Miniature toy poodles

Miniature poodles are a result of selective breeding of standard or large poodles to breed a smaller poodle. Ideal size is approximately 15" tall and 12-15 lbs., with an extremely dense, curly coat. They can range in color from white to black and all shades of grey, as well as beige or apricot. Purebred miniature poodles will be solid color or mingled, but not spotted. Most purebred puppies will have their tails docked, giving it a distinctive, powder-puff appearance. An ungroomed poodle will resemble a great shaggy dog, with the eyes completely concealed and may be hard to identify. The clipped and shaped image of a poodle most commonly seen in the media is achieved by a professional clipping at a groomer and can be altered into many styles to suit your personal taste and lifestyle and your pet's personality.

Miniature poodles make good, relatively clean house pets as they do not shed and do not have a particularly strong odor. They are particularly desirable as pets for asthmatics, as they are considered to be almost hypo-allergenic. They do, however, require regular professional grooming, approximately every 4-6 weeks, to keep them in top condition. Their coats tend to grow very fast and become extremely matted, so frequent bathing and brushing are required. If the mats are not regularly brushed out, soap and other contaminants can get trapped near the skin and cause painful skin irritations. Other grooming needs particular to this breed are that the hair in their ears will grow down into the ear canal and can become infected if not pulled out regularly. Their feet should also be trimmed quite closely to keep them clean.