Looking for a classic breed that has stood the test of time?
Look no further than Black Miniature Poodles!
Black miniature poodles are a sophisticated breed with a striking black coat. Weighing 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, they have a 12-18 year lifespan. Recognized by the AKC, these poodles have black-colored points, including black-colored noses, eye-rims, lips, toenails, and very dark eyes.
These lovable pups have been a popular choice among dog owners for generations, thanks to their playful personalities and stunning, black coats.
But what else makes Black Miniature Poodles such a beloved breed?
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about owning a Black Miniature Poodle.
From their unique traits and characteristics to their history and care requirements, we’ll cover it all.
Black Miniature Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Miniature
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Black
- Average Price: $2265
- Price Range: $1525 to $2950
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
- Coat: Curly, Long
- Rarity: Common
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Exercise: >30 minutes
- Personality: Intelligent, Versatile, Eager to Please, Active, Energetic, Confident, Agile, Loyal, Shy, Sharp
- Traits: Intelligent, Highly Energetic, Non-Aggressive, Decent with other dogs, Good with children, Highly affectionate with family members, Low Shedding (Hypoallergenic), Require Regular Grooming, Less Likely to Drool, Highly Playful, Highly Trainable, Very Vocal, Needs a lot of Mental & Physical Stimulation, Highly Open to Meeting New People
What Are Black Miniature Poodles?
Black miniature poodles are one of the most popular colors in the breed, second only to white.
According to Mackey J. Irick Jr, the author of “The New Poodle,” black is the dominant color in poodles, and when a dominant black is mated with any of the other colors, all the puppies will be black.
Irick emphasizes the importance of breeding jet blacks to jet blacks to keep the coat dense and inky jet black. However, this is rarely done outside of European countries where it is obligatory.
The admixture of any other color can cause shading or fading of the coat.
Black poodles should have a distinct bluish cast to their skin, and the coat should be deep, intense, and glowing black.
The eyes should be very dark, almost black, and the eyerims, lips, nose, and toenails should be black as well. Mrs. Hoyt, the author of “The Book of the Poodle,” notes that some black strains carry a brown gene, which causes browns to appear occasionally in an otherwise black litter.
Such browns usually carry very dark eyes and pigmentation.
Breeding black to brown is safe, as long as only one brown cross is made, and it will not affect the purity of the black color.
However, if a second brown cross is made, it may result in light eyes.
On the other hand, breeding black to white may improve the black coat, but it’s best to breed to a good-coated black from a line of good-coated blacks.
According to both authors, gray, blue, and silver crosses in a black strain are fatal for soundness of color and are most difficult to breed out.
They leave a grayish shading in the coat and should never be used.
It’s also essential to note that almost all blacks fade to some degree over time, and it’s rare to find a true jet black at ten years of age.
Black Miniature Poodle History
The Miniature Poodle is a special breed with a long and fascinating history that is closely linked to the Standard Poodle.
Both breeds are actually varieties of the same breed, which has been around for over six centuries.
It’s unclear whether the Standard Poodle came first or whether various sizes of Poodles were evolved simultaneously according to human needs.
What is known is that the Standard Poodle was likely bred as a water fowl retriever in Germany, and the name “Poodle” comes from the German word “pudel,” which means to splash in water.
Some people believe that the Poodle is a descendant of the French Barbet, and it has been proclaimed the national dog of France.
Regardless of its origin, the Poodle quickly became one of the most popular dogs in Continental Europe, with paintings of dogs identical to Poodles originating in Germany as early as the 15th to 16th century.
In the 18th century, the Standard Poodle was the principal pet dog in Spain, while Toy Poodles were found in many royal households in France during the same period.
The Miniature Poodle was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that Miniature Poodles gained widespread popularity in the United States.
Today, Miniature Poodles are beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and adorable appearance.
They are a versatile breed that excels in many areas, including as therapy dogs, agility competitors, and loving companions.
At one time, Miniature Poodles were trained to perform in circuses and street shows. However, these practices have been banned because of the cruel methods used for training.
Nowadays, these little dogs are mostly kept as cherished pets.
Black Miniature Poodle Temperament
Miniature Poodles are a breed that makes wonderful pets due to their lovable and playful temperament.
They are highly trainable and amongst some of the most intelligent breeds of dogs.
Miniature Poodles are easy to train and excel in obedience, agility, and even therapy work.
These dogs are very energetic and require regular exercise, so they’ll benefit from going on walks or having playtime in a yard.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become hyperactive and restless.
A bored Miniature Poodle may start to chew on things they shouldn’t or even become destructive.
Although Miniature Poodles are not guard dogs, they make great watchdogs.
They can alert you in case of an intruder by barking loudly but do not expect them to guard your home.
Miniature Poodles are social animals and love to be around people, so they are not ideal for homes where they’ll be left alone for long periods of time.
They thrive in households where they receive lots of love and attention.
Another great trait of Miniature Poodles is that they get along well with children.
They are patient and gentle with kids, which makes them great family dogs.
Miniature Poodles can also be affectionate with strangers once they get to know them.
Are Black Miniature Poodles Rare?
Black is actually the dominant color in poodles, meaning that when a dominant black poodle is bred with any other color, all the puppies will be black.
However, breeding for a pure, non-fading black coat can be a bit tricky.
According to Mackey J. Irick Jr in “The New Poodle,” the magic formula for maintaining an inky jet black coat is to breed jet blacks to jet blacks and never allow the admixture of any other color.
However, outside of European countries where this is obligatory, this is not always consistently done, leading to some fading of the coat color.
Breeding black miniature poodles with other colors such as blue, gray, or silver can cause unsightly grayish shading in the coat and should be avoided.
On the other hand, crossing black with brown is safe as long as it is done sparingly and not too close together.
However, if a second brown cross is made into the black line, light eyes may be the result.
Despite the fading factor, black miniature poodles are still a popular color both in the show ring and with the public.
In fact, next to white, black is the most popular color in the show ring. It is also the easiest color to breed successfully for both type and money.
While it may be difficult to maintain a pure, non-fading black coat, black miniature poodles are not considered rare.
In fact, they are a common color in the poodle family and can be found in many reputable breeding programs.
So, if you’re looking for a stunning and elegant companion, a black miniature poodle might just be the perfect fit for you.
Are Black Miniature Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a black miniature poodle on your mind.
But are black miniature poodles really hypoallergenic?
No, they are not!
Let me explain.
According to a study conducted by the researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, there were no findings that could support the claim that households with hypoallergenic dogs had fewer allergens as compared to homes with non-hypoallergenic dogs.
So why is it a widely accepted ‘fact’ that black miniature poodles are hypoallergenic dogs and they don’t trigger any allergies?
Here are a few theories as to why that may be.
Miniature poodles have hair instead of fur.
The main difference between dogs that have fur and dogs such as miniature poodles that have hair is the fact that fur is denser, grows quickly, and sheds often.
Whereas a poodle’s hair grows out very slowly, which means they shed far less than dogs with fur.
Unlike breeds that have fur instead of hair, such as Huskies and German Shepherds who are known for shedding a lot – miniature poodles don’t shed nearly as much.
Notice I said ‘don’t shed nearly as much’ instead of ‘poodle don’t shed at all’ – this is exactly the part that breeders fail to mention.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
In fact, allergies are one of the top six chronic illnesses causing conditions in America.
Given how popular miniature poodles are, some breeders see it as an opportunity to cash in by stretching the truth to sell more puppies.
Like saying Miniature Poodles don’t shed a single hair or are totally hypoallergenic when that just isn’t fair to anyone who’s thinking about adding a Miniature Poodle to their family.
While black miniature poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, there are no previous allergy studies that could confirm this claim.
So, if you or someone you live with suffers from an allergy, I highly recommend talking to a qualified medical professional to get their opinions before welcoming your new furry friend to your family.
How Big Do Black Miniature Poodles Get?
You can tell a miniature poodle from their larger counterpart, the standard poodle, by size.
Black miniature poodles are 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 to 15 pounds.
Miniature poodles are small dogs, which means they can adapt well to small spaces like apartments and houses with a small yards.
Here’s a chart to show you how big a black miniature poodle will get and how fast they grow up.
| Miniature Poodle Age | Height |
|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | 4 to 5 inches |
| 4 Months | 7 to 10.5 inches |
| 6 Months | 9 to 13 inches |
| 8 Months | 9.3 to 14.5 inches |
| 12 Months | 10 to 14.8 inches |
| 16 Months | 10 to 15 inches |
It’s important to remember that according to AKC’s standard for miniature poodles, there are no restrictions on the weight of these dogs.
Here’s a table to help you get an idea about how much a black miniature poodle weighs as they grow up.
| Miniature Poodle Age | Miniature Poodle Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 2 Months | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 4 Months | 4 to 6 pounds |
| 6 months | 6 to 9 pounds |
| 8 months | 7 to 10 pounds |
| 10 months | 8 to 12 pounds |
| 12 months | 9 to 13 pounds |
| 16 months | 10 to 15 pounds |
You can use this information to make sure your black miniature poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
Similarly, it’s also important to make sure that they don’t become underweight.
Being underweight can be a sign of underlying health issues, and it can also lead to malnutrition and weakness.
How Long Do Black Miniature Poodles Live?
If you’re considering getting a black miniature poodle, you might be wondering how long they live.
The good news is that black miniature poodles tend to have a long lifespan. In fact, they can live on average of 12 to 18 years, which is longer than many other dog breeds.
Interestingly, miniature poodles typically live longer than standard poodles.
According to a study done on 74 different dog breeds in North America, “large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly”.
While there are many factors that can affect a dog’s lifespan, size is definitely one of them.
If you want your black miniature poodle to live a long, healthy life, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure to brush their teeth daily to prevent teeth extraction and maintain their longevity and quality of life. Just like with humans, good oral hygiene is important for dogs.
You can also provide mental stimulation through puzzles and nose work to tire them out and make them happy.
Dogs are happy when they’re tired, and sometimes a mental workout is as good as a physical one.
Supplementing their diet with whole foods such as hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and carrots can also help avoid monotony in their diet.
Exercise is also important.
Aim for at least 40 minutes of activity each day to keep them healthy and happy. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous!
Even simple walks that let your pup sniff around and explore can count as exercise.
Another fun option is to take your dog to Sniff Spots – these are designated areas where your mini friend can run around off-leash and play to their heart’s content.
It’s a great way to provide them with some extra stimulation and exercise.
Engage in hiking to provide physical and mental stimulation, which results in a happy dog for the rest of the day.
Finally, enrich your dog’s life by finding small ways to make them happier, and healthier, and deepen the bond between you two.
Dogs are social animals and enjoy being around their human family, so spend time with them, play with them, and love them.
With a little bit of effort and attention, you can help your black miniature poodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Do Black Miniature Poodles Change Color?
It’s a common misconception that black poodles may change color, but it’s important to understand the difference between a true black poodle and other colors like blue or silver.
Many breeders may mistakenly register blues as blacks, leading to confusion among owners who may think their black poodle is “bad” when in fact it is a blue.
Blues may even be born black and only reveal their true color as they mature.
Blues have a dark gun metal grey color as they “clear” and their coat matures, while blacks should have an inky jet black coat with a distinct bluish cast to the skin.
One way to tell the difference between a blue and a black poodle is to compare them side by side.
Blues may have white or silver colored hair between their pads and brown highlighting of the black hair. In the sunlight or flash photography, a blue may look dark brown in color.
While black poodles are the dominant color in the breed, it’s important to note that many black strains may carry a brown gene that causes browns to appear occasionally in an otherwise black litter.
Blue, gray, and silver crosses in a black strain are considered fatal for soundness of color and are not recommended for breeding.
Overall, black miniature poodles should maintain their inky jet black coat as they age if they are bred consistently with other jet blacks and not mixed with other colors.
So, if you’re a black miniature poodle owner, you can rest assured that your pup’s coat should stay as beautiful as it is for years to come!
Are Black Miniature Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a black miniature poodle-owner, you want your furry friend to be healthy and happy!
They have an average lifespan of 12-18 years, which is pretty long for a dog.
To make sure your poodle stays healthy, there are a few things you can do:
- Visit the vet regularly – Two times a year is recommended. This way, your vet can keep an eye on your poodle’s health and catch any issues early on.
- Consider health insurance – If your poodle gets sick or injured, it’s helpful to have insurance so it’s not a financial burden. Some insurance plans even cover routine vet visits, which is a bonus.
- Stay on top of vaccinations – There are core vaccines that all poodles need, like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Then there are non-core vaccines that may be needed depending on where you live and the threats to your dog. Talk to your vet to figure out what’s best for your poodle.
- Give your poodle a check-up – Regularly check your poodle’s body, legs, paw pads, ears, eyes, and so on. This way, you can spot any issues and get them treated early on.
It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the routine, it’s not so bad. And the peace of mind of knowing your poodle is healthy is worth it!
Black Miniature Health Issues
Black miniature poodles are adorable, but even the best-looking ones aren’t perfect – health-wise, that is.
Every dog breed has their own set of health concerns and the black miniature poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues miniature poodles are prone to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Hydrocephalus
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- Bloating (GDV)
- Epilepsy
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Apart from these health conditions, a black miniature poodle can also develop other health issues such as ear infections, skin irritation, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues.
These are all the major and common health conditions that can affect a black miniature poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Black miniature poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
How Much Does a Black Miniature Poodle Cost?
The price of a Black miniature poodle ranges from $1525 to $2950. On average, a Black miniature poodle costs $2265, but the price varies based on different factors such as their gender, breeder’s reputation, vaccination status, registration status, health testing, and other factors.
First of all, you might notice that male miniature poodles tend to cost a bit less than females. This is because females can be used for breeding, which makes them more valuable.
The cost of a black miniature poodle can also vary depending on where you live.
Prices can be higher or lower depending on the demand and availability of puppies in your area.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the puppy is registered or not.
On average, registered miniature poodles can cost about $600 more than non-registered ones.
This is because registered dogs come with documentation proving their pedigree and lineage.
If you’re looking for a high-quality miniature poodle, you might also consider a champion-sired puppy.
These puppies are generally more expensive than those that are not champion-sired.
This is because the parents of champion-sired puppies have proven to be exceptional in dog shows and competitions.
Lastly, the cost of vaccinations can also affect the price of a black miniature poodle.
On average, vaccinated puppies can cost about $900 more than non-vaccinated ones.
This is because vaccinations are important for keeping your new pup healthy and protected against diseases.
So, there you have it!
The cost of a black miniature poodle can vary based on a few different factors.
Keep these in mind as you search for your new furry friend, and remember that the most important thing is finding a healthy and happy pup that fits into your family.
