Miniature Poodle: Reserve Best in Show at Crufts 2020

Many visitors and competitors at Crufts 2020 spent an action-packed four days enjoying one of the UK's biggest dog events, filled with excitement and walking.

The dogs winning top prizes at Crufts often become the centre of attention, with many wanting to learn what makes these winners so special. This is true for both well-known breeds and those newly in the spotlight.

This article shines a spotlight on the miniature poodle puppies, which won the Reserve Best in Show trophy at Crufts 2020. We’ll introduce the winning dog Frankie, and share insights into the miniature poodle breed as a whole. Read on to learn more.

More about Frankie

Frankie, formally known as “Minarets Best Kept Secret,” is a four-year-old miniature poodle from Ramsgrave. He excelled to win Reserve Best in Show, praised by judges as nearly an ideal example of his breed.

Interestingly, Frankie also won Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 2017, making this repeated achievement highly unusual and noteworthy.

Miniature Poodle Breed Characteristics and Care in the UK (2025)

The miniature poodle in the UK today is a small, intelligent, and adaptable companion dog. They stand between 28 cm (11 inches) and 38 cm (15 inches) tall at the shoulder, making them manageable for a variety of living situations.

Their coat is dense, curly, and close to the body, coming in many solid colours such as white, cream, brown, apricot, red, black, silver, and blue. These dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate nature and are often described as clown-like, loving to entertain their owners.

With highly intelligent minds and eagerness to please, miniature poodles respond well to consistent, positive training methods.

Grooming and Exercise Needs

Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, including bathing regularly to maintain skin health. Professional grooming is recommended every six weeks, with simpler trims common for household pets.

Daily brushing and frequent dental care, alongside nail trims as needed, help keep them healthy. They also thrive in active households, enjoying daily walks and engaging play for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Health and Social Needs

While generally healthy, miniature poodles can face hereditary conditions such as allergies, epilepsy, eye diseases, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Acquiring a miniature poodle from reputable breeders is essential to minimise health risks.

These dogs crave companionship and affection, making them excellent pets for owners who can spend quality time with them.

Appearance and Temperament

Miniature poodles are distinctive with their lean bodies, long legs, and dense curly coat. Their coats can be stylised in show trims or kept practical for everyday life, and their colours vary widely to suit many tastes.

They are lively, quick-witted, and highly trainable dogs, prized for their intelligence as the second most intelligent dog breed worldwide.

Popularity and Price of Miniature Poodle Puppies

The miniature poodle ranks as the 42nd most popular dog breed advertised in the UK on Pets4Homes, with many crossbreeds incorporating poodle traits for their desirable low-shedding coats.

As of early 2025, the average price for pedigree miniature poodle puppies is around £900, slightly above the average for similar-sized breeds. Mixed or non-pedigree miniature poodles tend to cost less but still reflect the breed’s appeal and rarity compared to more common breeds.

Responsible Ownership and Finding Your Miniature Poodle Puppy

When looking to find a miniature poodle puppy, choose reputable breeders committed to the health and wellbeing of their dogs, following ethical breeding practices and supporting the breed standard.

Responsible ownership involves regular grooming, exercise, mental stimulation, and health checks to ensure your miniature poodle thrives as a happy, healthy companion.