Miniature Parti Poodles truly stand out in a crowd, don’t they?
With their unique and eye-catching coat patterns, it’s hard not to be enchanted by these vibrant little canines.
Miniature Parti poodles are a charming breed with a unique two-color coat, featuring at least 50% white and patches of other acceptable poodle colors. Weighing 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, they live for 12-18 years. Although AKC disqualifies them from conformation competition, their distinct coat patterns remain popular among enthusiasts.
In this blog post, I promise to share my deep passion and knowledge about these fascinating dogs, including their origin, appearance, and delightful temperament.
Miniature Parti Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Miniature
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Parti
- 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 Miniature Parti Poodles?
Unlike the phantom Poodle, which has a specific coloring pattern, a parti Poodle has a white base coat of more than 50% with a secondary color that can appear anywhere on the dog.
The secondary color can be any shade, such as black, brown, apricot, red, silver, or cream.
The white should be crisp and clear, while the secondary color should have clear lines without fading into the white.
However, colors may blend a lot when the Poodle is a puppy, and final colors and line clarity can be determined once the Poodle matures.
Parti Poodles are fascinating because they come in so many different colors and patterns, and no two ever look alike.
This makes breeding parti Poodles exciting for many breeders, who liken it to opening presents and never knowing what they will get.
It’s expected that many parti Poodles will have some tiny spots, usually black, that can appear on the paws or body. However, there should not be any ticking in the white hairs.
The reason why parti Poodles have such unique coloring is due to the MITF gene.
This gene causes coloring to appear in random areas, making it impossible to predict the exact pattern and landing areas of the secondary color.
Since the MITF gene is recessive to solid color, both the dam and sire must be partis to produce parti offspring.
A parti paired with a solid will most likely produce a solid.
Despite their popularity across the world, parti Poodles cannot currently be shown in AKC conformation events.
However, they are AKC registerable, with pre-designated color numbers, and can be shown in obedience and agility events.
This has caused some people to mistakenly believe that they cannot be AKC registered, but this is not true.
Many people feel that at some point in the future, parti Poodles will be able to enter into conformation events in the United States, just like they are in other countries such as Germany.
Miniature Parti 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.
Miniature Parti 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 Miniature Parti Poodles Rare?
The question of whether miniature parti poodles are rare often comes up in conversations about these unique and beautiful dogs.
While it’s true that certain colors of parti poodles can be rare due to their genetics, parti poodles as a whole are not considered rare.
In fact, they were one of the original colors of poodles, alongside black and white.
Evidence of parti-colored poodles can be found in paintings dating back to the 16th century, where they were the most common color of poodle depicted.
Parti poodles were also used as truffle hunting dogs, and their distinctive coloring made them easily recognizable in the field.
However, parti poodles faced a decline in popularity in the early to mid-1900s due to the trend of culling and not registering them.
This unethical practice tainted the true pedigree of many poodles born during this time.
Despite this, there were still admirable breeders dedicated to breeding superior original parti poodles, such as those from the Vulcan Kennels of England.
The term “parti” comes from the French word “partager,” which means “divide” or “split,” referring to the poodle’s coat color being split up into distinct patches of color.
While the term “parti” literally means “party” in many languages, this is not the origin of the term as it refers to dogs.
In conclusion, while certain colors of miniature parti poodles can be rare, parti poodles as a whole are not considered rare.
They have a rich history and have been one of the original colors of poodles for centuries.
Their unique and beautiful coloring makes them a beloved choice for many dog lovers, and their friendly and intelligent nature only adds to their appeal.
Are Miniature Parti Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a miniature parti poodle on your mind.
But are miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 Miniature Parti Poodles Get?
You can tell a miniature poodle from their larger counterpart, the standard poodle, by size.
Miniature Parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 Miniature Parti Poodles Live?
If you’re considering getting a miniature parti poodle, you might be wondering how long they live.
The good news is that miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti poodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Do Miniature Parti Poodles Change Color?
As mentioned, a parti poodle’s coat features at least 50% white with random patches of another poodle color.
This means that if a parti poodle is blue or silver, it will begin as a black poodle, and as time goes by, the coat will gradually change to the silver or blue color.
Similarly, if the parti poodle is brown, apricot, or red, its coat color may lighten or fade over time, just as it does in solid-colored poodles.
It’s important to note that the extent to which fading occurs may vary from dog to dog and is influenced by several factors.
A parti poodle with a genetic predisposition to fading may experience more fading than one without such genetics.
Also, spending too much time in the sun can accelerate fading, and frequent or aggressive grooming can stress hair follicles and lead to fading.
To minimize fading, it’s advisable to choose a parti poodle from a reputable breeder who selectively breeds to reduce fading.
Parti poodles also need to be protected from the sun by providing shade and limiting their outdoor time during peak sun hours.
It’s also crucial to be gentle with grooming to avoid stressing the hair follicles and causing fading.
Are Miniature Parti Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a miniature parti 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!
Miniature Parti Health Issues
Miniature Parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Miniature Parti poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
How Much Does a Miniature Parti Poodle Cost?
If you’re considering getting a miniature parti poodle, you’re probably wondering about the cost.
Parti poodles are a popular breed and can range in price depending on various factors such as the color, breeder, location, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the average prices for different colors of miniature parti poodles and the price range.
Apricot Miniature Parti Poodles: The average price for a white and apricot miniature parti poodle is around $2200. The price range for this color is between $1800 and $2600.
Black Miniature Parti Poodles: The average price for a white and black miniature parti poodle is about $2190. The price range for this color is between $1200 and $3000.
Brown Miniature Parti Poodles: The average price for a white and brown miniature parti poodle is approximately $2400. The price range for this color is between $2400 and $2500.
Red Miniature Parti Poodles: The average price for a white and red miniature parti poodle is quite high at around $5120. The price range for this color is between $2800 and $4500.
Silver Miniature Parti Poodles: The average price for a white and silver miniature parti poodle is around $3000. The price range for this color is between $3000 and $3000.
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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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 miniature parti 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.
