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 is built just like the Standard Poodle, only
on a smaller scale. They have the same temperament, needs and grooming
requirements. There are some who think the Miniature Poodle is the most
intelligent of the Poodle types, but there is really no way to prove
this.
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.
The best way to compare the shelter dog and the Miniature Poodle breed
standard is to look at the dog’s profile. The head should have a
rounded or more domes top of the skull than most other breeds of dogs.
The muzzle should be lean and somewhat pointed. The teeth should meet
in a scissors bite. They eyes should be dark brown, but lighter shades
of brown do occur. The ears should be floppy, rounded at the end and
stay close to the head.
The topline, or the spine, of the Miniature Poodle should be level,
with the legs all evenly proportioned to the body. The head and tail
are naturally held high. Some Miniature Poodles will have docked tails
– some won’t. Some will have dewclaws, and some won’t. When they trot
normally, they should have a noticeable bounce in their step. A shelter
dog might be too scared to walk normally for you, though.
All official Poodle information says that the Miniature Poodle is solid
colored only, but pet quality animals may have two colors on the same
body. Their trot is lively and they seem to always be looking around
for admirers. This is a dog that loves the paparazzi (or should I say,
pupperazzi?) Poodle types are considered the second most intelligent
dog breed in the world, just after the Border Collie.
All coats of Poodle types are long and curly and are actually hair and
not fur. Most Miniature Poodles fall short of their breed standard in
many areas, but still can be purebred Miniature Poodles.
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.
