thrive when they’re given opportunities to learn new tricks or obedience routines and pick up commands very quickly.
They’re a sensitive breed and don’t respond well to harsh commands. Positive reinforcement with praise and rewards is the gold standard approach to training all dogs.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
How to choose a reputable Miniature Poodle breeder
So, you’ve fallen in love with the Miniature Poodle breed? How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like patellar luxation.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing aren’t generally prioritised, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Miniature Poodle breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is also a helpful site to support you on your puppy journey.
Another approach is to speak to other dog parents. It’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Miniature Poodle puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,500 - $5,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Still have questions about the Miniature Poodle breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Miniature Poodles hypoallergenic? Yes, Miniature Poodles have a single coat of low-shedding hair, so they’re considered hypoallergenic.
When should I desex my Miniature Poodle? Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
How long is a Miniature Poodle pregnant? The Miniature Poodle gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Do Miniature Poodles get along with cats and other pets? Yes, with careful introductions and early socialisation, this breed can get on well with other pets.
What’s the difference between a Toy Poodle and a Miniature Poodle? Mainly size. The Toy Poodle has a maximum height of 25cm and a weight range between 1.8-3kg. Both types of poodles have similar temperaments, intelligence, energy levels, and grooming needs.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Miniature Poodle comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Miniature Poodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years — they’re all thriving on Lyka.
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