Gray miniature poodles, also known as silver miniature poodles, are a unique and striking breed of dog with a color that sets them apart from other poodle breeds.
Gray miniature poodles are an alluring breed with a distinctive gray 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, meaning they have black-colored noses, eye-rims, lips, toenails, and very dark eyes.
In this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of gray miniature poodles, including their history, characteristics, and care requirements.
Gray Miniature Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Miniature
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Gray
- Average Price: $3210
- Price Range: $2475 to $3175
- 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 Gray Miniature Poodles?
Gray miniature poodles, also known as silver miniature poodles, are a distinctive and highly sought-after breed of dog.
With their even, solid gray coat and dark eyes, nose, and toenails, gray miniature poodles are a striking sight.
While lighter shades of gray are sometimes referred to as “silver,” a true gray miniature poodle should be lighter than an elephant but darker than a Bedlington Terrier.
These dogs have a skin tone that is compatible with their hair color, typically a gray tone that can be almost black.
However, not all gray miniature poodles are the same. The color of these dogs can vary considerably, with some being quite dark and others very light.
Even tones that are not entirely even are not considered a fault.
However, dogs with oyster-white coloring are not considered acceptable in the show ring, and breeders should avoid breeding these dogs together.
Gray miniature poodles may also have darker hairs throughout their coat, brown or hazel eyes, or brown hairs scattered throughout the coat.
Breeding gray miniature poodles can be challenging, as gray is recessive to black and requires careful selection of breeding pairs.
However, some excellent gray lines exist, such as the family stemming from Whippendell Mouflon Bleu.
While gray miniature poodles are popular with pet owners, they are not always as popular in the show ring, as they may not have the dramatic impact of other colors.
In terms of care requirements, gray miniature poodles need regular grooming and attention to maintain their distinctive coat.
They also require exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
While gray miniature poodles may not be as common as other poodle breeds, their unique coloring and charming personalities make them a beloved choice for many dog owners.
Gray 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.
Gray 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 Gray Miniature Poodles Rare?
Gray miniature poodles are one of the many coat colors available in this breed.
While not as common as black or white, gray poodles are still relatively easy to find.
According to Mrs. Hoyt’s “Book of the Poodle”, gray poodles can be obtained by breeding gray to gray or even to a black relation related on the gray side.
While it may be a little more difficult to breed good standard gray poodles due to fewer available options, it is easier with miniature poodles as there are so many related grays.
Gray miniature poodles should be a solid, even gray, lighter than an elephant but darker than a Bedlington Terrier.
The lighter shades of gray are often called “Silver.” The eyes should be very dark, almost as dark as the eyes of a white poodle.
Eye rims, lips, nose, and toenails should be black, and the skin should be compatible with the tone of the hair, a gray tone, but can be almost black.
While gray miniature poodles are not as popular in the show ring as black, white, or even brown poodles, they are loved by the public as they are a striking and unique color.
Gray poodles are considered harder to breed than other colors, but they are not considered rare.
However, it is important to note that a gray poodle with a pale oyster-white coat color, which is considered a fault in the show ring, should be avoided for breeding purposes as it is a recessive color that may not be inherited by the puppies.
Are Gray 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 gray miniature poodle on your mind.
But are gray 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 gray 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 gray 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 Gray Miniature Poodles Get?
You can tell a miniature poodle from their larger counterpart, the standard poodle, by size.
Gray 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 gray 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 gray 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 gray 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 Gray Miniature Poodles Live?
If you’re considering getting a gray miniature poodle, you might be wondering how long they live.
The good news is that gray 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 gray 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 gray miniature poodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Do Gray Miniature Poodles Change Color?
Gray Miniature Poodles are known for their solid, even gray coat that is lighter than an elephant but darker than a Bedlington Terrier.
The color is often described as a pale blue tone, somewhat like a platinum mink.
The eyes, eye rims, lips, nose, and toenails are black, and the skin is compatible with the tone of the hair, a gray tone, but can be almost black.
Gray Miniature Poodles are not known to change color drastically over time.
However, they are born black, although not a deep intense black, but rather a mousy tone. In about three to four weeks, the hair around the muzzle and eyes turns gray at the roots.
By six weeks, the roots of all the hair should be gray, and by two months of age, even the hair along the top of the back should show gray at the roots.
If it does not, the puppy may not clear to a proper color, and it should not be considered for show purposes or for breeding grays.
At six months, a good colored gray may still be somewhat streaky in color, with dark hairs still in the gray, but it will be a definite gray.
By one year, it should have “cleared” completely, becoming a solid, even shade of gray.
In buying a gray puppy as young as two months, you can be sure that it will clear if the gray around the muzzle and eyes is a clear true shade of gray, if the gray is already showing vividly on the legs, and if there are some faint signs at the roots of the body coat of this same color.
It is worth noting that some grays may have many darker hairs throughout the coat, particularly on the back and ears, which is a minor show fault provided the black is not so numerous as to constitute streaks and patches. If the latter, it is a disqualification.
Such dogs may also have brown hairs scattered throughout the coat, which is a fault in the show ring if there are enough to give a “pepper and salt” appearance.
If there is enough tan to cause spots, it is a fault to the breeder. However, these minor faults do not affect the dog’s overall color.
Are Gray Miniature Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a gray 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!
Gray Miniature Health Issues
Gray 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 gray 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 gray 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 gray miniature poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Gray miniature poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
How Much Does a Gray Miniature Poodle Cost?
The price of a Gray miniature poodle ranges from $2475 to $3175. On average, a Gray miniature poodle costs $3210, 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 gray 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 gray 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 gray 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.
