Miniature and Toy Poodle

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Miniature Poodles are susceptible to hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, epilepsy, immune-mediated disorders, von Willebrand disease, eye disorders, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), trichiasis, distichiasis, lacrimal duct atresia, entropion, glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, and urinary stones. They are also prone to eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy, progressive rod-cone degeneration, and rod-cone dysplasia 4. Other specific conditions for which they should be genetically tested include congenital methemoglobinemia, degenerative myelopathy, and osteochondrodysplasia. As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

Miniature Poodles are intelligent, energetic, and sociable dogs. They excel in obedience and are highly trainable. Their alert and friendly nature often makes them excellent family pets. They're also known for their love of playing and need for regular mental and physical stimulation.

Miniature Poodles have a dense, curly or corded coat. The fur is naturally hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. The coat is typically kept in specific cuts like the "puppy clip" or the more intricate "continental clip".

Toy Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

Breeds within the toy dog lineage were developed to be companion animals. They originated as lap dogs for royalty, nobility, and affluent individuals, and typically weigh less than 15 pounds. Breeds within the toy dog lineage were bred to be friendly and sociable, playful, and energetic while also having a heightened awareness of their environment.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include Chihuahua, Maltese, and Shih Tzu.

Fun Facts

Miniature Poodles are sometimes affectionately referred to based on their coat colors like "Black Mini Poodle", "White Mini Poodle", etc.

The Poodle is the national dog of France, however, in France they are known as Caniche or "duck dog."

Miniature Poodles are often utilized as circus performers due to their intelligence, trainability, and agility.

Despite their often sophisticated appearance, they are true athletes at heart, excelling at activities such as agility and obedience competitions.

Poodles, including Miniature Poodles, are ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed, just after Border Collies.

References

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-miniature/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/poodle
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/POODLE-172.html
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_poodle-miniature