Miniature Poodle health: what owners should know

The breed is generally long-lived, but some inherited conditions appear more often than average. These include a form of progressive retinal atrophy that slowly affects vision, loose kneecaps, a hip condition affecting young small dogs, epilepsy and dental disease. Responsible breeders run a DNA test for the retinal condition, have eyes examined by a veterinary eye specialist, and have kneecaps checked before breeding.

Daily tooth care, lean body condition and regular ear checks prevent many of the everyday problems vets see in this breed. Book a vet visit if your dog bumps into things in dim light, holds up a hind leg for more than a few steps, has a seizure, or shows red, smelly ears or bad breath with sore gums.