Moyen Poodle vs Standard Poodle
If you’re new to the Poodle world, here’s something you may not have been expecting to learn during your research: Moyen and Standard Poodles are the same breed.
Whereas the American view is (AKC) that Poodles come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), Europeans recognize a fourth-sized Poodle—the Moyen.
I’ll help you understand the differences between the Moyen and Standard Poodle as well as the many areas where these breeds are similar.
Breed Appearance of Moyen Poodle vs. Standard Poodle
The Moyen and Standard Poodles have the same appearance, with the only difference being their height. Below are some of their most notable features:
- Poodle tail
- Long muzzle
- Floppy ears
- Long legs
Overall, both the Moyen and Standard Poodles have a “leggy” appearance with a springy gait and square features. They come in many colors, such as white, black, cream, apricot, grey, and blue.
Coat Types of Moyen Poodle vs. Standard Poodle
The Moyen and Standard Poodles have wavy or gently curly hair as puppies. But once they arrive at the 9 – 16-month mark, their coat texture becomes coarser. Their curls typically also get tighter, although sometimes they remain wavy.
Moyen and Standard Poodle coats are like human hair in the sense that they never stop growing. Therefore, it’s crucial to brush your Poodle daily to prevent their fur from matting.
Furthermore, you should bring them to the groomer at least once every six weeks for a clipping.
One of the reasons people choose to bring home a Moyen or Standard Poodle is because of their coat’s hypoallergenic features since they shed little and have a lower chance of causing allergies in their human owners.
Size Difference in Moyen Poodle vs. Standard Poodle
Size is the only differentiator between the Moyen and Standard Poodle.
According to the AKC, Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall. However, they can be as high as 24 inches and weigh between 45 – 70 pounds.
On the other hand, the Moyen Poodle stands between 15 – 20 inches tall. Given that the AKC considers a Miniature Poodle between 10 – 15 inches, the United States recognizes the Moyen Poodle as a small Standard Poodle.
Here’s a fun fact: “Moyen” is the French word for “medium.”
Given the Moyen’s smaller size, they’re often better suited for people who live in smaller apartments.
Temperament and Personality in Moyen and Standard Poodles
Moyen and Standard Poodles have the same temperament and personalities (aside from each dog having its little quirks, of course).
These dogs are highly intelligent and love to learn. Furthermore, they’re fiercely loyal to their owners, which can lead to some separation anxiety when they’re away from them.
Although Poodles of all varieties are excellent family dogs, Moyen and Standard Poodles are ideal for younger children. Unlike Miniature and Toy Poodles, these larger Poodle varieties have a bigger bone structure to better withstand a child playing with them.
Health and Longevity [Do Moyen Poodles or Standard Poodles live longer?]
Both the Moyen and Standard Poodle have a lifespan of 12 – 15 years. However, of the two, there’s a higher chance that a Moyen Poodle will live longer than the Standard Poodle.
Scientists have spent years studying why small dogs have a higher average lifespan than larger dogs. While many theories exist, one idea is that larger dogs put more strain on their physiological processes. So, their bodies burn out quicker than smaller dogs.
Of course, lifestyle plays a role in how long a Moyen or Standard Poodle will live, too. Proper nutrition, exercise, and emotional wellbeing all play a role in a Poodle’s longevity, regardless of its size.
Breed-Specific Health Problems
Although purebreds don’t have a good reputation for health compared to mutts, the Poodle has a notably lower rate of breed-related health problems.
Some of the most common health problems that Moyen and Standard Poodles experience include:
- Addison’s disease
- Cancer
- Gastric torsion
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Ear infections are also common in Poodles, especially those that enjoy swimming. That’s because a Poodle’s floppy ears reduce airflow to the inner ear, making it a breeding ground for bacteria.
To reduce the chances of one of these breed-related ailments impacting your Moyen or Standard Poodle, take them to an annual vet checkup.
Moyen Poodle and Standard Poodle Needs and Training
Moyen and Standard Poodles thrive off of making their owners happy. Furthermore, they’re highly intelligent and love a good challenge.
As a result, training Moyen and Standard Poodles is fun and easy, even if you don’t have prior dog training experience.
Because of the Poodle’s intelligence, it’s important to change your training techniques to keep them interested. You should also offer them increasingly challenging obedience sessions.
Moyen and Standard Poodles have a lot of energy, especially when they’re young. Therefore, it’s helpful to let them run around outside before starting their training session.
Cost Comparison
In the Poodle world, the smaller the Poodle is, the more expensive they usually become.
That said, Miniature and Toy Poodles are often the priciest Poodle varieties. So, you can expect both Moyen and Standard Poodles to start at around $1,200 – $2,000, with Moyen Poodles likely being a bit more expensive than Standard Poodles.
That said, if you want to purchase one of these Poodles with good lineage for a show, you could end up paying over $2,000.
Should these prices be out of your budget, consider adopting a Moyen or Standard Poodle from an animal shelter. Both your wallet and heart will feel good for doing it.
Final Thoughts
Moyen and Standard Poodles are a joy to have as your four-footed best friend. They’re loving, intelligent, and always ready to please you.
The only difference between the Moyen and Standard Poodle is their size. So, if you live in a smaller space, the Moyen Poodle is likely a better fit for you.
Regardless of which Poodle you end up choosing, prepare yourself for a life of fun and cuddles.
