Poodle (Toy & Miniature) puppies for sale in Miami

Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, and the small sizes are no exception. Toy and Miniature Poodles are quick learners, eager to please, and very tuned in to their people. Many owners say their Poodle seems to understand every word.

They are affectionate and playful, with a proud, bouncy way of moving. Most Poodles bond closely with their family and like to be part of whatever is going on. They are alert and will let you know when someone is at the door, so expect some barking unless you teach a "quiet" cue early.

The Toy and Miniature are the same breed in different sizes. The Toy stands up to 10 inches at the shoulder and usually weighs about 4 to 6 pounds. It is delicate, often more sensitive, and does best with adults or older children. The Miniature stands about 10 to 15 inches tall and weighs about 10 to 15 pounds. It is sturdier, a bit more athletic, and usually a better match for families with school-age kids.

Because they are so smart, Poodles get bored easily. A Poodle without enough to do may invent its own fun, like barking, chewing, or learning how to open things. Give that brain a job and you will have a wonderful, well-behaved companion.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always talk with your vet about your own dog.

Toy and Miniature Poodles are often long-lived, healthy dogs, but the breed has some known problems:

• Luxating patella, or a kneecap that slips out of place, which is common in small breeds
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye disease that slowly causes blindness, along with cataracts and other eye conditions
• Addison's disease, a hormone problem where the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip problem seen in small breeds
• Dental disease, especially in Toys, whose small mouths crowd the teeth
• Epilepsy and some skin problems

Before you choose a puppy, ask what health information is available for the puppy. Useful tests include a patella (kneecap) exam, a yearly eye exam by a veterinary eye specialist, a DNA test for the prcd form of PRA, and hip checks for Miniatures.

Call your vet right away if your Poodle starts skipping or holding up a back leg, bumps into things or seems unsure in dim light, has cloudy eyes, or has vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or shaking that comes and goes. Those last signs can point to Addison's disease, which can turn into an emergency. Bad breath, red gums, or dropping food can mean dental trouble.

Many owners enroll in pet insurance while their puppy is young, before any condition becomes pre-existing. Check whether the policy covers dental care and knee surgery.

Florida has a pet lemon law that protects puppy buyers. Learn more about your rights under Florida law.

Poodles handle Miami's heat better than flat-faced breeds, but a thick, long coat holds heat and humidity. Keep the coat trimmed short in summer, walk early in the morning or after sunset, and bring water. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or stumbling.

Poodles were first bred as water retrievers, and many enjoy swimming, but small dogs tire quickly and can struggle to climb out of a pool. Teach your Poodle where the steps are, supervise all swimming, and use a dog life vest on boats and at the beach. Rinse off salt water and chlorine and dry the coat well to prevent mats and skin problems.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

Poodles have a single, dense, curly coat that sheds very little. Many people with mild allergies do well with Poodles, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with the breed before you commit.

Solid colors are the most traditional, including black, white, cream, apricot, red, brown, silver, blue, gray, and cafe au lait. Some colors, like silver and blue, are born darker and lighten as the puppy grows. Many families also love parti Poodles, which are white with patches of another color, and phantom Poodles, which have markings like a Doberman. These patterns make lovely pets, but the AKC standard only accepts solid colors in the show ring.

Merle Poodles also exist. Merle is not accepted in the AKC Poodle standard, and many breed experts believe it entered Poodle lines through crossbreeding. If you choose a merle, make sure it does not come from two merle parents, because merle-to-merle breeding can cause serious eye and hearing problems.

Your first week sets the tone. Here is a simple checklist:

• Get supplies ready: crate, bed, bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a small harness, a leash, ID tag, chew toys, a slicker brush and metal comb, and puppy pads
• For a Toy, keep a small pet playpen to keep your puppy safe from falls and big feet
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of bringing your puppy home
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine on day one: out after waking, eating, and playing
• Feed small meals often and watch for signs of low blood sugar in tiny puppies, like weakness or sleepiness
• Get your puppy used to being brushed, touched on the paws and ears, and hearing a blow dryer, so grooming visits go smoothly
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and surfaces once your vet says it is safe

• Meet them first Visit our boutique at 7272 SW 8th Street on Calle Ocho in Miami, open daily 11am to 7pm, or ask about a private showing.
• Reserve with a specialist Tap Reserve on any Poodle puppy to send a request. A Puppy Era specialist will contact you, and your puppy is reserved once your 30% deposit is received. See how reserving works.
• Pay over time Financing is available through American First Finance or Lending USA. It's a loan, not a lease, so your puppy is yours from day one. Approval and terms are set by the provider. Learn about financing.
• Delivery across the U.S Pick up in Miami, or we can arrange a flight nanny who keeps your puppy with them in the cabin, or ground transport. See delivery options.
• What comes home An official health certificate listing vaccines and dewormers, a microchip, a written notice of your rights under Florida law, a starter kit, and 10 days of food.
• You're protected Florida law covers you for 14 days for illness and 1 year for hereditary conditions. Read our health guarantee.

Raising a puppy in South Florida? Read our Miami puppy care guide. Comparing breeds? You may also like the Maltipoo, Cavapoo and Shih-Poo.

Ready to meet one? Ask us about our Poodle puppies or call 305-933-6634.