They're fluffy, they're fun, and we want one of each.
Poodles are the grand marshals of the floof parade, and encased in all that fluff are bright minds and devoted hearts. These qualities make the breed a perfect pick for families, and they are also active companions. Poodles come in different sizes, though, so which one is right for you?
We talked to Jamie Freyer, DVM, an expert at One Vet, to get all the details about the main types of poodles: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Toys are the smallest, weighing up to 6 pounds, while Miniature Poodles can weigh up to 15 pounds. Standard Poodles are significantly larger and can weigh up to 70 pounds. There are more factors to consider beyond size, though. Here, Feyere breaks down everything you need to know, including why poodles can be a great, loving addition to most homes, regardless of size.
Wait—Just How Many Types of Poodles Are There?
There are a few kinds of poodles, as it turns out, but some are more recognized than others. Although considered the national dog of France, a poodle's extensive lineage begins in Germany. The root of this pup's name is pudelin, which translates in German as "to splash about." Long ago, larger animals known as pudelhunds worked as exceptional duck hunting and water retrieval dogs.
The Poodle Club of America follows guidelines established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for three primary types of poodles, listed from smallest to largest:
1. Toy poodle
2. Miniature poodle
3. Standard poodle
The moyen (French for 'medium') or Klein poodle is another poodle breed slightly smaller than the standard. Kennel clubs in Canada, Great Britain, and the U.S. don't officially recognize these dogs, but it is an official breed in Europe. Additionally, teacup poodles, which are teensy—sometimes barely weighing two pounds!—aren't on breed registry lists yet.
Finally, you might be familiar with doodle dogs, hybrid breeds with one of the top three types of poodles as a parent. These include dogs like the goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and Maltipoo, among many others.
But to best help you compare key characteristics between types of poodles, we'll focus on the top three recognized by the AKC.
Toy Poodle
From the 18th-century courts of French aristocracy straight into our hearts, the intelligent toy poodle is an adorable version of this classic breed. They're perfect cuddle companions for seniors and children, and frisky playmates for cats and other small dogs. At only 10 inches tall, Freyer says toy poodles may have more trouble keeping up than other dogs but will be happy being out and about with their owners, so short walks are always welcome! Some toy poodles might experience separation anxiety, but instead of making them pocket pets, engage them at home with interactive games that spark their curiosity and encourage stronger bonding between you both.
Miniature Poodle
Although they need a tad more exercise than toy poodles (kayaking could be a fun adventure, and don't hesitate to take them hiking), Freyer says miniature poodles are just as content on your lap, too! Like most poodles, in addition to their charm, quick wit, and people-pleasing qualities, they offer hope for animal allergy sufferers who desire a low-shedding, slightly more hypoallergenic pup pal. The AKC notes that poodles are also the sixth most popular dog breed in the U.S. With all that floof and personality to match, it's no wonder why so many adore them.
Standard Poodle
Believed to be the first type of poodle (and perhaps related to ancient Barbets), Freyer says that intelligent standard poodles tend to be quite athletic and are easy to train. They also enjoy vigorous activity, so if you don't need fowl retrieval services, consider other cool activities such as swimming, dock diving, or agility training. In all categories, a larger poodle like this means they have twice as much to share as their smaller cousins. But, those fancy poodle haircuts—once designed centuries ago to give them freedom of movement while in the water—also require you to spend more time grooming them to stay spiffy.
Differences Among Toy vs. Miniature vs. Standard Poodles
All this talk about poodle sizes—how much or how little poof is there? Let's take a peek!
With so much poof, it's hard to choose which type of poodle is best for your lifestyle. (It's so easy to want one of each, honestly.) Yet a particular version might be a better fuzzy friend for your family, so here's what you should know.
Poodle Sizes
A poodle can be a great fit whether you live in an apartment or have a sprawling fenced backyard.
Toy Poodles weigh between four and six pounds and are no more than 10 inches high. Will they fit into a bike basket? Absolutely, and they look positively darling peering over the edge.
A Miniature Poodle's size is approximately 10 to 15 inches tall; coincidentally, he weighs about 10 to 15 pounds. You might need to secure him in a booster seat on the way to the dog park.
Standard poodle sizes vary considerably, ranging between 50 and 70 pounds and 18 to 24 inches high. Here are some handy tips for choosing the right cozy crate for your pup's special spot.
Appearance
Toy poodles have soft, curly, medium-length fur, but miniature and standard versions really amp up the floof, featuring silky waves that are long, medium, or short. And the fashionable types of poodle colors are truly enviable. From ink black and smoke gray to warm chocolate and deep liver, as well as apricot, fawn, cream, and white, poodles present style and substance.
Health
Freyer offers some essential wellness information on the different types of poodles so during the research process, you can consult both a breeder and veterinarian for more details.
Toy Poodles, who live 10–18 years, are prone to patellar luxation. "Another disorder more common in the toy is Legg-Calve Perthes disease. This affects the hip joint, and signs of lameness usually begin early in life in affected dogs," Freyer says. They might also suffer from collapsing trachea, where the windpipe flattens during inhalation, making breathing difficult.
Miniature Poodles, also with a lifespan of 10–18 years, are predisposed to epilepsy, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. "This is an eye disorder causing degeneration of the rod and cone cells (photoreceptors) in the eye, leading to blindness," Freyer says. They also have a higher likelihood of developing Cushing's disease.
Standard Poodles, who live 12–15 years, might have trouble with hip dysplasia or Addison's disease. Freyer says as deep-chested dogs, they could also develop gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV (also known as bloat). "Talk to your vet about a 'gastropexy', where they can attach the stomach to the abdominal wall. This can be performed during the spay/neuter surgery and may help to prevent GDV later in life," she adds.
Personality
Far be it for us to tell you which poodle breed will be your absolute BFF (best floofy friend!) but Freyer extends some lifestyle pointers that might help you pick a favorite:
If you have a large yard and an active lifestyle, or you want a companion for hunting and retrieving, a Standard Poodle may be best for you.
If you're looking more for a house companion, or have less space, a Mini or a Toy Poodle might be a better option.
But dont forget that "These varieties still enjoy outdoor activities with their pet parents, but often don't have quite the drive of the standard.".
Your Guide to the 3 Types of Poodles: Toy, Miniature, & Standard
POODLES
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