All About The Miniature Poodle Breed Standard

The Miniature Poodle is the middle sized of the three American Kennel Club Poodle types. (A fourth Poodle type - the Teacup Poodle - is not recognized). All Poodle types are considered the same breed - the Poodle. The Standard (or biggest) Poodle is the oldest of the variations. But because they were so big and active, a smaller version was wanted for those who lived in smaller homes.

The Miniature Poodle stands about eleven to fifteen inches tall at their withers (the highest point of the shoulder.) They only average about fifteen to seventeen pounds, compared to a Standard's average of fifty to sixty pounds

Standard Poodles have a minimum height requirement of fifteen inches at the withers, which most make easily. However, some Miniature Poodles have had both parents be Toy Poodles, or even both parents are Standard Poodles. All three recognized Poodle types are basically different sizes of the same breed of dog. You may see Teacup Poodles advertised, but they are not recognized as a show worthy Poodle type.

Any Poodle information for Standard Poodles tends to also apply to Miniature Poodles, only on a smaller scale. Their breed standards are identical (again, except for size). They should be lean, athletic dogs under remarkably puffy coats. Their expression should be happy and lively. Their trot should be lively and bouncy, with their heads and tails naturally held high. Many show Poodles have their tails half docked - a practice which is thankfully dying out.

The breed standard is usually based on looking at a Poodle in profile. In profile, a Miniature Poodle should stand square, have a level topline (spine) and a profile that looks somewhat chiseled and not heavily jowled. The preferred eye color for the show ring is a dark brown, but much lighter eye colors happen often in pet Miniature Poodles. The ears are floppy, with rounded ends and seem to hug the head. They may or may not have dewclaws.

The Miniature Poodle comes in many colors, but all of them are to be solid for show dogs. Even the lips and nose should be the same color. This is where a lot of Miniature Poodles fall short as show dogs, as they could have bi-colored lips, or more than one color in their coats. Some brown Miniature Poodles will go prematurely grey, so a grey-tipped brown Miniature Poodle may be younger than he looks. Other faults common to Miniature Poodles include large, protruding eyes, an overbite, ewe-neck, a too low tail carriage or a downward sloping topline.

Their coats are actually hair and not fur, which makes Poodle types great for those with dog allergies. The coat never seems to stop growing, and grooming demands for Miniature Poodles are high. You will have to go to the groomer at least ten times a year in order to keep the miniature Poodle's coat under control (and sanitary).

Miniature Poodles are a pretty distinctive breed, and usually are easily and accurately identified by even newbie shelter volunteers. Miniature Poodles, no matter what they look like, will make wonderful pets.

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About the author: Lisa A Collins is a passionate lover of the Poodle and owns a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Poodle Puppies plus a whole lot more.

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