It really depends on the dog. My mini has been very chill from day one. My standard boy had no off switch and needed tons of exercise.

If you find a good high quality breeder, they should be able to match you with a puppy that has the energy level that you’re looking for.

 

Agreed. As a puppy my spoo Galen was just bonkers, and he's still higher energy than my six month old puppy, Ritter.

 

Thanks! Is Ritter a mini? So if I go with a good breeder, and ask for more laid back, a mini could fit my lifestyle ok?

 

No, Ritter is also a spoo. Spoo vs spoo. One is high energy. The other is less active.

 

Any dog can develop hyperactive behaviors, behavioral problems, etc if not provided with a proper outlet for physical and mental energy. Figuring out how much and what kind takes flexibility on your part to add (or remove) exercise, training, etc etc as needed based on the dog's behavior in the home.

It's.... not really something we can determine exactly for a non-existent dog, you know? No one will be able to tell you if the dog you wind up with will absolutely only need x-minutes of walking or will be fine with only x-minutes of playing fetch. Some dogs need more than others, even of the same breed. The closest you could probably get to a guesstimate would be talking to breeders and asking them if their dogs tend to run hyper or if they're calmer stock. Ask rescues if they have an older, calmer dog in foster.

That said, IMO a smaller dog is going to be easier to handle physically - if they get hyper and start zooming around your home, they're less likely to knock stuff over (including you). They're not going to be able to drag you out the door, or jump up and knock you over. Smaller dogs are also more easily able to expend energy indoors or in smaller yards. So in that regard, a smaller dog may be a better bet for you.

I do NOT, however, think smaller dogs have "less energy" than larger dogs - it's just not as much of an issue to have a 16 pound dog running around like a lunatic in comparison to a 50+ pound dog. So a small poodle may theoretically need just as much exercise as a larger poodle. They're just easier to handle to provide it.

I had a mini mix in a small two bedroom apartment. No yard. Minimal walking, because the area wasn't good for it. She did perfectly fine. When she wasn't napping we were playing fetch on a long line out back or in the apartment itself. She did her zoomies twice a day around the living room. We did a lot of mental activities and training. If she got hyper i could pick her up, she would calm down.

In comparison, my standard..... even with a yard and daily walks, regular hiking, etc, gets the zoomies indoors and almost knocks over my recliner. I have bruises from being run into. I'm surprised my furniture is still in one piece. Especially now that he has a puppy to play with. He played with Kiley but not to this extent, they are just... wow. Worse now that my yard is not usable (neighbors trees are suddenly producing berries and attracting lots of bees). So... i love standards and love my boys, but if you're not ready or able to do a ton with them they might be a bit too big.

 

Any dog can develop hyperactive behaviors, behavioral problems, etc if not provided with a proper outlet for physical and mental energy. Figuring out how much and what kind takes flexibility on your part to add (or remove) exercise, training, etc etc as needed based on the dog's behavior in the home.

It's.... not really something we can determine exactly for a non-existent dog, you know? No one will be able to tell you if the dog you wind up with will absolutely only need x-minutes of walking or will be fine with only x-minutes of playing fetch. Some dogs need more than others, even of the same breed. The closest you could probably get to a guesstimate would be talking to breeders and asking them if their dogs tend to run hyper or if they're calmer stock. Ask rescues if they have an older, calmer dog in foster.

That said, IMO a smaller dog is going to be easier to handle physically - if they get hyper and start zooming around your home, they're less likely to knock stuff over (including you). They're not going to be able to drag you out the door, or jump up and knock you over. Smaller dogs are also more easily able to expend energy indoors or in smaller yards. So in that regard, a smaller dog may be a better bet for you.

I do NOT, however, think smaller dogs have "less energy" than larger dogs - it's just not as much of an issue to have a 16 pound dog running around like a lunatic in comparison to a 50+ pound dog. So a small poodle may theoretically need just as much exercise as a larger poodle. They're just easier to handle to provide it.

I had a mini mix in a small two bedroom apartment. No yard. Minimal walking, because the area wasn't good for it. She did perfectly fine. When she wasn't napping we were playing fetch on a long line out back or in the apartment itself. She did her zoomies twice a day around the living room. We did a lot of mental activities and training. If she got hyper i could pick her up, she would calm down.

In comparison, my standard..... even with a yard and daily walks, regular hiking, etc, gets the zoomies indoors and almost knocks over my recliner. I have bruises from being run into. I'm surprised my furniture is still in one piece. Especially now that he has a puppy to play with. He played with Kiley but not to this extent, they are just... wow. Worse now that my yard is not usable (neighbors trees are suddenly producing berries and attracting lots of bees). So... i love standards and love my boys, but if you're not ready or able to do a ton with them they might be a bit too big.

Good point, giving advice about a hypothetical dog is pretty difficult! I'm basically trying to get some idea of mini vs standard energy levels and needs. I've had standards for years, starting with standards as family dogs when the kids were young, then eventually I trained 2 to be my service dogs. I really love standards. Each one has been different, but they all fit into my home well. Both my standards were happy to hang out with me, even when I couldn't do a lot of moving. They really loved fetching things for me, helping me walk, bracing when I needed to balance, looking for toys I hid. I can teach tasks and give mental stimulation. However, being bedbound makes it hard to give physical exercise. My son will step in there. I think a smaller dog could zoom in the house more easily that the standards could, though I did love watching the standards vault over the couch, they're so graceful! I'll have to find other ways to handle my mobility needs, but a mini seems like a better fit for fetching things and hanging out. I just want to give whatever dog I get the right home.

 

I can only give my experience which is with 7 miniature poodles over more than 50 years. I'm always mystified by the Energizer Bunny references. I've never had one like that.

My boys are now over 4 years old and since they left puppy stage behind, this is what their day is like. The days of my poodles before were much the same.

They get up with my husband around 9a.
They go out for their morning business and all three of them spend maybe 15-20 minutes hanging out, maybe chasing balls thrown, and mostly just wandering the yard, investigating.
After they come back in, they basically snooze til they decide that I need to get up around 11:30am.
I fix their first meal, they eat, then we spend 10-15m performing "The Poodle Brothers Flying Circus" where we go over their learned tricks and sometimes work on something new.
They go back out again for another 10-15m, with company or supervision.
They come back in and snooze some more.
Depending on the time of year and the weather that day, our walk of just under a mile is either before dinner or after. Neo is in your face adamant about that walk, but that's the only time he gets that way.
Dinner is about 6/7pm.
We usually spend a bit more time out in the backyard after coming back from the walk, chasing balls or they get to zooming and chase each other.
After dinner and outside time, they're snoozing again til bedtime which is anytime from 10:30p on.

Every day isn't exactly the same. They're out in the backyard several more times a day or we go somewhere and take them with. It's a pretty restful life for us all.

Having a fenced, secure backyard helps a lot. They have easily 6-7 15-20m play or explore times outside every day but that doesn't require a lot of activity from us. We step outside and wander around the yard with them them most of those times.

As puppies, their activity level was higher, but that's to be expected. My experience is that poodles are pretty adaptable to the activity level of their people. It might be possible in some instances to inadvertently create adrenaline junkies if the activity level isn't managed when young. It may just be that I've been very lucky.

 

As puppies, their activity level was higher, but that's to be expected. My experience is that poodles are pretty adaptable to the activity level of their people. It might be possible in some instances to inadvertently create adrenaline junkies if the activity level isn't managed when young. It may just be that I've been very lucky.

Winnie is very similar. As a pup was obviously much more active and playful but now she is just over a year old she adapts to our level of activity in the house. When she goes for her run out she gets rid of her energy then. Back home if I am working on my laptop she chills on my lap, if we are tidying or having a clearout she wants to sniff everything and just be nosey. When I'm dealing with my elderly mum she sits on the mat and watches. When I'm hanging laundry she comes out to have a sniff around the garden. She also likes to sit on the back of the sofa and watch the world go by. When she wants to play she lets us know. I don't know if we were lucky either or if I inadvertantly trained her to take it easy, I'm no spring chicken.

 

Our mini Piper is 17-months old now. We aim for about one hour of walking per day as well as a few sessions of free play in backyard. She also has about 4 dog play dates per week that last about an hour each. She is not hyper at all and when we’re flopped on the couch she is right there with us. I will say that in my limited experience, a mini poo is definitely not a lap dog. She is more active and agile than other small dogs I know. Good luck.

 

My mini poodle Rusty is very playful and interested in everything and everyone on walks.

I take him out 3 times a day for half hour walks, mainly off lead. I also play a bit of fetch with him.

Training most days including grooming table/clippers familiarisation.

He chills when I watch tv and snoozes most of the evening. He is coming uo to six months old. Oh he does have the zoomies after each walk. Its brilliant to watch!!

 

Another way to tire any dog out is to "drain the brain" with training, or as the pup will know it, games. A mentally tired pup is just as tired as a physically tired pup, and gets great benefits from it.

Usually recommended is training the steps to qualify for a CGC whether you decide to pursue the title or not.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
Take the Test – American Kennel Club (akc.org)

Same goes for Trick Dog
AKC Trick Dog – American Kennel Club

or other sports which don't necessarily require great physical effort on the trainers part, some listed here
Versatile Poodles - Versatility In Poodles, Inc. : Versatility In Poodles, Inc. (vipoodle.org)
AKC Titles & Programs You Can Do From Home – American Kennel Club

PF members also contributed to some threads on how to exercise a dog when there are limitations of one kind or another. This is one:

A big list of ways to tire your dog without a yard

My life is so much better if Annie gets three 20+ min walks a day - but it usually doesn't happen. So I thought I'd start a big list of the ways I've found to tire out a dog, and hope someone will add to it. I'm especially interested in ways to make normal everyday activities more tiring for...

www.poodleforum.com

This forum has more

Poodle Exercise

www.poodleforum.com

 

I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you pick. You sound like a seasoned poodle parent.

 

Seasoned and a bit over the prime of life... But I think you're right, I will be so happy to have a poodle in my life again, whenever that happens.

 

Thank you all for sharing what a day is like with a mini, helps me visualize what is needed, very helpful! Rose n Poos, those are great links, thank you. I shared them with my son too. Brain work is really important, and that I can do. I will have to repair my back yard fence, there's a place that a standard wouldn't fit through, but it might be tempting to a mini.

 

Well a Standard is more work than a Mimi when your ready for a Mimi you can always get a more layed back god there not all full on ive had quieter standards than others . Ask the breeder for a quieter one & please buy from a good breeder ❤❤❤

 

I have had 2 minis, but never a standard so I can’t compare but speaking from a mini stand point I would describe them as busy but not “energizer bunny” level. My mini is 8 months and a walk, running around the back yard and some mental stimulation/training is good for her in a day. Otherwise she is happy to play by herself in the house or lay by me and chew a bone. I would agree with others who have said they are pretty good at matching their owners lifestyle. I also love the size! Not too big or too small and fragile.

 

I have 2 Standards. Pixie is 10.5 yrs now. She was a spunky pup but more serious. Never overly busy. I had her litter sister and mom and her half brother too. They were all pretty mellow. Kept each other entertained. They took after their mom. Mellow, wanted to be anywhere you were.
Now Maggie, Standard, 6 mos old can Ricochet and do zoomies at the drop of a hat. She wants to be everywhere I am but if my 9.5 mos old GR says playtime, it's go time. She needs to play even if the tongue is dragging on the ground when they go at it. Once the energy is out, a couple times a day, she mellows right down.
I had an aunt growing up with minis. They all wanted lap time. You are taking a chance either way depending on their bloodlines I do believe. And your tolerance for silliness will also be a key. Ask your breeder about temperament history in the parents, personality traits. It matters. 😊

 

I have an adult and puppy minipoo. I also had a minipoo as a child. I also had tpoo when my children were young. I have not had a spoo.

I don’t understand the “Energizer Bunny” reference at all. All my minipoos have an off switch and are couch potatoes. My puppy is from an Agility line of poodles and he clearly has drive but he still loves his naps. I do train my dogs and compete with them in dog sports. I’m not doing lots of physical activity, rather short sessions through the day.

 

Yep. I agree. Mine (SPOOs) are pretty well rounded. My GR, that is another story. 🤣

 

My Mini is now 3 1/2 and not slowing done at all. He is by far the most energetic dog we ever had - and I come from gun dog breeds. He will settle (has no choice) but he will spring into action at the drop of a pin. He is not pestering but you have the feeling he is out to prove something at everything he does. He expects to be including in every thing and holds a grudge if he has to stay behind. He is a MAJOR drama queen and divo too. I miss the more laid back nature of a larger dog. Don't get me wrong Louie can chill but somehow you feel he is still has that explosive energy that could break loose any moment.

 

This sounds like my future with Tuck lol. He’s only 16 weeks but it’s never ending energy, he’s either asleep or on overdrive. There’s no in between. If someone so much as walks in the general direction of a door without him the world ends, despite the fact that we have literally never gone anywhere and left him home 🤦🏻‍♀️

 

My almost fifteen month old mini boy is the poster boy for Energizer Bunnies! He's been that way since we got him at seven weeks old. Beautiful sunny nature, very sociable and just loves meeting new people and dogs. Because hubby and I are ancient and have big mobility problems now, he doesn't get enough walks but does spend quite a lot of time in the garden every day and often in the dark in the evening as well - all at his request. He does the most amazing zoomies around and under the house, which is raised, and runs to the fence to meet anyone passing by. He comes indoors and just flops for a while then off he goes again I wish I still had a fraction of his energy. Our previous poodles have been toys and one was another bunny, and the other a real couch potato. They all have their own personalities and energy levels. I don't think it is truly possible to label any breed as totally high or low energy - except for maybe greyhounds, which, in spite of their speed, are usually real comfort loving couch potatoes at heart

 

It's true! And greyhounds are couch potatoes! 💖

 

I once had a mini poo who was the ultimate drama queen. She once had a hypoglycemic seizure which I quickly treated with some honey. From then on, whenever she was annoyed about something, she feigned a seizure! After the first few times I figured it out and stopped giving her the reward but just picked her up and popped her into her crate, whereupon the seizure promptly ended!

A few years later I had to move to a new place that precluded my taking all my dogs. Since that mini poo spent much of her day with the boy who lived across the road, I gave her to him. I explained her fake seizures to his parents. Sure enough, the first time the father went somewhere in the car without taking Belle, she had a seizure. The mother wrapped her in a blanket and brought her to me and I demonstrated the instant cure. She lived to a great old age with that family. I'm not sure if she continued her seizure behavior or not.

 

We have a 2 year old mini who was a rescue. To me he is the perfect size for our family. He's not too big to knock over furniture or my 4 year old, he's portable and easy to take on car rides and to the vet with my kids in tow. We don't have a fenced yard yet but he loves going on walks and I never have to worry about him being strong enough to break his leash or run off. He's energetic when he wants to be an zooms around the house with my kids and plays with soft toys but also loves to snuggle up and nap the day away. I'm not disabled but I do have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia so I know that I would have my hands full with a bigger dog. There's no way I could get a spoo in my car if one of my arms decided not to function that day lol. I always said I was a big dog person but I can't imagine life without our little 14lb fluff ball lol.