6 Health Issues Every Toy and Miniature Poodle Owner Should Know

By Crystal Klaus | Klaus Poodles

Poodles are generally a healthy, long-lived breed - miniature poodles often live 14-18 years. But like all purebred dogs, they have certain health conditions that show up more frequently than in mixed breeds. Whether you're researching breeders or already have a poodle at home, here's what you should know.

1. Luxating Patella (Kneecap Issues)

This is the big one for small poodles. Luxating patella means the kneecap slips out of its normal position - and toy poodles have the highest prevalence of this condition among all breeds studied.

What to watch for: Skipping or hopping on a back leg, suddenly holding a leg up while walking, reluctance to jump

When it appears: Usually within the first 3 years of life

What it costs: Surgery runs $1,500-$4,500 per knee if needed. About half of affected dogs have issues in both knees.

Can it be prevented? Yes - through breeding. This is highly genetic, which is why reputable breeders do OFA patella evaluations on breeding dogs.

2. Eye Conditions (Including Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Poodles can be prone to several eye conditions, with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) being the most significant. PRA causes gradual vision loss and eventually blindness.

What to watch for: Difficulty seeing at night, bumping into things in dim lighting, eyes becoming more reflective

When it appears: Typically diagnosed around age 3, with blindness developing by ages 5-7

What it costs: There's no treatment for PRA itself, but secondary cataracts develop in over half of affected dogs (cataract surgery runs $3,000-$5,000 per eye)

Can it be prevented? Yes - 100% preventable through genetic testing. A puppy cannot inherit PRA if at least one parent tests clear.

3. Hip Dysplasia

While we often think of hip dysplasia as a "big dog problem," approximately 12% of poodles show some level of hip dysplasia according to OFA data. It's common enough that the Poodle Club of America requires hip evaluation for miniature poodles for CHIC certification.

What to watch for: Bunny-hopping gait, difficulty rising, reluctance to climb stairs or jump

When it appears: Can show up as early as 4 months, but often develops gradually

What it costs: Ranges from conservative management ($500-$1,200/year for supplements and pain management) to total hip replacement ($6,500-$14,500 per hip)

Can it be prevented? Risk is significantly reduced through screening breeding dogs via OFA or PennHIP evaluation.

4. Dental Disease

This one surprises many new owners. Small breeds are significantly more prone to dental disease than larger dogs - and poodles rank in the top 5 breeds affected. Nearly 29% of toy and miniature poodles show dental disease.

What to watch for: Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, loose teeth

When it appears: Often starts developing after age 3, progresses throughout life

What it costs: Professional cleanings run $300-$600. Extractions add $130-$500+ per tooth. Most small breed dogs need annual cleanings.

Can it be prevented? Not through breeding, but daily brushing and regular professional care make a significant difference. Budget for this as a routine expense, not an emergency.

5. Ear Infections

Those beautiful floppy ears and the hair that grows inside poodle ear canals create the perfect warm, moist environment for infections. Ear infections are actually the #1 insurance claim for miniature poodles.

What to watch for: Head shaking, scratching at ears, odor, redness, dark discharge

When it appears: Can happen at any age, often recurring

What it costs: A simple outer ear infection runs $100-$150 to treat. Chronic or deep infections cost more and may indicate underlying allergies.

Can it be prevented? Regular ear cleaning and keeping ear hair trimmed prevents most infections. Ask your groomer or vet to show you proper technique.

6. Heart Disease

Mitral valve disease can affect poodles as they age and is one of the leading causes of death in senior toy poodles.

What to watch for: Coughing (especially at night), tiring easily, rapid breathing, fainting

When it appears: Usually develops in older dogs (7+ years)

What it costs: Ongoing medication typically runs $50-$150/month. Many dogs live years with proper management.

Can it be prevented? Cardiac screening of breeding dogs helps reduce hereditary risk. Regular vet checkups catch early murmurs before symptoms develop.

What This Means for Your Budget

We believe in being upfront: poodles are not a "cheap" breed to own, even healthy ones. Here's what to realistically budget:

Routine annual costs:

• Veterinary care: $500-$800

• Dental cleaning: $300-$600

• Grooming (every 4-6 weeks): $600-$1,200/year

• Quality food: $400-$700/year

Potential bigger expenses:

• Patella surgery: $1,500-$4,500 per knee

• Emergency foreign body removal: $1,500-$5,000

• Allergy management: $1,200-$2,400/year if needed

The good news? With proper preventive care and a puppy from health-tested parents, many poodle owners never face the big-ticket surgeries.

Why Pet Insurance Makes Sense for Poodles

Poodles live a long time - which means more years of potential accidents, illnesses, and eventually senior care. We recommend getting insurance in place while your puppy is young and healthy. Once a condition is diagnosed, it becomes a pre-existing condition that won't be covered.

At Klaus Poodles, every puppy goes home with 30 days of complimentary Trupanion coverage to get you started. We genuinely recommend continuing it.

The Bottom Line

Most poodles live long, healthy lives - especially when they come from health-tested parents and receive proper preventive care. Knowing what to watch for helps you catch issues early when they're most treatable.

Questions about poodle health? We're always happy to chat.

Klaus Poodles is a family breeding program in Spring, Texas, specializing in miniature poodles and cavapoos raised as companion pets. Learn more about our available puppies and waitlist at www.klauspoodles.com.