Poodle (Miniature)
POO-dul
Agile, Smart, Faithful, Lively. Originally bred for truffle hunting and companionship.
An adult Poodle (Miniature) weighs 10-15 lbs (male) or 10-15 lbs (female), needs 300-590 calories daily, and lives 10-18 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is patellar luxation. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Poodle (Miniature) needs 300 to 590 calories per day. An average male (12 lbs / 5.7 kg) needs around 440 kcal; a female (12 lbs / 5.7 kg) roughly 440 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Poodle (Miniature). For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Poodle (Miniature) benefits from this with a life expectancy of 10-18 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
45-60 minutes of daily exercise. More active than many people expect. Excels at obedience and agility. As a sporting breed, the Poodle (Miniature) was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Poodle (Miniature) is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Poodle (Miniature)s have a dense, curly, non-shedding coat. Origin: Germany/France.
Same intelligence as Standard Poodles in a smaller package. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Often used in designer crossbreeds (Cockapoo, Maltipoo, etc.) for their non-shedding coat and intelligence.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
The Poodle (Miniature) responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for Poodle (Miniature) owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Poodle (Miniature) requires between 300 and 590 calories daily. A 12-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily works well for most small breeds. Avoid free-feeding, as many small dogs will overeat when food is constantly available. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
The Poodle (Miniature) standard is 10-15 lbs (4.5–6.8 kg) for both males and females.5–6.8 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
Patellar luxation is the primary health concern vets flag for Poodle (Miniature)s. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in this size range. Maintaining a lean weight reduces stress on the knee joint. Moderate, consistent exercise strengthens the surrounding muscles. Severe cases may require surgical correction. Other conditions seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, legg-calve-perthes disease, epilepsy. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Count on 45 to 60 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Poodle (Miniature) balanced. Good activities for this breed include moderate walks, play sessions, training games. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. An under-exercised Poodle (Miniature) will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026