Does anyone on here own or know anything about Miniature poodles?

Looking for first hand experience of them please.

I am aware a lot depends on their breeding and more so on their upbringing.

Do you need to be an experienced dog owner?
What are they like family wise? such as are they one man dogs?
What are they like with other pets
Would you class them suitable for a responsible 13 + 14 year old girls to walk - under supervision.
What are they like in general day to day living.
Realise of course they need need "doggy makeover" but would it be acceptable too keep the dog in a "puppy clip" smart but practicle.
Also I assume they would take to agility - being clever dogs.
Is there a big difference between dogs and bitches?

Realise of course they need need "doggy makeover" but would it be acceptable too keep the dog in a "puppy clip" smart but practicle.

No problem with a puppy clip, or a lamb trim - short body, face and feet with trousers, :)  but they will matt if not groomed regularly and thoroughly and will need clipping every 8 weeks - around £25 depending on your area. :)

Can't see the grooming being an issue at the moment my nieces come down and groom my Staffies to within an inch of their lives :rolleyes:

Just one simple brush and comb is all that's needed.  Technique and training is everything! ;)

Don't know much about them to live with but they certainly can do agility. We have 4 very talented minature poodles at my club. 1 is advanced and was in the scottish agility dog of the year finals, and 1 senior I think. The other two are about the same age as my young collie and in the same class - they usually manage to make everything look so easy - of course these dogs all have excellent owners/trainers which makes all the difference. They're all 'personality plus' dogs too :)

Thank you very much, they are a breed that doesn't seem to be "everywhere you look"

Hi, I have been the owner of a miniature poodle.  She was an absolute joy to own and my best friend; so loyal and well behaved. She was kept in a lamb trim and was groomed once or twice a week.  A Slicker brush was best to get through the tight coat.  She liked all other dogs, unless they were scatty and out of control.  She had 5 puppies, one of which didn't make it.  She knew from the start it was a no hoper!  She was so in tune with me' often she would do something just before asked!

She was very astute and very inteligent.  I'll never own a dog like her again; she truly was a one off.  Sadly I lost her at the age of 8, she injured her spine while playing in the garden one day.  This was many years ago, when the care facilities & drugs we now take for granted weren't around.

Such a character!  Loved by all that knew her.

JP

Thank you very very much for taking the time to reply. The dog would be for my sister and family they have a  shortlist of a min poodle or CKCS  the dog would not come home until next year. Thank you, for replying. Are you aware of any difference character wise in the colours they would be sticking with white or black

None that I know of.  Mine was black but the lighter skin dog is more susceptible to skin
disorders as was the case then!

I own a white dog now and sure enough his skin is begining to change and  become problematic.  I guess it goes with territory.

That is no reason to not choose a light coloured dog.

Character is formed partly by the owner and the way the dog is raised, just like our children
Put guide lines in place from the start routine and truly care for them; they will do the rest.

Regards J.P.

We had miniature poodles when I was growing up and they are lovely dogs.  I used to walk ours when I was about 13 14 years old.  They are very intelligent and very loyal and great fun.  We used to have our cut in the lamb cut and groom him once or twice a week to ensure no matting.

I know have a CKCS who is an absolute delight too but sheds a lot despite lots of grooming.  I would recommend both dogs. 

I currently have 2 miniature poodles , 8yrs and 10 months. They are known for their intelligence and they are very adept at agility, some people say second only to the collies. Their intelligence makes it easy to train them and teach tricks. They need to be clipped every 6-8 weeks, as they don't moult - a great asset.

On the downside, they can be highly strung, but if you buy from a reputable breeder, this shouldn't be a problem. They are prone to eye problems, you must make sure parents and ideally grandparents are PRA clear. Also, because of their hairy ears, you need to check them regulalrly for ear infections.

We have owned both dogs and bitches, and have found the bitches better natured.

If you do decide to go ahead, please make sure you buy from a breeder with good bloodlines and recommended by breed club, there are some less careful breeders around, who should be avoided. Finally, black is the easiest colour to get hold of, others are bred less frequently and you may have to wait 2 years or more for some of the other colours from good breeders.