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Pet Insurance for Miniature Poodles

Find out all about Miniature Poodles, and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 27th, 2023       

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Price range

$2,000 –$6,000

Height

14cm - 35cm

Weight

3.5kg - 4.5kg

Personality

Intelligent, active, alert

Coat length

Short, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Medium

Kid-friendly?

Depends on size

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Miniature Poodle

Overview

The Miniature Poodle has a long history dating back to the early 17th Century, although the exact origin of the Poodle breed is disputed. It probably originated from either France or Germany, where it was used as a water retrieving dog. French circuses are credited for breeding down their size from the Standard Poodle, when they were frequently used to entertain the crowds. Smaller dogs were easier to transport, so they were bred smaller and smaller. They are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train to perform circus tricks. 

Modern-day Miniature Poodles come in three different sizes, ‘standard’ miniatures, toys and teacup poodles. However, the breed specifications for these sizes vary around the world, and some kennel clubs do not recognise teacup poodles. Generally, Standard Poodles are regarded as between 45cm and 62cm high, Medium Poodles between 35cm and 45cms, Miniature Poodles between 28cm and 35cm, and Toy Poodles between 24cm and 28cm. Any poodle-like dog standing less than 24cm may be considered a teacup variety, with some tiny teacup poodles standing between 16cm and 20cm, weighing less than 2kg! These tiny miniature dogs are not recommended for families with young children due to their size and fragility.  

What all these sizes of poodles have in common is that they have a tight curly coat that usually doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic. They are highly intelligent dogs, known for being friendly and easy to train. They bond strongly to one person, and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone too long. They require a moderate amount of exercise for their size, and are highly inquisitive and like to be kept mentally stimulated.  

Common diseases and conditions of Miniature Poodles

  • Addison’s Disease: A deficiency of hormones made by the adrenal glands. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, it can cause poor appetite and lethargy, but it is a treatable condition if detected early.
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health. 
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is a potential issue with all toy breeds of dog, as they don’t have the fat reserves to supply adequate glucose in times of stress or if they are subject to heat-stress.  
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The intelligence of Miniature Poodles makes them quick learners, and they enjoy activities that challenge their minds. However, if they are not given sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they can bark excessively and become possessive of their toys and living space, making them less agreeable to sharing that space with other pets.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Miniature Poodle?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Miniature Poodles

Are all Miniature Poodles hypoallergenic?

Yes, Miniature Poodles are considered hypoallergenic due to their minimal shedding and low dander production. However, the extent to which they are hypoallergenic will vary according to their breeder. This does make Poodles a suitable choice for people with dog allergies. 

How much exercise do Miniature Poodles need daily?

Miniature Poodles are an active breed and require regular exercise. They typically need around 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day to stay healthy and happy. 

Do Miniature Poodles get along well with other pets?

Miniature Poodles are known for their friendly and adaptable nature, making them generally good with other pets, including other breeds of dogs and cats. However, nervous or very shy poodles can become frightened of larger pets and can be vocal, or become snappy and possessive of their toys if they don’t feel secure. 

Do Miniature Poodles require professional grooming?

Yes, Miniature Poodles have a curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their appearance. Regular brushing at least weekly or more often is needed, and professional grooming is often required every six to eight weeks. 

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Miniature Poodle

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