Last Updated on July 9, 2023
No matter which type of Poodle is your favorite, this breed is known for being one of the smartest in the doggie kingdom. They are also loved for their affectionate and playful natures as well as their iconic, curly coat.
They also go by the name Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, or Pudle. To better understand this breed, let’s take a closer look at the various types of Poodles.
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What are the Different Types of Poodles?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes three different types of Poodles. This being the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle.
However, breeders are working hard to get two additional variants recognized in the future.
The first Poodle breed to be developed was the Standard Poodle, with origins that trace back to 15th century Germany when these athletic dogs were used to retrieve waterfowl during duck hunts.
These water dogs even get their name from the German term Pudelin which means to splash in the water.
Small Standard Poodles were then bred with each other to create Miniature Poodles over many generations.
Miniature Poodles were used in forests to sniff out truffles while also acting as companion dogs. So loved were these smaller poodles by the wealthy Parisians that even smaller poodles were created.
This gave birth to the Toy Poodle’s popularity around the 18th century in France, after many years of gradually breeding smaller Poodles to one another.
Toy Poodles have never been used in a working environment and were purely bred as pint-sized companions.
1. Standard Poodle
The largest type of Poodle, Standard Poodles, must stand over 15 inches (38 cm) tall, with most reaching between 23 and 25 inches (58 and 63 cm) in height. These dogs weigh between 45 and 80 pounds (20 and 36 kg).
Both the UKC and the AKC recognize Standard Poodles as the default breed standard, with Miniature and Toy Poodles perfect, smaller replicas of this dog breed of dog.
Standard Poodles are known for their alert and protective natures, making them excellent watchdogs or guard dogs. These intelligent dogs are also easily trainable and excel at obedience and agility challenges.
As loyal and affectionate dogs, Standard Poodles also make fantastic companions, getting along well with other dogs and children.
While you might find Giant or Royal Poodles advertised by breeders, these are not a different breed but are just Standard Poodles that are slightly bigger than your average dog.
2. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are mid-sized Poodles. These dogs should not stand taller than 15 inches (38 cm) or shorter than 11 inches (28 cm). Miniature Poodles typically weigh between 14 and 18 pounds (6 and 8 kg).
When it comes to Poodle mix breeds, the Miniature Poodle is often the parent dog of choice as their versatile size means they can be crossed with a variety of other dog breeds.
3. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles should stand less than 10 inches (25 cm) tall, with an average height of between 8 and 10 inches (20 and 25 cm).
These dogs typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds (3 and 4 kg). As tiny companions, they make very loveable lap dogs.
Meet a super cute Toy Poodle in this video:
4. Klein (Moyen) Poodle
The Klein or Moyen Poodle is not currently recognized by the AKC or UKC, with these dogs being treated as Standard Poodles.
Essentially, the Klein Poodle is a small Standard Poodle standing around 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 cm) tall and weighing between 40 and 50 pounds (18 and 23 kg).
In Europe, the Medium Poodle is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Medium Poodles sit at the top end of the Miniature Poodle size range and the bottom of the Standard Poodle size.
Unlike the AKC and UKC, the FCI recognizes Medium Poodles as the breed standard, will all other types of Poodle, smaller or bigger replicas thereof.
5. Teacup Poodle
The Teacup Poodle is not recognized by any principal breed registry, although many breeders try and advertise these petite-sized Poodles. These dogs are just tiny Toy Poodles that weigh only 5 to 7 pounds (2 to 3 kg).
Unfortunately, as the breeding of very small dogs is often done with the litter’s runts, these un-naturally tiny canines can suffer from various health issues.
Below is a chart for a quick comparison between the five variations:
Standard Poodle | Miniature Poodle | Toy Poodle | Klein Poodle | Teacup Poodle | |
Coat | Curly, hypoallergenic | Curly, hypoallergenic | Curly, hypoallergenic | Curly, hypoallergenic | Curly, hypoallergenic |
Topline | Level, neither sloping nor roached | Level, neither sloping nor roached | Level, neither sloping nor roached | Level, neither sloping nor roached | Level, neither sloping nor roached |
Head | Moderately rounded, with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle | Moderately rounded, with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle | Moderately rounded, with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle | Moderately rounded, with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle | Moderately rounded, with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle |
Eyes | Very dark, oval in shape, with an alert expression | Very dark, oval in shape, with an alert expression | Very dark, oval in shape, with an alert expression | Very dark, oval in shape, with an alert expression | Very dark, oval in shape, with an alert expression |
Ears | Hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level | Hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level | Hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level | Hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level | Hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level |
Neck | Well proportioned, strong, and long | Well proportioned, strong, and long | Well proportioned, strong, and long | Well proportioned, strong, and long | Well proportioned, strong, and long |
Tail | Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked with sufficient length | Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked with sufficient length | Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked with sufficient length | Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked with sufficient length | Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked with sufficient length |
Built | Squarely built, well proportioned | Squarely built, well proportioned | Squarely built, well proportioned | Squarely built, well proportioned | Squarely built, well proportioned |
Height | Over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders | 15 inches or under, with a minimum height over 10 inches | 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders | 15 to 20 inches in height | 9 inches in height |
Weight | Between 45 and 80 pounds | Between 14 and 18 pounds | Between 6 and 9 pounds | Between 40 and 50 pounds | Between 5 to 7 pounds |
Lifespan | Average of 12 years | Average of 14 years | Average of 14.5 years | Between 12 and 15 years | Between 8 and 15 years |
Types of Poodles Infographic
Click here to enlarge and download the image.
Types of Poodle Colors
Purebred Poodles can come in a wide variety of colors and even multi-colored combinations thereof. Solid Poodle coat colors include black, silver, white, red, blue, cream, chocolate, apricot, and cafe-au-lait.
Although these dogs are not allowed to join the AKC conformation ring in dog shows, multi-colored coats can also appear.
Markings on Poodles include the Parti-colored coats that are predominantly white with patches or spots of another color and Phantom markings.
With Phantom Poodles, two colors appear on the dog with the secondary color on the face, feet, and tail.
On the other hand, Sable dogs have black-tipped hairs, and Mismark or Abstract Poodles are similar to a Parti Poodle but with less than fifty percent white. Brindle Poodles sometimes can also be found.
Don’t miss: The different colors of Poodles
Popular Questions about Poodles and Their Types
As mentioned, all Poodle sizes are meant to display the same features and even have similar personalities.
The only defining characteristic between the various types of Poodles is their size.
Despite this definition by the breed standards, many Poodle owners believe there are slight differences between the multiple types of Poodles.
Do different types of Poodles have different temperaments?
Poodles are known as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. While this trait has made them one popular dog, they are also easily trainable and gentle, with loving, affectionate natures.
They are friendly with virtually anyone, including strangers, children, other dogs, and family pets. They are some of the most popular family dogs in the United States.
All types of Poodles need consistent, firm ownership as their smarts can lead them to pick up bad habits just as quickly as they do good ones. Positive-reinforcement training methods are best for this sensitive breed.
Poodles of all sizes are energetic and need daily exercise, although of course, the Toy Poodle won’t need quite as long walks as you would give the bigger Standard variety.
Some owners also say that the smaller Poodle types are more excitable and lively; however, this may be because the smaller breeds require shorter periods of exercise more frequently.
Physically Miniature and Toy Poodles just don’t have the stamina or build to join their owners on long hikes.
However, these smaller dogs will benefit from plenty of mental stimulation, loving puzzle toys, and fun games at home.
Due to the Standard Poodle’s long history as a working dog, owners say that these canines are very calm and focussed, with not much annoying them.
On the other hand, the Toy Poodle, which has only ever been bred as a companion animal, is more likely to crave attention all the time and can be prone to separation anxiety.
Which type of Poodles sheds the least?
Poodles are loved for their fabulously curly, low-shedding coats, which give them their teddy bear-like appearance. This makes these dogs a top choice for allergy sufferers.
The coat is consistent, no matter the size of your Poodle; however, smaller Poodles will be easier to groom than their larger counterparts, although trips to the groomer should be no less frequent.
If left ungroomed, the coat of the Poodle will become corded.
The most common Poodle cut for all sizes of Poodle is the lamb clip, puppy clip, or sporting clip in which the dog’s coat is kept short.
Standard Poodles that are to be shown are often cut in a continental clip, which is very high maintenance as the longer parts of the coat on the chest, rump, and tail need regular brushing to stay free of mats and tangles.
Other Poodle haircuts include the lion cut, which features a large mane, town and country clip in which round, cylindrical shapes are featured on the legs and head, a kennel clip, which is a short all-over summer cut, and the Miami, or bikini clip, in which most of the dog is cut short except for poms on the feet and tail.
Do different types of Poodles have different health issues?
Poodles are known as one of the longest-living breeds of dogs, with a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. As is typical with all dogs, smaller Poodles typically live longer than bigger ones.
The average life expectancy for a Standard poodle is 12 years, with a maximum of 18 years. Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, have an average lifespan of 14 years, with the oldest recorded dog living a long 18.5 years.
Toy Poodles are the longest living Poodle type with an average lifespan of 14.5 years. The oldest Toy Poodle lived to the ripe old age of 19 years.
Common health problems in all Poodles include Cushing’s Disease, Epilepsy, Addison’s Disease, Sebaceous Adenitis, and various eye disorders.
All types of Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia, with around one in nine dogs affected. One in fifteen Poodles is also known to suffer from tooth problems.
Common with large, deep-chested dogs, Standard Poodles are also prone to developing Gastric Dilation-Volvulus or Bloat.
Approximately 25% of all Standard Poodles suffer from Bloat in their lifetime, with about 6% succumbing to this disease.
On the Miniature Poodle side, about 40% of these dogs encounter ear infections during their lifetime.
Also, Miniature and Toy Poodles are prone to the hereditary degenerative condition Legg-Perthes, and about one-third of these smaller Poodles carry the gene for Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Toy Poodles are also at a greater risk of developing Patella Luxation and are more likely to have weeping eyes, which can cause tear stains.
While all Poodles can experience retained testicles, this occurs most frequently in the tiny Toy Poodle.
All Poodles should have health screenings for hip dysplasia, an ophthalmologist evaluation for the eyes, and a skin punch, which will test for Sebaceous Adenitis. Also, Miniature and Toy Poodles should be tested for Patella Luxation and PRA
Are there types of dogs that look like Poodles?
Poodles are bred with a variety of other breeds to create several different Poodle mixes.
These crossbreed dogs can come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Peekapoo, a Poodle Pekingese mix, to the medium-sized Cockapoo, a Poodle Cocker Spaniel cross, the lively Schnoodle, a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, and the larger than life Saint Bernedoodle, a Saint Bernard Poodle mix.
Check out some of the most popular and common Poodle mixes below:
- Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever Poodle mix)
- Maltipoo (Maltese Poodle mix)
- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle mix)
- Poochon (Bichon Frise Poodle mix)
- Chipoo (Chihuahua Poodle mix)
- Pomapoo (Pomeranian Poodle mix)
- Shihpoo (Shih Tzu Poodle mix)
- Bordoodle (Border Collie Poodle mix)
- Boxerdoodle (Boxer Poodle mix)
- Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix)
- Pugapoo (Pug Poodle mix)
- Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix)
Which Type of Poodle is Best?
With all types of Poodle bred to the same standards, these dogs show minimal variations in temperament and looks, with the defining characteristic being size.
While Miniature and Toy Poodles are better suited to smaller spaces, they can have more health issues and more needy personalities than the calmer Standard Poodle.
Ultimately choosing the perfect Poodle for you will come down to space and which one steals your heart!
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.