If you’re a fan of Miniature Poodles, chances are you’ve heard of the Café au Lait variety.
Cafe-au-lait miniature poodles are a stylish breed with a unique cafe-au-lait coat. Weighing 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, they have a 12-18 year lifespan. As per AKC, they feature liver-colored noses, eye-rims, lips, dark toenails, and dark amber eyes, with natural shading variations not considered a fault.
These beautiful pups are known for their striking coat colors and outgoing personalities.
But what else sets them apart from their fellow Miniature Poodle counterparts?
In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete guide to Café au Lait Miniature Poodles.
Café au lait Miniature Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Miniature
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Café au lait
- Average Price: $2650
- Price Range: $1950 to $4050
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
- Coat: Curly, Long
- Rarity: Somewhat Rare
- 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 Café au lait Miniature Poodles?
Cafe-au-lait miniature poodles are a unique color of poodle that is often misunderstood.
The term “cafe-au-lait” is a French word that translates to “coffee with milk”.
The color of this breed is a beige tone with a gray overtone, similar to the color of khaki.
Unlike cream poodles, cafe-au-lait poodles must be born brown, and they will not be born cream in color.
The eyes of a cafe-au-lait poodle are usually dark brown, amber, or reddish-brown in color.
The eye rims, nose, lips, and toenails are a liver-brown color, with some poodles having black toenails.
The skin of the poodle can be a light pinky gray or tan, matching the hair color in a lighter tone.
It’s important to note that some common faults may occur in cafe-au-lait poodles.
They may have almost black noses, eyes, and eye rims, which is not considered correct for the breed.
They may also have darker brown ears or streaks of dark brown throughout their body. While these faults are not ideal for show purposes, they should not trouble the breeder.
While cafe-au-lait is a true color and more closely related to gray than brown, it is not a popular color among breeders.
It takes much effort to establish a line of this color, as it would be necessary to start with gray stock that carries the cafe-au-lait gene and then do considerable in-breeding.
Despite its lack of popularity, there have been some worthy champions of cafe-au-lait poodles, both in the United States and England.
Breeding cafe-au-lait poodles requires careful consideration of color genetics.
To breed away from this color, a good deep brown related to the cafe-au-lait through a deep brown ancestor is recommended.
To preserve the cafe-au-lait color, another cafe-au-lait or a gray known to produce cafe-au-laits is the best option.
Café au lait 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.
Café au lait 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 Café au lait Miniature Poodles Rare?
The answer to this question is not so straightforward. While cafe au lait is not as popular as other colors such as black, white, or apricot, it is not necessarily a rare color.
According to Mrs. Hoyt’s The New Book of the Poodle, cafe au lait is a true color that is more closely related to gray than brown.
This color is the result of a tan color with a gray overtone, resembling the color of khaki. The eyes of a cafe au lait poodle are dark brown, amber, or sometimes reddish brown.
The eye rims, nose, lips, and toenails are liver-brown, with toenails sometimes being black. The skin of a cafe au lait poodle is light pinky gray or tan to match the hair in a lighter tone.
While cafe au lait is a true color, it is not as popular as other colors. As a result, there are not many breeders who specialize in breeding cafe au lait miniature poodles.
Mrs. Hoyt mentions that there is no known line of cafe-au-laits because it is not a popular color. However, there have been some very worthy champions, both in the United States and in England.
One notable champion was Champion Cajus v Sadowa, and another was Miss M. Ruelle Kelchner’s Champion Hollycourt Toisin d’Or, a true cafe-au-lait in color.
Cafe au lait miniature poodles may not be as rare as some other colors, but they are not as common as black, white, or apricot miniature poodles. It is important to note that many breeders confuse cafe au lait with cream, which is not correct.
A true cafe-au-lait poodle must be born brown and have the correct pigment. Puppies with a cream color and incorrect pigment are not cafe-au-laits.
In conclusion, cafe au lait miniature poodles are not a rare color, but they are not as popular as other colors.
They have a unique beauty and personality that sets them apart from other colors. While it may take some effort to find a breeder specializing in cafe au lait miniature
Are Café au lait 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 café au lait miniature poodle on your mind.
But are café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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 Café au lait Miniature Poodles Get?
You can tell a miniature poodle from their larger counterpart, the standard poodle, by size.
Café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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 Café au lait Miniature Poodles Live?
If you’re considering getting a café au lait miniature poodle, you might be wondering how long they live.
The good news is that café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait miniature poodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Do Café au lait Miniature Poodles Change Color?
According to Mrs. Hoyt’s “The New Book of the Poodle”, cafe au lait poodles are born dark brown and clear to gray as gray puppies do.
As they mature, they will develop the characteristic beige, tan with a gray overtone, color that is associated with this unique color.
It’s important to note that some cafe au lait poodles may have darker brown ears or even streaks of dark brown throughout their body.
While this is a show fault, it does not necessarily indicate that the dog’s coat color will change over time.
However, there are some things that can cause changes in a poodle’s coat color, regardless of their initial color.
For example, if a poodle experiences coat loss due to disease or injury, they may develop dark spots in their coat that were not present before. The same can happen with cafe au lait poodles.
Additionally, cafe au lait poodles, like other poodle colors, may develop a strange shade of gray with age. If this occurs, it is not necessarily a fault, as long as the dog’s coat is a solid color.
In conclusion, cafe au lait poodles are born dark brown and clear to gray, and as they mature, they develop their characteristic beige, tan with a gray overtone, color.
While some changes in coat color may occur due to injury, disease, or age, these changes are not necessarily indicative of a problem with the poodle’s coat color.
With proper care and attention, your cafe au lait poodle can maintain their beautiful and unique color throughout their life.
Are Café au lait Miniature Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a café au lait 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!
Café au lait Miniature Health Issues
Café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait miniature poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Café au lait miniature poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
How Much Does a Café au lait Miniature Poodle Cost?
The price of a Café au Lait miniature poodle ranges from $1950 to $4050. On average, a Café au Lait miniature poodle costs $2650, 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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 café au lait 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.
