Mychelle Klose - Miniature Poodle

Dogs are very devoted, loyal and great friends with their owners. When you come home you can see the delight from your dog. He is so happy to see you. He loves to do anything you want to do even if it is just vegging on the couch. Owning a dog is a big commitment. You are responsible for this little bundle of fur for a long time. You have to feed him, train him, take him to the vet and make sure he stays healthy, keep him off the streets, keep him from disturbing the neighbors and many more responsibilities. Dog ownership is a long term financial and emotional commitment for up to 18 years with some breeds.

Is your lifestyle able to include a dog? Are you home enough to look after a dog? All dogs are different and you have to make sure that you get a dog that will fit into your lifestyle. If you are a runner you probably wont want a couch potato dog. If you dont like to vacuum dont get a dog that sheds a lot.

Decide what characteristics that you want in a dog. You have to decide on what size of dog you want, his temperament, guard dog or lap dog, energy level, how easy is he to train and how much grooming he will need. If you have picked the wrong dog and it doesnt fit into your lifestyle or family he could end up in an animal shelter looking for a new home. I am sure this is not what you want. Choose your dog carefully.

Miniature Poodles

Dog Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 15-17lbs

Height: Miniature - 28-38 cm. (11-15 inches) at the shoulder

Life Span: 11.5 to 15 years

Colors - Most Poodles are solid colors. Poodles come in a wide variety of colors. White, Black, Blue, Gray, Silver, Brown, Caf au Lait, Silver Beige, Apricot, Red, Cream, Sable, Phantom and Brindle.

The Miniature Poodle is a medium sized dog. It is identical to the Standard Poodle except for size. For more than 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club, the Poodle has ranked in the top 10 registered breeds. It should have an elegant balanced appearance. Most Poodles are long legged dogs. They carry themselves in a proud dignified manner. The poodle is a very active, intelligent dog. The dog should have a square appearance. The length of the body should measure the same as the height from the shoulders to the ground. The body is lean and muscular. The spine is level. The head is held high in a regal position and the neck is long and muscular. The oval shaped eyes should be dark and either black or brown. The eyes have an alert, intelligent expression. The ears hang close to the head, they are long and flat and are set about eye level. The feet are oval shaped and there is a skip to their step. The tail is sometimes docked to half its length. The coat is either curly or corded and should have a harsh texture. The coat does not shed and is considered hypoallergenic. The corded coat is rarely found in the United States.

Poodles have a single layer coat. It is dense and curly and sheds minimally. They could be considered hypoallergenic. They should be brushed daily to prevent matting. A Poodle should be groomed every six to eight weeks.

The Miniature Poodle is very good natured and is excellent with children. All children should be taught how to respect a dog. No sitting on it and no ear pulling.This dog is highly intelligent and is one of the most trainable breeds. It is ranked the second most intelligent breed of dog. Some have been trained to work in a circus. They do tend to be high strung if they are not given enough exercise. Sometimes they can get Small Dog Syndrome in which they believe that they are the alpha dog over humans. Do not allow this to happen. It can make them sensitive and nervous and not trustworthy with children and strangers. Socialize them well and let them meet new people, dogs and other pets and accustom them to loud noises. Let them know that you are the boss. This dog makes a great playmate for children and just loves to be with their family. They have a really strong bond with their families that will last through out their lifetime. They are very energetic and get bored easily but they make people laugh on purpose. They are known to get into mischief when bored. Poodles love to be in the center of things. They crave for attention. They can not live outside in a kennel. They enjoy being with their family and do not like to be alone. Do not leave them alone for long periods of time. They get bored and then get into mischief. This dog needs to know that you are the pack leader. Poodles need to be walked daily and can easily live in an apartment. This is an indoor dog.