Group 9 · Companion dogs
Poodle (Miniature)
Small Poodles are clever, playful companion dogs, very eager to learn, with a curly coat that sheds little. They are sportier than their size suggests and need regular clipping.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Dwerg poedel by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PNPLA1: c.1445_1447delins TACTACTA
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC13A1: c.99+3353_*56671del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Dwerg poedel, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT), Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), Patellar luxation (PT), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Poodle needs daily exercise and mental work; the larger sizes love long walks and swims. Its curly coat keeps growing and needs regular brushing and clipping every few weeks to months.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Poodle is very clever and sensitive and quickly picks up what you teach it, including what you teach it without meaning to. It is strongly attached to its family and gets bored with too little to do. It is no ornament but a versatile working dog that enjoys dog sports. Each size has its own breeding programme: ask for the examination results of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
