The Miniature Poodle originated in France. Their height is within 11 to 15 inches. Their life span is typically 10 to 14 years. The Miniature Poodle is grouped in the companion dog breed category, because it is such a good companion. They are good with children and also make good watchdogs - not guard dogs. They have a moderate need for exercise, but a large need for grooming. We are able to do our own, and with the proper tools, a bit of practice - you can too. There is nothing wrong with finding a good groomer to do it for you. Poodles love to look good.
The Poodle is regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds of dog. They can be found in many coat colors. Originally, the poodle was bred as a type of water dog, and they are skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking and even herding. Poodles are also elegant in the conformation ring, having taken top honors in many shows, including Best in Show (BIS) at the Westminister Kennel Club (2002) and BIS at the World Dog Show in 2007.
Temperament Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point birds. Classified as highly energetic, poodles can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief.
Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and generally eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs, they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session. Most are fairly agile and athletic.
Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. Play time is vital, but one must be sure that they get plenty of rest following long play periods and that fresh water is available at all times.
Potty training can be difficult in many dogs, but the poodle is one of the easiest to train. Whether going outside or being trained on a pad, they learn quickly where to relieve themselves. However, they are still animals, and they need time to understand what is desired of them. It may take a while, but poodles are quite smart and learn more quickly than most dogs
When we raise our poodle babies, and all of our puppies, we give them several gentle, loving experiences in the groom shop. We want our puppies to be used to the experience, so that they will hopefully be a groomer's dream, and so they won't be traumatized the first time you take them to be groomed.
Our Miniature Poodles are on the small side of Miniature, and our Toy Poodles are not the tiny or "tea cup" size Toy Poodle. We aim at raising a small medium size poodle. We like the medium toy to small miniature size - because they make great pets for families - size wise and temperament wise. If you have young children, it is best to go with the larger toy to miniature poodle. Occasionally we do have babies who get an "extra small" gene from somewhere, and will mature to be around 5 pounds.
As regarding size, many people think that weight is what determines a toy, mini or standard poodle. Their weight should be proportionate to their size, but the height is what actually tells you if this is a toy, a miniature or a standard poodle. According to the AKC standards, a toy poodle is up to and including 10 inches tall. A Miniature Poodle is over 10 inches, but under 15 inches tall. A Standard Poodle is over 15 inches tall, this is when measuring to the whithers - the highest point on their shoulders. We look at weight when they are puppies to 'help' us determine how big they will be as adults - but this is not an absolute.