Why This Breed Matters
Same brain as the Standard, smaller package. The Mini Poodle is arguably the most versatile small dog — smart enough for competition obedience, athletic enough for agility, and adaptable enough for apartment life. These aren't fragile lap dogs; they're serious dogs in a compact body. The intelligence is real, the trainability is unmatched in the small dog world, and they live a long time.
Ownership Reality
Everything good about Standard Poodles applies here, just scaled down. Still need grooming every 4-6 weeks. Still need mental stimulation or they get bored (bored poodles get creative, and not in ways you'll like). The small size makes them more portable but also more vulnerable to injury from rough handling. They're not great with young kids who don't know their own strength. Perfect for adults, great for older kids.
Buy If
You want a small dog that isn't a stereotypical small dog. You live in an apartment. You want hypoallergenic-adjacent. You're willing to invest in grooming.
Skip If
You have very young children. You want a low-maintenance pet. You're not willing to provide mental stimulation.
Temperament
- Highly intelligent
- Alert and active
- Eager to please
- Can be vocal
- Bonds closely to owners
Common Health Issues
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Dental issues
- Hypoglycemia (especially in toys)