Frequently asked
Here are some of the most common questions we frequently receive from families regarding our poodles, the adoption process, and the various products we offer.
Puppy Questions
-
Are Merle Poodles purebred?
Yes, Merle Poodles are purebred dogs. Merle is a coat colour pattern that can be found in certain purebred dogs, including poodles. The merle pattern is characterized by a marbled appearance with patches of solid and diluted color. While not recognized by all poodle breed standards, the merle coat pattern is still considered purebred in poodles.
-
Are poodles hypoallergenic?
In short, yes! One of the most appealing aspects of poodles is that they are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for individuals with allergies. Say goodbye to constant vacuuming and sneezing fits, as poodles produce minimal dander and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
-
How should a poodle be groomed?
Poodle grooming can be customized to suit your preferences and lifestyle. Poodles are known for their luxurious, curly coats, but they can be trimmed and styled in various ways. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance cut or enjoy pampering your furry friend with elaborate grooming sessions, a poodle can accommodate many different styles.
Regardless of how you choose to style your poodle, it is best to follow the following grooming schedule for the best health of your puppy and their coat:
- Puppies first tidy-up groom by 12-14 weeks old, and a full groom by 16-18 weeks
- Professional grooming every 6-10 weeks (face/feet/sanitary, coat trim, nails, ears)
- Brush/comb to the skin 3-5 times per week (with a slicker and metal comb)
- Detangle any mats immediately, never bathe over mats
- Wipe eyes daily with a soft cloth or pet-safe wipe
- Check ears weekly, clean monthly or as needed with vet-approved ear cleaner
- Trim or dremel nails every 2-3 weeks (quick grows fast!)
- Brush teeth at least 3-5 times a week, or use dental chews as recommended by your vet
-
How are the puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised in our home as part of our family. They experience Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), early socialization, positive-based foundation training for housebreaking, and daily handling from birth.
They’re introduced to children, adults, and other dogs to build confidence, trust, and a smooth transition into their new homes.
-
What is ENS and ESI?
Early socialization plays a vital role in the development of puppies, and beyond the standard socialization practices, there are two specific stimulation exercises: ENS & ESI.
These exercises are straightforward yet impactful, fostering resilience and enhancing coping mechanisms. The benefits of incorporating these early stimulation techniques are significant, as they promote brain development, improve circulation and immune function, stimulate the neurological system, and enhance stress responses later in life. Additionally, they encourage regular physical assessments of each puppy. Developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, a respected breeder and researcher.
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) involves tactile and thermal stimulation along with exposure to mild stressors, all aimed at improving the puppies' ability to handle stress. We perform these exercises daily from 3 days to 16 days old, as recommended, to maximize their effectiveness.
ESI (Early Scent Introduction) involves the gentle introduction to a variety of 14 different scents during their early neurological growth stage (typically days 3–16). Each day, they’re exposed to a new scent for a few seconds to stimulate their brain and sensory development.
-
How does the Guardian Home program work?
Our Guardian Home program allows select dogs to live full, happy lives with their families while remaining part of our breeding program.
Guardians receive full support, guidance, and covered breeding-related expenses.
Ownership transfers to the guardian family once the dog retires from the program.
See our Guardian Homes page for more information.
-
How do I reserve a puppy?
We’re proud to match each of our puppies with loving, responsible families who will provide them with lifelong care and companionship. To protect the wellbeing of our puppies, all Beauty Mini Poodle puppies are sold with a strict no-breeding agreement — we do not sell to breeders.
Families must first complete our Puppy Application form to apply. Once approved, we require a non-refundable $500 deposit* to reserve your puppy, which is applied toward the total purchase price. This ensures that your chosen puppy is held exclusively for you until they’re ready to join their forever home, typically around 8½–9 weeks old.
*A deposit is refundable within four (4) days of payment if you change your mind. After that period, the deposit becomes non-refundable, as it reserves your puppy and removes them from availability for other families.
We understand that life happens, and sometimes plans can change. However, holding a puppy for an extended time can prevent other loving families from the opportunity to adopt, so we feel this policy is fair and considerate to everyone involved.
-
Do you offer puppy delivery?
Yes we do! We proudly offer a safe "mini pup on wheels" ground delivery service anywhere within Ontario, using trusted & experienced drivers. Your fur baby will be delivered to your doorstep with stops for bathroom breaks, cuddles, plenty of water, and kibble along the way!
We do not ship puppies by air to ensure their comfort, safety and well-being.
Ground transport fees vary by location and are discussed individually with each family.
-
When can my puppy go home?
Puppies are typically ready for their new homes between 8–10 weeks of age, after receiving their first set of vaccinations, depending on development and veterinarian approval.
-
Do you have training recommendations?
In addition to our lifetime breeder support (where you can call or email us any time with questions), we are also proudly partnered with two trusted training programs.
Together, we’re helping every Beauty Mini Poodles family start their journey on the right paw — happy, healthy, and beautifully trained.
A professional online training program offering lifetime access to lessons, videos, live classes, and one-on-one trainer support. Perfect for our families across Canada and beyond — available anytime, anywhere!
Beauty Mini Poodles families also receive an exclusive 25% discount on enrollment for memberships! Use discount code: BeautyMini
An in-person training and events company located in Barrie, Ontario. They offer Board & Train programs and Puppy Imprinting, designed to give young pups the best possible start through structured training and socialization.
-
What comes with my puppy?
Each Beauty Mini Poodles puppy goes home with a comprehensive puppy pack, including:
- A familiar toy and blanket with mom and litter's scent
- Leash and collar
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Starter Pack (wet & dry food, FortiFlora sample, coupons)
- Small bag of treats
- A bottle of one of our recommended pet-care products featured in our catalogue
- Microchip information sheet
- Trupanion 30-day free insurance activation
- Puppy care guide, vet record, and vaccination/deworming schedule
*Make sure to activate your free 30-day pet insurance with Trupanion on the day of pick-up.
-
Which items should I have before bringing puppy home?
Before bringing home your new puppy, you should have:
- Food and water bowls
- Healthy puppy food*
- Dog treats (one-ingredient)*
- Adjustable puppy collar*
- Dog leash*
- Dog harness (optional)
- Poop bags and holder
- Pee training pads
- Dog crate or kennel
- Dog gate, pen, and/or ramp
- Puppy toys
- Dog grooming brush
- Puppy shampoo and conditioner
- Dog nail clippers
- Puppy toothbrush and paste
- Cold weather dog coat/sweater
- Identification tags with phone number
*Note: you will be sent home with a full bag of Purina Pro puppy kibble, wet food and a small bag of treats/chew to help you get started. You will also receive a collar & leash, soft blanket, toy and one pet-care product in your take-home Puppy Care Package.
Make sure to activate your free 30-day pet insurance with Trupanion on the day of pick-up.
-
How can I best care for my puppy?
At Beauty Mini Poodles, caring for your dog means more than feeding — it’s about nurturing their body, mind, and heart. Proper care prevents health issues, builds confidence, and strengthens the bond between you and your poodle for a happier, healthier life.
Nutrition & Feeding:
We believe nutrition is the foundation
of a healthy, happy dog. Each poodle’s needs depend on their size, age, and activity level, so choosing a quality, balanced diet is key.
We recommend clean water, portion control, and healthy treats — and avoiding human snacks — to keep your poodle thriving.
Hygiene & Grooming:
Regular baths and grooming keeps your poodle clean, comfortable, and healthy. It prevents mats, skin irritation, and overgrowth of their coat. Regular brushing and bathing keep the coat and skin healthy, and help you stay on top of any parasites — especially during tick and flea season.
Dental care keeps tartar away, prevents bad breath, and supports strong gums. Taking the time to brush your dog's teeth reduces infection risk, especially around the ears
and paws.
Exercise & Activity:
We encourage regular activity to build strong bodies and event stronger bonds. Daily walks help your poodle stay fit, balanced and full of positive energy. Playtime keeps them happy, confident and mentally stimulated. Interactive toys and enrichment games prevent boredom and unwanted behaviours.
Socialization & Training:
Socialization and training builds confidence and helps your poodle grow into a well-mannered companion. Positive reinforcement encourages trust and
good habits. Early exposure to people, pets, and new environments reduces fear and anxiety. Consistent training creates a balanced, happy, and easy-to-manage dog. At Beauty Mini Poodles, we start early to
build strong social skills and confidence for life.
We've also partnered with both online and in-person trainers - ask us about our exclusive training discounts!
Vet Visits:
Regular vet checkups help keep your poodle healthy and safe. Early detection of illness means faster, more effective care. Routine vaccines protect against serious diseases like parvo and rabies. Parasite prevention and updated records provide peace of mind. We work closely with trusted veterinarians to ensure every Beauty Mini Poodles dog receives top-quality care.
Health & Genetics Questions
-
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes! All puppies come with a written health guarantee covering genetic conditions as outlined in your adoption agreement. Each puppy is examined by a licensed veterinarian before going home, with up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and a clean bill of health.
-
What kind of health testing is done?
All of our breeding dogs are DNA-tested through Embark and registered with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).
We follow official Poodle Club of America recommendations for each size variety, which include:
- Patellar evaluations
- CAER eye exams
- PRA testing
- Hip screening (for miniatures, at 2 years)
We also perform temperament testing to ensure confidence, social adaptability, and excellent family compatibility.
-
Do poodles get IVDD?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a spine condition most commonly seen in long-back, short-leg breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis.
Poodles have a normal body structure and do not fall into the same high-risk category.
However, modern DNA testing may show the CDDY gene variant, which is a marker researchers study in relation to IVDD.
-
What does it mean if a poodle carries the CDDY marker?
Carrying the CDDY marker does not mean a dog has IVDD and does not mean the dog will develop IVDD.
This marker is:
- Very common in poodles
- Not a disease
- One factor researchers monitor
- Safe to breed when done correctly
Most poodles with this marker live completely normal, healthy lives.
-
Is it ethical to breed a poodle with CDDY?
Yes — when done responsibly.
Ethical, health-focused breeders:
- DNA test all breeding dogs
- Pair carriers with clear mates
- Monitor structure, size, and movement
- Avoid breeding structurally compromised dogs
This helps maintain strong genetic diversity and healthy lines.
Removing every dog with this marker would shrink the gene pool and harm the breed long-term.
-
How does your program manage certain gene markers?
We follow best practices by:
- DNA testing all parents
- Pairing genetically compatible mates
- Selecting dogs with excellent structure
- Monitoring growth and movement
- Supporting healthy development for puppies
All breeding decisions are intentional and based on health, structure, temperament, and pedigree — not just one gene marker.
-
Should I worry if my puppy carries the CDDY gene?
No. A puppy with the CDDY marker can live a normal, healthy life.
As always, basic care helps support spine health for all dogs:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid repeated high jumps
- Use supportive handling with young pups
In simple terms:
- CDDY is a gene marker, not a disease
- It is common in poodles
- Our program pairs responsibly and prioritizes health
- Your puppy can live a happy, healthy life
-
When should we visit the vet with our new puppy?
Puppies are given their first set of vaccines at about 8-9 weeks old. You should take your puppy to your veterinarian at 12 weeks old for their second set of vaccines.
Make sure to bring with you the veterinary records we will provide upon puppy pick-up, their collar & leash, a chew toy for distraction, and small treats to reward good behaviour. For the ride there, it's always a good idea to bring their crate lined with a towel or blanket.
Product Questions
-
What size of collar/leash will fit my dog?
Our collars come in a variety of sizes to fit your pup while they grow, from XS to L. The length range shown is the adjustable minimum to the adjustable maximum length of the collar.
- XS: 5-10 lbs, 5/8" W, 7.7-9.5" L
- S: 11-25 lbs, 5/8" W, 10-16" L
- M: 16-55 lbs, 3/4" W, 13.5-22" L
- L: 56-70 lbs, 1" W, 15-23.5" L
TIP: Measure the circumference of your pet's neck. It should be snug enough to fit two fingers between their neck & the collar.
Our leashes are also available in two sizes to suit your size of dog:
S: 5/8" W, 5ft L
M: 3/4" W, 6ft L
-
Why are probiotics in shampoo?
Probiotics are needed to help defend your pet's skin against the bad bacteria they come in contact with daily. They help fight off yeast, and help soothe dry irritated and itchy skin.
-
What payment options do you accept?
If ordering through our website, you can pay by e-transfer or through PayPal. We also have an Etsy shop for easy payment and shipping.
-
Do you offer shipping?
Yes, we do! For orders placed through our website, please contact us for a personalized shipping quote. You can also shop through our Etsy store, where shipping is automatically calculated at checkout for your convenience.
-
When will my order be ready for pick-up?
Orders are typically ready for pick-up the next business day. You’ll receive a notification once your order is prepared, along with the pick-up location details at that time.
-
What is your refund & return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase for products in new, unused condition with original tags and packaging. Items must be in resellable condition to qualify for a refund or exchange. Please note that holiday toys and seasonal items are final sale.
If you receive a defective or damaged item, contact us right away — we’ll happily replace it (if available) or issue a refund. For best results, include clear photos of the issue when reaching out.
For puppies, a deposit is refundable within four (4) days of payment if you change your mind. After that period, the deposit becomes non-refundable, as it reserves your puppy and removes them from availability for other families.



