7 Types of Poodles Complete Picture Guide
Poodles are one of the most beloved and famous dog breeds globally. Originating in Europe as water dogs, they are fluffy without shedding and are as loving as they are obedient.
Poodles have become so popular that there are now several varieties in breeding, both in terms of size and cross-breeding with other dogs.
In this article, we’ll take you through the seven types of Poodles, including:
- Standard Poodle
- Miniature Poodle
- Moyen (Klein) Poodle
- Toy Poodle
- Teacup Poodle
- Royal Standard Poodle
- Poodle Mixes
We will go through what makes each of these types of Poodles unique and different and their best qualities.
Standard Poodle
When you imagine the quintessential Poodle, a Standard Poodle is what comes to mind. Standard Poodles are regal and friendly dogs that make wonderful family pets. Standard Poodles are large dogs with slim legs and long faces.
They have the characteristic curly hair that many people like to shave into different styles.
A Standard Poodle usually stands at 35-40 inches in height and weighs anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds. Standard Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, sometimes making them stubborn. They are also very athletic and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Standard Poodles are very popular in dog shows because of their beauty and intelligence. Their coats are what make them unique among other dog breeds. Their coats are hypoallergenic, and they shed very little.
Their hair is versatile enough to be groomed in over 50 official styles, which keeps them cool and helps them stand out.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are smaller versions of Standard Poodles and share many of the same characteristics. They are the most popular Poodle breed because they share the intelligence and friendly temperament of their larger counterparts while being much easier to manage and care for.
Miniature Poodles only grow to about 10-15 inches and don’t weigh more than 15 pounds. They have the same type of hypoallergenic coat as their larger relatives, but it is usually more fluffy than curly. While Standard Poodles require significant grooming time, taking care of a Miniature Poodle’s appearance only takes about half an hour.
Mini Poodles are loving, obedient, and easy to train as a perfect house pet. They get along well with children making them ideal dogs for a young family. They require a lot of mental stimulation, as all Poodles do, but they can be happy with a simple game of hide-and-seek in the yard because of their small size.
Beware that some Miniature Poodles are bred with the slight deformity called chondrodysplasia. This means they will have shorter legs and longer backs. While this does not affect their health, it does make them less agile than correctly bred Minis.
Moyen (Klein) Poodle
The Moyen Poodle, sometimes known as the Klein Poodle or Medium Poodle, is a Poodle with a size between Standard and Miniature Poodles. While Moyen Poodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are nonetheless a unique and underrated Poodle type.
Moyens are the least common Poodle type because they are less well known. However, those who might find the Standard Poodle too large but the Miniature and Toy too small might find the Moyen the perfect fit. Moyens are about 20-25 inches in height and weigh around 35 pounds.
Out of this entire list, Moyen Poodles are the best suited for families because they are the most obedient and easy to train. The biggest downside with Moyen is that they are susceptible to certain genetic eye diseases, specifically cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. However, if you can find a reputable breeder who has eliminated these genes in their litters, you should be in the clear.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are similar to Miniature Poodles, except they are even smaller. While Minis can reach 15 inches in height and weight, Toy Poodles will not usually grow over 10 inches and only weigh 4-6 pounds. These are the ultimate lap dogs and can easily fit in a bag or purse for those who want a dog to carry around.
Toy Poodles are some of the most loving and affectionate Poodles around their owners. On the flip side, they tend to be unfriendly and sometimes aggressive towards strangers. They are not mean by nature but do have a generally anxious temperament.
Toy Poodles suffer from separation anxiety, which means they can be unfavorable when someone gets in between them and their beloved owner.
Toy Poodles are also prone to anxiety and skittishness around small children and other animals. This means they are not an ideal family dog but perfect for a single person who lives in a smaller space. Despite the anxiety problems, Toy Poodles make loyal and loving pets for the right owner.
Teacup Poodle
Teacup Poodles are another variety of Poodles not recognized by the American Kennel Club but a popular breed. Their name may sound like an exaggeration, but it is not! Teacup Poodles are the smallest breed of Poodle and indeed one of the smallest ever dog breeds.
They are usually small enough to fit in the palm of a hand and weigh only a couple of pounds.
Although their small size makes Teacup Poodles easy to handle, they are the highest maintenance of Poodle varieties. This is because their size makes them extremely fragile and delicate. They need constant bathing and clipping, and their small size makes this difficult and only doable by careful hands.
In general, Teacups must be handled with care and should not be around young children, who can break their bones with just an aggressive head pat.
Teacup Poodles are also the most expensive Poodle variety because they are not easy to breed. However, those who can handle these tiny creatures’ cost, maintenance, and fragility will find the most adorable and loveable dog possible.
Royal Standard Poodle
Some do not consider the Royal Standard Poodle to be its own breed. It is just a variety of the Standard Poodle with superior breeding and heritage. While Standard Poodles are generally considered high-class dogs that often compete in shows, they were bred as water hunting dogs and therefore have humble origins.
Those who want to take the Poodle’s fancy reputation to the next level should invest in a Royal Standard, which has been bred with a pedigree in mind. Royal Standards are both taller and larger than regular Standards. They always exceed 40 inches in height and 60 pounds in weight.
They are also bred for perfect coat coloring and ultra-obedience.
When you watch the Royal Kennel Club dog shows, the Poodles competing will almost always be Royal Standards. If you are looking for the true cream of the crop, find a breeder who goes above and beyond.
Poodle Mixes
Last but certainly not least, we have to discuss the ever-popular Poodle mixes. The last few decades have seen an astronomical rise in Poodles crossed with other dog breeds. If a dog is part Poodle, it will be hypoallergenic, which means that people allergic to other dog breeds can now enjoy the features of other favorite breeds with a Poodle’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat.
There are countless Poodle mixes nowadays, but here are some of the most popular and beloved:
Labradoodle (Labrador/Poodle)
These gentle giants are some of the friendliest and most energetic dogs while still being easy to train. They were bred as guide dogs but are now one of the most popular dog breeds ever.
Golden Doodle
These shaggy lovebugs share many characteristics of the Labradoodle, but they are generally a little smaller and fluffier. They have an easy-going temperament and are exceptional around children, making them perfect for first-time dog owners and families.
Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Poodle)
These are a newer Poodle mix that has been sweeping the breeding scene in the past few years. They are much smaller than the mixes above but still high energy and obedient. They are perfect for new dog owners and people who have smaller spaces.
Final Thoughts
Poodles have been a beloved dog breed and parent breed for centuries because of their fun-loving and energetic temperament, their obedience, and their hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat.
Whether you are looking for a variety of pure Poodles or a popular mixed breed, there are so many wonderful types of Poodles to choose from to bring into your home.
