The Poodle is one of the most beloved pet dogs, but did you know that there are at least five different types of ‘purebred’ Poodles known on record and many different types of crosses that can be found worldwide?
But while they may differ in weight and height, Poodles all have remarkably similar characters. They are hard workers when they need to be, they are highly intelligent and easy to train, and they are full of love and affection!
From the large, Standard Poodle to the tiny Teacup Poodle, here’s everything you need to know about the different types of Poodle!
A brief history of poodles
Poodles are incredibly popular dogs. This historic breed of dog started life as a working pup, but today is better known for its lush curly coat and ability to win dog shows!
Commonly known as the ‘French Poodle,’ some say the origins of this unique dog can be traced to France, while others claim it’s Germany where this proud pooch evolved as a hardworking, outdoor-loving dog.
Either way, the Poodle was highly regarded for its intelligence and athletic ability and was routinely employed to work on farms or hunt and retrieve game in the countryside. The thick coat that is so highly prized is waterproof, Poodle types were bred, and the smaller dogs became popular as companion dogs and lapdogs in European courts.
Poodles have retained their popularity, and today they can be found worldwide. While large Poodles are still working dogs, many smaller varieties are family dogs. These curly-haired dogs don’t shed much fur, meaning they are hypoallergenic, while the smaller varieties are perfect for small apartments and homes.
Different types of Poodle breeds
Now, let’s take a look at the different types of Poodles that breeders recognize. There’s some controversy in this listing, as different ‘Kennel Clubs’ list different varieties as ‘official.’
Five major types of Poodle are commonly found across the world, and they are all based on height and weight. Technically, these aren’t even separate breeds, but simply different classifications - which is why some are recognized, and some are just seen as smaller versions of another type of Poodle!
Regardless, here are the five established types of Poodle breeds:
- Standard Poodle
- Klein (Moyen) Poodle
- Miniature Poodle
- Toy Poodle
- Teacup Poodle
Smaller Poodles are quite literally miniature versions of the Standard Poodle. Interestingly, all Poodles types retain almost exactly the same character and temperament, despite being bred down in size.
Let’s take a look at the five major types of Poodles in a little more detail.
Standard Poodle
The original Poodle; this is the working dog that originated in either France or Germany and was then bred down into smaller varieties.
Standard Poodles are midsize to large dogs and are well suited to outdoor-loving families or a life on the farm. They commonly appear in dog shows, too, after being groomed to perfection by their owners.
Height: 20 - 25 inches
Weight: 50 - 70 pounds
Klein (Moyen) Poodle
The Klein (Moyen) Poodle isn’t always recognized as a distinctive variety, but it should be. This type of Poodle sits firmly in the middle (between a Standard and a Miniature Poodle) and is one of the most popular breeds for families. It’s not too big, and it’s not too small!
Height: 15 - 20 inches
Weight: 20 - 30 pounds
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are significantly smaller than the Standard Poodle and are small to mid-sized dogs.
These dogs are much easier to groom and look after than their larger cousins and are more suited to smaller homes and families with young children.
Height: 11 - 15 inches
Weight: 10 - 20 pounds
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is the smallest ‘official’ type of Poodle. This dog is tiny and is one of the original lap dogs!
Toy Poodles have to be 10 inches or less to be classified in the ‘Toy’ group. Despite their small size, they retain all the energy and intelligence of a Standard Poodle.
Height: 10 inches or smaller
Weight: 6 pounds or less
Teacup Poodle
The Teacup Poodle isn’t recognized because many breeders see it as a slightly smaller Toy Poodle. The reality is that this dog is absolutely tiny, though, often clocking in at 6 inches in height.
Despite the small size, this is still a Poodle in every other way. Teacup Poodles are smart, loyal, affectionate, and stubborn when they want to be!
Height: 9 inches or smaller
Weight: 6 pounds or less
What is the most popular type of Poodle?
The standard Poodle is the most popular as they are believed to be elegant, athletic, and move with a light, springy gait.
As brilliant and trainable dogs, not only do they excel in obedience competitions and obstacle course-based competitions, they fly through the tasks at hand with strength and grace that is truly breathtaking to watch.
How to take care of Poodles
All types of Poodles are intelligent creatures, whether they stand 25 inches tall or 6 inches tall, and they are always a delight to train and look after. They respond well to commands, but they can be stubborn. A mixture of perseverance and kindness is key when training!
All Poodles need to be groomed often because their coats are thick and curly and easily become tangled and matted if left unattended for long periods of time. You need to regularly wash the coat and keep it trimmed back or styled. Poodles also need lots of exercise (yes, even the Teacup Poodle!), so ensure that you have time to work them at least once a day. However, it is recommended that you walk them three times a day if you can.
All Poodles can suffer from eye and heart conditions, so regular checkups at the vet are a must. Smaller Miniature and Toy Poodles commonly suffer from Luxating Patellas and other leg problems. A bed ramp for dogs can help them to get around the home without injuring themselves when jumping on and off the furniture!
Are there other types of Poodles?
In addition to the five purebred types of Poodles listed above, there is an increasing number of crosses that kennel clubs worldwide recognize. Often, these crosses have been specifically paired together with the intent of producing a specific type of dog.
For example, the Labradoodle is one of the most famous Poodle mixes. This is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle dog. The goal was to create a hypoallergenic dog that would be well suited to a life of service (as a guide dog, for instance). The results have been successful!
Other common poodle mixes include the following:
- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel - Poodle mix)
- Maltipoo (Maltese - Poodle mix)
- Schnoodle (Schnauzer - Poodle mix)
- Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier - Poodle mix)
Types of Poodles: the last word
Different types of Poodles might well be of different height or weight, but each variety is simply a scaled-down version of the Standard Poodle. For owners, this means they can find a Poodle that suits their living arrangements and lifestyle!
If you’ve got a big garden, then you can raise a Standard Poodle. If you’ve only got a small apartment and little outdoor space, then a Teacup Poodle is the best choice.
Why not bookmark our guide to different types of Poodles so that you can find the perfect four-legged companion for your home?
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