Poodle (Miniature)
Male: 7-11 kg, Female: 7-10 kg
Over 28 cm but under 38 cm at the shoulder
13-15 years
Germany (ancestry), France (development)
About the Poodle (Miniature)
The Poodle (Miniature) is a medium-sized version of the ancient water dog, refined into a sophisticated and highly capable companion. Known for its remarkable intelligence, it consistently ranks as one of the most trainable breeds in the world. Despite their often-ornate show clips, they are sturdy, athletic dogs with a heritage of hard work. They possess a 'joie de vivre' that makes them entertaining family members, always ready for a game or a training session. In the home, they are exceptionally intuitive and sensitive to their owner's moods. They carry themselves with an air of dignity and elegance, yet they are famous for their 'clownish' behavior when playing. Their non-shedding coat makes them a popular choice for families with allergies, though it requires a significant commitment to maintenance. They are vigilant watchdogs without being overly aggressive, making them adaptable to various lifestyles from busy family homes to quiet single-person households.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the ring, the Miniature Poodle is the epitome of refined balance and precision. The breed standard demands a 'square' build where the length of the body roughly equals the height. Their movement is unique: a light, springy, and effortless gait with a high head carriage that exudes confidence.
In Australia
The Miniature Poodle is registered as a separate variety from the Standard Poodle by Dogs Australia, with historical registrations having been performed by the state kennel councils that preceded the formation of Dogs Australia.
Bred For
While the Standard Poodle was a water retriever, the Miniature was bred as a companion dog, truffle hunter, and circus performer.
Temperament
Extremely intelligent, highly alert, cheerful, and sensitive. They are deeply devoted to their families and possess a distinctively proud yet playful disposition.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
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Exercise Needs
60 minutes daily. This should include brisk walks and significant mental stimulation such as obedience training, agility, or interactive games.
Grooming Needs
Extremely high. Requires daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks for clipping and ear cleaning.
Living Suitability
Highly suited to apartment living or small yards, provided they receive daily walks and mental engagement. They are indoor dogs that require close proximity to their family.
Good with Kids
Very good with children, particularly those who are taught to respect a smaller dog. They are gentle and enjoy the activity of a family environment.
Good with Other Pets
Generally excellent with other dogs and can live harmoniously with cats if socialized early. Their prey drive is lower than the Standard variety but still present.
Trainability
Very High. They are among the easiest breeds to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to work for praise and rewards.
Coat & Colours
Dense, harsh, frizzy, and curly; non-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic.. All solid colors are accepted, including Black, White, Blue, Grey, Silver, Brown, Apricot, Cream, and Red.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Miniature Poodles are prone to dental disease due to their smaller mouths; feeding raw meaty bones and regular vet checks are essential. They can be susceptible to ear infections because hair grows deep inside their ear canals, trapping moisture—this requires regular plucking and cleaning. Their high intelligence means they can become bored easily, potentially leading to 'nuisance' barking or digging if not mentally stimulated. Separation anxiety can be more likely in this breed as they are very 'velcro' dogs, but this can be managed with consistent independence training from a young age. While their non-shedding coat is a plus for allergy sufferers, the risk of matting is very high; if not brushed daily, mats can become painful and pull on the skin. Like many small breeds, they are predisposed to luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), so keeping them at a lean weight is vital to reduce joint stress. They are also sensitive to standard commercial kibble fillers, which can lead to tear staining and skin irritations; many thrive significantly better on a clean, fresh-food diet tailored to their needs.
Feeding Guide for Your Poodle (Miniature)
Healthy Weight
7-11 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
140-330 grams
For a healthy adult Miniature Poodle, a fresh/raw diet should be calculated at 2.5% of their ideal body weight. For an average 8kg dog, this equates to 200g of fresh food per day. This should be split into two meals. Puppies, seniors, or highly active agility dogs may require adjustments between 2% and 4%.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A diet rich in high-quality animal proteins with specific attention to dental health and weight management to protect joints.
A balanced raw diet for a Miniature Poodle should prioritize lean proteins like Majestik Kangaroo or Beef to maintain a healthy weight. Include 10% organ meat (liver/kidney) and 10% edible bone (such as chicken necks or wings) for dental health. Incorporate finely ground green vegetables for antioxidants. Appropriately selected raw meaty bones may provide chewing enrichment, but they do not replace veterinary dental care and can present choking, tooth-fracture or gastrointestinal risks.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Poodle (Miniature) Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Poodle (Miniature)? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Oldest Recorded
20 years (Lady, USA - though Australian specific records are less formally tracked, Poodles regularly reach 17-18 years)
Average Litter Size
3-5 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.