Beyond the iconic poodle puff, lies a world of curly charm waiting to be explored. From the regal Standard to the playful Miniature and the pocket-sized Toy, poodle breeds offer a diverse tapestry of sizes and personalities. Delve into the fascinating nuances that distinguish each type – their unique grooming needs, temperaments, and how they’ve captivated hearts for centuries. Uncover the perfect poodle companion to match your lifestyle and discover why these intelligent, affectionate dogs reign supreme in the world of canine charisma.
People LOVE Poodles and Doodles because they are wonderful companion dogs. They adore their humans and want lots of attention and affection from them. There have been three types of Poodles for years, and a few additional types of Poodles have emerged more recently.
There are so many different types of poodles to choose from as far as colors, sizes, and hybrid breeds are concerned.
Poodles are such a great breed that first-time dog owners can handle them.
We have all the info about Poodles, so keep reading!
How Many Poodle Types Are There?
There are six types of Poodles with size variants. Three are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles.
The three other types of Poodle are the Moyen Poodle, the Teacup Poodle, and the Giant/Royal Poodle. Additionally, different types of Poodles include many Poodle mixes.
Poodle Colors
Purebred Poodles come in many color variants, but less than half of them — only the solid colors — are accepted by the AKC. Multi-colored Poodles are not AKC-approved and can not be shown in dog shows.
Their curly fur comes in apricot, black, brown, cream, red, silver, silver beige, white, café au lait, black and cream, black and gray, black and silver, black and white, blue and white, brown and apricot, brown and white, black and apricot, cream and white, black and brown, gray and white, red and apricot, red and white, white and apricot, white and silver, or black and tan.
Also, a parti Poodle has a white base coat that’s over 50% white plus a secondary color.
What Makes a Poodle a Poodle?
The AKC says that Poodles are active, playful, friendly, affectionate, athletic, good with children and dogs, very intelligent and trainable, and need entertainment. Some types of poodles tend to bark a lot.
They look fancy with their special hairdos but were bred to hunt. Although Poodles are the national dog of France, they originated in Germany, where they were water dogs retrieving ducks over 400 years ago.
The German word “pudelin” means splashing in the water. Their curly coats protected them against vegetation, and they are excellent swimmers.
Hunters shaved the Poodles’ legs, neck, and tail — leaving the chest, hips, and leg joints covered with fur — to help them move freely in the water. The little balls of fur on their legs, tail tips, and hips are called pompons. That chic look was actually to protect organs.
According to the AKC, the Poodle is the fifth most popular of all dog breeds in the US. They also enjoy popularity around the globe. They are considered to be the best dogs for people with allergies. Although no dog is hypoallergenic, Poodle breeds produce minimal dander and don’t shed much.
Difference Between Toy vs Miniature vs Standard
Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles are in the Non-sporting dog group. Toy Poodles are in the Toy Group. There are more similarities among them than differences because their fur coats are the same, they have similar personalities, some sources say that they are a little neurotic (that’s what happens when you’re intelligent), and they share many of the same genes.
Unlike the AKC, the United Kennel Club considers the Standard a different breed from the Miniature and Toy. They differ in ways that other large and small dogs differ due to size.
Read on for more details about similarities and differences between the types of Poodles.
Types of Poodles
Let’s learn about the unique characteristics and grooming needs of various types of poodles and see why this breed’s intelligence and elegance have captured hearts for generations.
AKC Recognized
The AKC recognizes three sizes of Poodles: the Toy Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, and the Standard Poodle. Let’s take a look at those three different Poodle sizes.
| DOG’s SIZE | Toy 10 inches tall or lessMiniature 10-15 inches tallStandard over 15 inches tall |
| WEIGHT | Toy 4-6 poundsMiniature 10-15 poundsStandard 40-70 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | Toy 10-18 yearsMiniature 10-18 yearsStandard 10-18 years |
| ACTIVITY LEVEL | Toy lowMiniature highStandard high |
| BARKING | Toy infrequentMiniature frequentStandard frequent |
| SHEDDING FACTOR | They don’t shed much, but frequent brushing prevents mats, tangles, etc. If you brush them daily to the roots of the Poodle coat and your purebred Poodle has a short trim cut, you don’t have to frequent the groomers. If they aren’t brushed, their fur will form cords because they are water dogs! |
They don’t shed much, but frequent brushing prevents mats, tangles, etc. If you brush them daily to the roots of the Poodle coat and your purebred Poodle has a short trim cut, you don’t have to frequent the groomers. If they aren’t brushed, their fur will form cords because they are water dogs!
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles like to play and exercise a bit but don’t need as much exercise as their Standard counterparts. Toy Poodles enjoy the lapdog life and play games like puzzle toys. The Toy Poodle is gentle with children and other pets.
However, due to their small stature, they can accidentally get hurt while playing, so it’s best to supervise. They are energetic but don’t bark unless necessary.
Toy Poodles are like a big dog breed in a little dog body. They do need and enjoy walks but are also happy being at home. They don’t need as much exercise as their larger cousins because their legs are smaller, but with the hunting gene in their body, they do like to get around a bit and play.
Toys can be a little hyper, as little dogs are. Smaller dogs often have fast heartbeats and more energy.
The Toy Poodle may be wary of children because they (the Poodle) are so small and can be easily accidentally injured or stepped on. They like other animals but also enjoy being the center of attention. Toys are also more prone to separation anxiety, which is being very depressed when alone and acting out.
Due to their high intelligence, the Toy Poodle needs mental challenges. Toys, training, and games are all fun ways to entertain them. Bored dogs can be destructive, so don’t neglect to give your pup mental and physical stimulation.
It’s best to train a Toy Poodle when they are young. The Toy Poodle is easy to train because they are eager to please and brilliant. Toy dog breeds are precious.
Some common health issues in these little dogs include dental problems, Patellar luxation (knee cap rides outside the femoral groove when the knee is flexed), and eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles love to play and remain active as they get older. A nice walk satisfies their exercise needs. Miniature Poodles also enjoy a comfy human lap and just need a little more exercise than Toy Poodles. Miniature and Toy Poodles tend to be a bit shy with strangers. White Miniatures are among the most adorable small white dog breeds.
As with all dog breeds, it’s important to socialize your puppy with other dogs and humans and take obedience training classes so they are exposed to pups and people. Most Poodles learn fast and are just about perfect once they are socialized and trained.
The Miniature Poodle is more calm than the Toy Poodle but a little less calm than the Standard — right in the middle. They like a peaceful home and want loads of attention. They are sensitive and may be a bit shy at first with new people.
The Mini is happy and wants to make their humans smile, which makes them a great family pet. Training and socializing are always essential.
Mini Poodles also need mental stimulation in the form of toys, games, and training. Visits to the dog park are great for all Poodles. Most dog parks have a section for medium dogs and a separate part for smaller dogs.
The Mini Poodle, as well as the other sizes, enjoy a lot of human-Poodle quality time. They are also sad when you leave home for a while. This small dog is better with children than a tiny Toy.
The Miniature was first bred in the early 1900s because US breeders wanted to create a more city-friendly size.
They are prone to epilepsy.
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a relatively calm canine and needs some activity. Standard Poodles require a good hike, a swim, and/or a robust game of fetch to keep them happy.
Standard Poodles are as cuddly as Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles. They have such a nice temperament that they are used as therapy and service dogs. They need more exercise than their smaller cousins.
Poodles tend to be sensitive to their humans and can sense when people are upset, which makes them emotional. Standard puppies are very active but calm down when they are between 18 months and two years old, so if your pup is hard to keep up with, rest assured that they will slow down a little as they grow up.
Standards were created in 14th-century Germany as hunting dogs. Here they are, seven centuries later, being cutie pies.
Imagine if those 14th-century breeders saw the modern smaller versions dressed up in doggy clothes, maybe in a dog stroller, and treated like little babies! They wouldn’t believe the evolution of their duck hunters and the way their humans spoil (and dress) them!
Three More Types of Poodles
Poodle enthusiasts recognize a few types of Poodles that aren’t included in the official AKC list. So here are some bonus Poodles. Moyen Poodles are mostly in France and Germany. Teacup Poodles are in the US and everywhere else. The UK seems to have the most Giant/Royal Poodles.
Moyen Poodle
| DOG’S SIZE | 15-20 inches tall |
| WEIGHT | 15-35 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | 12-14 years |
| ACTIVITY | Active, but not hyperactive |
| BARKING | Infrequent |
| SHEDDING FACTOR | Needs daily brushing and short cut |
Moyen means medium in French because Moyen Poodles are medium Poodles in between the size of a Standard Poodle and a Miniature Poodle. What will they think of next?! Also known as Klein Poodles, they are recognized in Europe and new to the US.
The Klein Poodle is intelligent, very trainable, affectionate, good with children and other dogs, social, and playful. The main difference is the size.
Moyens are susceptible to cataracts.
They are not recognized by any kennel clubs in Canada, Great Britain, or the US but are an official breed in Europe.
Teacup Poodle
| DOG’S SIZE | 9 inches tall |
| WEIGHT | 6 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | 12 to 14 pounds |
| ACTIVITY | Moderate |
| BARKING | Like to bark but can be trained not to |
| SHEDDING FACTOR | Short cut and daily brushings |
Breeders like to reduce certain dog breeds to a tiny size, and that causes health problems. The Teacup is adorable, and one of the smallest dog breeds, but a reputable breeder won’t breed teacup dogs because it compromises their health. Teacup dogs are irresistible but prone to health issues.
Teacup Poodles are intelligent, playful, affectionate, alert, and need a little exercise. Teacup Poodles may not frighten away an intruder but will bark if someone comes to your house. Teacups are sweet and beautiful and fit well in a purse, but condensing all their organs into a tiny body causes health problems.
Giant/Royal Poodle
| DOG’S SIZE | Over 24 inches |
| WEIGHT | Over 60 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | 10–18 years |
This Poodle is not recognized by the AKC, but there are breeders who consider Giant or Royal Poodles one of the types of Poodles. They are larger versions of Standard Poodles.
The Poodle is such a popular breed that some breeders just keep coming up with new sizes and selling more of them. The Royal Kennel Club of the UK recognizes the Royal Standard Poodle, and they compete in dog shows there.
Royal and Standard are technically the same breed, but Royals are just bred up to be bigger. There’s actually some controversy as to whether the Royal deserves its own name because it’s just a tall Standard Poodle. At about nine or ten inches taller, they aren’t that different from a regular Standard.
Basic Poodle Care
Poodles don’t shed much because they have a thick, curly coat. It’s important to brush them so their curls don’t get tangled or matted. Most Poodle parents prefer a short cut from the groomer, which saves them from having to drive to the groomer’s every six weeks. Poodles have to be shaved if they aren’t brushed to the skin because matted fur becomes a big mess.
Dog owners who want to avoid a regular grooming schedule of every month and a half should go with a short, practical fur style like a puppy cut or teddy bear cut and brush their pooch every day.
All types of Poodles love and need exercise because they were hunting dogs. Poodles enjoy different activities, especially swimming. Poodles are hardwired to retrieve, so they love to play fetch. Walking and jogging with their humans are also fun for them.
Toy Poodles and Teacup Poodles don’t require quite as much exercise as Standard Poodles because a little is a lot of movement for their tiny bodies.
Moyen Poodles, Giant, and Standard Poodles crave and can handle more walking, running, and playing. A Poodle puppy should not be overexercised.
Did you know that human children and puppies (and all animals) need to mature before exercising a great deal, or their growth plates and joints can be damaged, which may lead to conditions such as early hip dysplasia and onset arthritis? Yikes!
FAQ’s
What Are Doodle Dogs, and What Are Their Names?
Doodle dogs are Poodle mixes created by crossing a Poodle with another breed. The types of Doodle dogs aren’t recognized by the AKC because they are mixed breeds — not pedigree, but Poodle mixes are extremely popular dogs because they don’t shed much, they are very smart, athletic, loving, and fun.
People enjoy all these new looks and get excited about each creation. It’s like Poodle mixology.
When you factor in the Doodles, it seems like adorable Poodle breeds are taking over the world, and the Doodle outnumbers the purebred Poodles. It’s difficult to keep track of the growing number of Poodle breeds, Poodle sizes, and types of Poodles. They are definitely adorable and the cutest dog breeds.
The Poodle Club and breed registries follow AKC breeding rules and only recognize pedigrees, so they are missing out on the following hybrids:
- Labradoodles are bred by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle.
- Goldendoodles are bred by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle.
- Cavapoos are bred by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle.
- Bernedoodles are bred by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle.
- Scoodles are bred by crossing a Scottish Terrier with a Poodle.
- Aussiedoodles are bred by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle.
- Sheepadoodles are bred by crossing an Old English Sheepdog with a Poodle.
- Schnoodles are bred by crossing a Miniature Schnauzer with a Poodle.
- Shih Poos are bred by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Poodle.
- Irish Doodles are bred by crossing an Irish Setter with a Poodle.
- Yorkipoos are bred by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Poodle.
- Pomapoos are bred by crossing a Pomeranian with a Poodle.
- Havapoos are bred by crossing a Havanese with a Poodle.
- Jackapoos are bred by crossing a Jack Russell Terrier with a Poodle.
- Peekapoos are bred by crossing a Pekingese with a Poodle.
- Saint Berdoodles are bred by crossing a Saint Bernard with a Poodle.
- Whoodles are bred by crossing a Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle.
- Newfypoos are bred by crossing a Newfoundland with a Poodle.
- Westiepoos are bred by crossing a West Highland White Terrier with a Poodle.
- Boxerdoodles are bred by crossing a Boxer with a Poodle.
- Huskydoodles are bred by crossing a Husky with a Poodle.
- Rottles are bred by crossing a Rottweiler with a Poodle.
- Bordoodles are bred by crossing a Border Collie with a Poodle.
- Poogles are bred by crossing a Beagle with a Poodle.
- Corgipoos are bred by crossing a Welsh Corgi with a Poodle.
- Springerdoodles are bred by crossing an English Springer Spaniel with a Poodle.
- Pyredoodles are bred by crossing a Great Pyrenees with a Poodle.
- Shepadoodles are bred by crossing a German Shepherd with a Poodle.
- Doxiepoos are bred by crossing a Dachshund with a Poodle.
- Pugapoos are bred by crossing a Pug with a Poodle.
- Choodles are bred by crossing a Chihuahua with a Poodle.
- Foodles are bred by crossing a Toy Fox Terrier with a Poodle.
Which Poodle Makes the Best Pet?
The Standard poodle is calmer than the small ones, but potential Poodle owners need to consider which size Poodle is the perfect fit for their lifestyle to find the best dog for them. If you live in an apartment or don’t have much property or time, you might prefer a smaller-sized poodle puppy.
If you like to get outdoors to exercise and want a hiking buddy and/or have a fenced-in yard, perhaps a Standard poodle would be good for you. A fenced-in yard isn’t a requirement as long as you have time to take long walks, go to a dog park, etc. Extra points for visits to water bodies where your pooch can enjoy some splashing around.
Another factor to consider is that you’ll be paying more for food, grooming, medication, etc., if you opt for a Standard.
Also, very small Poodles (and other breeds) are more fragile than medium Poodle and larger Poodles, so if you have young children, a more sturdy dog might be the best Poodle for you.
Whichever size you choose, you’ll have a great pet Poodle to enjoy at home, take places, play with, walk with, and hang out with.
Which poodle mix is the friendliest?
People say that the Labradoodle is the friendliest Poodle mix because of the Labrador’s friendly personality.
Final Thoughts
Poodle breeds are very special because they are one of the most intelligent breeds as well as beautiful, athletic, friendly, affectionate, and playful. There are five official types of poodle sizes, including the toy poodle, miniature poodle, and standard poodle. Those three are recognized by the AKC.
Three others — the Moyen Poodle, the Teacup Poodle, and the Royal/Giant Poodle do not meet AKC standards. In addition, many hybrid breeds of Poodles have been created, and breeders will probably continue to invent new combinations.
Purebred Poodles and Doodles sometimes wind up in rescue organizations and shelters, so please look online before going to a breeder and give a homeless Poodle a loving home. There are Poodle and Doodle rescues as well.
The poodle, in all its fluffy variations, offers a breed for nearly every lifestyle. From the athletic Standard Poodle to the compact Toy, their intelligence, hypoallergenic coats, and playful nature make them consistently popular companions. While their curly coats require dedicated grooming, the unique beauty and versatility across the standard, miniature, and toy sizes ensures a perfect poodle exists for those willing to embrace the curl. Exploring the poodle world reveals not just different sizes, but diverse personalities ready to charm their way into your heart.