Poodle Information: The Miniature Poodle
Author: LisaACollins Total views: 11 Word Count: 531
Could that dog in the shelter be a Miniature Poodle? Recognizing a Poodle type dog is a lot more than just looking at what clip their coat is in. Most Miniature Poodles in shelters or breed rescues are not in the fancy show clips. But there are still ways to recognize a Miniature Poodle.
The Humane League of the United States estimates that twenty-five percent of all abandoned animals are purebreds. So, the odds of that shelter dog being a purebred Miniature Poodle are pretty high.
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.
Any Poodle information for Standard Poodles tends to also apply to Miniature Poodles, only on a smaller scale. Their breed standards are identical (again, except for size). They should be lean, athletic dogs under remarkably puffy coats. Their expression should be happy and lively. Their trot should be lively and bouncy, with their heads and tails naturally held high. Many show Poodles have their tails half docked - a practice which is thankfully dying out.
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.
The Miniature Poodle comes in many colors, but all of them are to be solid for show dogs. Even the lips and nose should be the same color. This is where a lot of Miniature Poodles fall short as show dogs, as they could have bi-colored lips, or more than one color in their coats. Some brown Miniature Poodles will go prematurely grey, so a grey-tipped brown Miniature Poodle may be younger than he looks. Other faults common to Miniature Poodles include large, protruding eyes, an overbite, ewe-neck, a too low tail carriage or a downward sloping topline.
Their coats are actually hair and not fur, which makes Poodle types great for those with dog allergies. The coat never seems to stop growing, and grooming demands for Miniature Poodles are high. You will have to go to the groomer at least ten times a year in order to keep the miniature Poodle's coat under control (and sanitary).
Common faults that would disqualify them from a show ring include too large and protruding eyes, an ewe neck, splayed paws instead of oval shaped paws, more than one color on the coat, the tail held too low, the tail curled over the back or the spine sloping downwards to the hindquarters. They still make wonderful pets.
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About the Author
Lisa A Collins is an avid lover of the Poodle and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Poodle Puppies plus a whole lot more.
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