Miniature poodles - do they provide cuddles adequately?

[Anonymous]

We are experienced dog owners considering adding a miniature poodle to the family. My teen DD has adored poodles for years and I've liked the ones I've met and so am open to the idea. It looks like there are both good rescue organizations and good breeders who specialize in poodles so we could probably find one for our family without too much trouble.

My only concern is that I've heard miniature poodles described as standoffish. In our family, providing cuddles is a key pet job requirement. What has your experience been with miniature poodles? Would they provide sufficient cuddles?

[Anonymous]

Get to know the personality of the dog. You can't judge a whole breed.

[Anonymous]

I had a full bred miniature poodle growing up. He slept with us in the bed and loved to cuddle. Very smart dog.

[Anonymous]

The good thing about ethical breeders and rescue organizations is that the dogs have lived in a home with people and often other pets. You can find out how the specific dog responds to cuddling and if he/she initiates it or just tolerates it!

[Anonymous]

I don't think they're typically very cuddly dogs. If you want a cuddly one, I'd consider getting an adult rescue with a known cuddly temperament.

OP of the boxer thread here, my small boxer mix is the most cuddly dog I've ever met. Classic Velcro dog - wants as much bodily contact as possible at all times. That's pretty much the opposite dog from a mini poodle, but just throwing it out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get to know the personality of the dog. You can't judge a whole breed.

OP here, I think that breeds do tend towards certain personality traits. Yes there are individual variations but there are also strong heritable personality traits, and some dog breeds are, in general, more affectionate and cuddly than others.

My DD also likes Bichons, and while I've heard that Bichons are very cuddly, I've also heard that they are notoriously difficult to housebreak. That is a nonstarter for me. I am not having a dog that has to wear diapers in the house for its whole life! I am willing to rule out the breed on that. If you look online there is story after story of non-housebroken Bichons. That is enough for me to say no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think they're typically very cuddly dogs. If you want a cuddly one, I'd consider getting an adult rescue with a known cuddly temperament.

OP of the boxer thread here, my small boxer mix is the most cuddly dog I've ever met. Classic Velcro dog - wants as much bodily contact as possible at all times. That's pretty much the opposite dog from a mini poodle, but just throwing it out there.

OP, I love boxers! But we have a big dog already (rescue mix), and so while I'm ok adding a small dog to the family, one big dog is enough.

Good point about an adult rescue with a known cuddly temperament. There do seem to be good rescue organizations specializing in poodles.

[Anonymous]

I've had two mini-poodle mixes, and our older one who just passed this summer was super cuddly - to the point of being annoying, sometimes! She would sit on your lap all day long. When I brought her to work a few times, she'd try to sit on my lap in the office. She was the best cuddle bug ever. We don't knkow what she was mixed with, but I think it was probably shih-tzu or lhaso apso. Our younger one has a little more poodle in her, and was not as cuddly until after the older one died. Now she's thrilled to be in your lap, next to you on the couch, etc. She still needs her alone time, but it's much less since the older one passed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've had two mini-poodle mixes, and our older one who just passed this summer was super cuddly - to the point of being annoying, sometimes! She would sit on your lap all day long. When I brought her to work a few times, she'd try to sit on my lap in the office. She was the best cuddle bug ever. We don't knkow what she was mixed with, but I think it was probably shih-tzu or lhaso apso. Our younger one has a little more poodle in her, and was not as cuddly until after the older one died. Now she's thrilled to be in your lap, next to you on the couch, etc. She still needs her alone time, but it's much less since the older one passed.

Should have added that they were both rescued together and their backgrounds were not known. When we met them, the older one had a little boy poke her in the eye and she didn't flinch. I didn't have kids yet, but that was all I needed to see to know she was coming home with us.

[Anonymous]

My experience as a person plus what I've heard from those who own, is that poodles are not great personality wise, but poodle MIXES are amazing.

We have a cockapoo and she loves snuggling. Very high EQ. In general the poodle mixes I meet are friendly and will nuzzle, kiss and encourage you to pet them, and poodles are kind of bitchy. My cockapoo was bred with a mini poodle, fwiw. She's 15 lbs.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with poodles. They are not supposed to be miniature, when you breed them down like that they are more nervous, neurotic and fretful. They also yap constantly. A much better bet is a cross breed or a large poodle. They are definitely cuddly and far better tempered.

[Anonymous]

Poodles tend to like one person much more than anyone else, that person will get cuddles & followed around. The favorite will be the one that feeds, grooms, and plays with the dog the most. Also, males tend to have warmer personalities.

[Anonymous]

I've had two male poodles (a mini and a standard) and they were both very cuddly. The mini basically needed to be pet at all times. They are very people oriented and are sensitive to your moods. Poodles are also incredibly trainable and I found them very easy to housebreak. I will say that they did both seem to have a preferred person and minis can tend to bark a good amount.