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If you think a Miniature Poodle is just a smaller version of the Standard Poodle - you’d be right! The Miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle are almost identical in their physical characteristics, their temperament, their needs and their incredible intelligence. The only difference is in their size.

The Miniature Poodle stands about eleven to fifteen inches tall at their withers (the highest point of the shoulder.) They only average about fifteen to seventeen pounds, compared to a Standard’s average of fifty to sixty pounds

The miniature Poodle is between eleven and fifteen inches high at the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and is only about fifteen to seventeen pounds. In comparison, a Standard Poodle is at least fifteen inches in height and weighs an average of fifty pounds.

Miniature Poodles have the same body types and facial expressions and attitudes of their larger Poodle brothers and sisters. They possess lean and athletic bodies underneath the enormous coats. They are built more like small hounds, with a pointed nose, a profile officially described as chiseled, a rounder forehead than regular hounds and floppy rounded ears that naturally seem to hug the head. Their eyes are usually dark, but lighter colored eyes do occur, although not in show quality Miniature Poodles. They have a scissors bite, which is used just on food and toys.

The topline, or the spine, of the Miniature Poodle should be level, with the legs all evenly proportioned to the body. The head and tail are naturally held high. Some Miniature Poodles will have docked tails - some won’t. Some will have dewclaws, and some won’t. When they trot normally, they should have a noticeable bounce in their step. A shelter dog might be too scared to walk normally for you, though.

All official Poodle information says that the Miniature Poodle is solid colored only, but pet quality animals may have two colors on the same body. Their trot is lively and they seem to always be looking around for admirers. This is a dog that loves the paparazzi (or should I say, pupperazzi?) Poodle types are considered the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, just after the Border Collie.

The breed standard for any dog breed is an ideal representation of the breed, not necessarily based on any living example. But the breed standards can act as a good general guide for identifying dogs in shelters.

Miniature Poodles are a pretty distinctive breed, and usually are easily and accurately identified by even newbie shelter volunteers. Miniature Poodles, no matter what they look like, will make wonderful pets.