Why a Miniature Poodle?

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Poodles are known for their superior intelligence and exceptional learning ability. In fact, they are often considered to be among the smartest dog breeds in the entire world, second only to the Border Collie. They are extremely loyal and develop deep connections with their owners. Miniature Poodles are the perfect size dog for anyone, and especially busy families. They're small enough that you can easily pick them up and carry them around, take them along with you on car rides and vacations, yet not small enough that they seem fragile or have to worry about them getting under your feet. They love to snuggle up on your lap, yet are also very active and make the perfect companion to take on a hike, swimming, or trip to the beach. 

For the first time since 1997, the Poodle climbed back into the top five of the AKC’s 2021 popularity rankings. It’s been a long, slow recovery from the days when Poodles fell from the number-one spot in America’s hearts that they held for more than two decades. This statistic may be a sign that the public is beginning to understand that a Poodle’s qualities are not improved when diluted by other breeds. They are quite wonderful on their own. 

As their fans often say: “Just get a Poodle.”

(Image courtesy of the American Kennel Club)

The poodle possesses wonderful swimming ability and the breed originated as a duck hunter in Germany, where the word "pudelin" refers to splashing in water. The Standard Poodle began its development as a retrieving water dog more than 400 years ago and was eventually bred down to the miniature size.  Their coat is adapted to water and will cord if left to grow naturally. The flamboyant Poodle show coat served a practical purpose in the breed's early years. Hunters wanted their dogs to have free range of movement in the water, but they also wished to protect vital areas of the anatomy from the cold. They shaved the legs, neck, and tail but left the chest, hips, and leg joints coated. Their coats do require regular maintence and grooming, but hair style options are endless. You can go for a fancy traditional poodle style, or leave them a bit shaggy with a grown out muzzle for more of a "doodle" or Teddy Bear look. Poodles have HAIR, not fur. Fur grows up to a certain point and then falls off—what we know as shedding. Hair does not fall out and never stops growing. Poodles are truly non shedding and hypo-allergenic, unlike most of the popular Poodle cross breeds you see today.