Mini Poodle Temperament

40009 Views 24 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Purley, May 24, 2010

Cdnjennga

Discussion Starter · #1 · Jul 30, 2009

I'm drawn to the mini poodle because of its size, low/ no shed status and intelligence compared to some other smaller breeds. I have met lots of minis at agility matches who have fantastic temperaments and are just what I'm looking for. Calm and friendly outside the ring, excited and happy inside the ring.

Having said that, when my mom and I recently visited a breeder with a number of poodles in outside pens they were running around and leaping like jack rabbits and basically just looked like everything the uneducated person might think the poodle to be (hysterical). To be fair, the breeder had just got back from a 2 day show and these guys probably had some energy to burn, but as I watched them leap higher than my waist I got nervous about my decision and started questioning whether the mini was right for me. This is a breeder who also told me that they don't temperament test, as their minis are all the same, so I left there feeling like they most likely didn't have the dog for me.

I have since got over my nerves and am back on the track to getting a mini poodle (obviously, as I'm here!) but I wanted to hear what your mini poodles are like. Please tell me those dogs were the exception, and I just happened to see them at a bad time! Also, is it common for mini poodle breeders not to temperament test or did I just happen to talk to one who didn't?

I'm drawn to the mini poodle because of its size, low/ no shed status and intelligence compared to some other smaller breeds. I have met lots of minis at agility matches who have fantastic temperaments and are just what I'm looking for. Calm and friendly outside the ring, excited and happy inside the ring.

Having said that, when my mom and I recently visited a breeder with a number of poodles in outside pens they were running around and leaping like jack rabbits and basically just looked...

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heather

· Registered

Joined Jul 30, 2009

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1,002 Posts

#19 · Aug 4, 2009

Poodle Lover said:
I've never owned any other poodle than a standard, but what I've noticed from meeting minis and toys is that minis can be really, really active and toys tend to be barkers. Also, if you go the toy poodle route, make sure that the breeders don't just show you the results of the patella tests, but give you the link to find it on the OFA site. Sometimes bad knees are hereditary and other times, it's due to injury. Also, have you considered contacting the poodle club of america for a breeder referral in your area? Most show breeders wait to assign puppies until they do temperament testing at 7 weeks and confirmation testing at 8 weeks.

Good luck with your search.

I agree with the barking comment ... our breeder usually has 3 adult Standards on site and 2 toys.. they all bark when I first come over, but the Standards stop as soon as I say hello, where as the little guys, just keep on barking and barking for no particular reason! They're awfully cute just a little on the loud side for me!

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