Description

• Miniature poodle coats can be either curly or corded. They have long, straight muzzles, and wide-set eyes. The tail is typically carried high and is sometimes docked by owners, especially for show dogs. Miniature poodles can be a wide variety of colors including: silver, cream, black, red, white, brown and apricot, according to the website Miniature Poodles. Miniature poodles typically weigh between 15 and 17 pounds, and are between 11 and 15 inches tall.
  
  

Temperament

• According to the website Your Pure Bred Puppy, miniature poodles are typically athletic, intelligent, energetic and agile animals. Miniature poodles are capable of rapid learning and tend to enjoy challenging games that involve puzzle-solving like finding hidden toys and hide-and-seek with people. Most miniature poodles also make good watch-dogs, but are typically non-aggressive with strangers.
  
  

History

• According to the website Dogster, the origin of miniature poodles is unknown. It is thought that the breed may have originated in France, as descendants of the French Water Dog. The word poodle, is derived from the German word pudel, which means "plays in water." Poodles have historically been used by hunters to retrieve birds from water.
  
  

Common Health Problems

• Pure-bred miniature poodles often suffer from a number of genetic conditions including: Legg-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, entropion, trichiasis, lacrimal duct atresia, glaucoma and cataract, according to Dog Breed Info.
  
  

Emotional Sensitivity

• According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is particularly sensitive to emotional stress and anxiety. In a home with a lot of shouting or fighting, this dog typically won't do well and can suffer from depression that often manifests as physical illness. A peaceful environment is best for this sensitive dog.