Temperament & behavior
Extremely intelligent, sensitive, proud. Picks up both good habits and bad ones with equal speed. Can be reserved with strangers; bonds intensely with family.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Learning tricks (genuinely)
- Water and retrieving
- Agility and puzzle games
- Being mentally busy
🚫 What they hate
- Repetition without reward
- Rough handling — they hold grudges against unfairness
- Boredom
Thinking games: trick training, hide-and-seek with toys, agility, water fetch. The easiest breed to teach a full circus routine — and they enjoy it.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Very low. The famous hypoallergenic-ish coat: hair grows like human hair, sheds minimally into itself instead of the sofa. Best choice for allergy-sensitive homes.
The tradeoff: brushing every 1–2 days and professional clipping every 4–6 weeks, or mats become painful. Budget for it.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Low-moderate; reserved rather than hostile |
| Other dogs | Low |
Rarely aggressive; more commonly aloof. Poor socialization can produce nervous nippiness in Miniatures.
Exercise needs
Standard: 60+ / Mini: 40 per day per day. Surprisingly athletic — Standard Poodles are serious running and swimming partners.
Good with…?
- Kids: Good (Standard especially)
- Other pets: Good
- First-time owners: Yes, if grooming costs are understood upfront
Health risks to know upfront
- Bloat (Standard)
- Hip dysplasia
- Addison's disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections
Is this breed right for you?
Owners who want a brilliant companion and can commit to grooming.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
