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The Poodle Comes In Three Sizes
The variety of sizes is one of the most unique aspects of the Poodle. The Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles are not separate breeds; they are three different sizes of one breed.
The Standard Poodle is believed to be the oldest among today's three sizes. The larger Poodles were most common, but as Poodle fanciers grew interested in breeding for size, Miniatures and Toys appeared on the scene.
A widely excepted theory is that, Miniatures are the result of breeding small Standards, and the Toy is the result of breeding small Miniatures. Toys were considered a separate breed until 1943 when the American Kennel Club recognized them as being the third variety of Poodle.
While all three varieties are intelligent and easily trained, there are certain differences to take into consideration in deciding whether you want a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle.
- Standard Poodle
- A poodle has to be over 15 inches high at the highest point of the shoulders to be considered a Standard, but most are much larger than that. Female Standard Poodles typically stand 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder and males are usually 24 to 27 inches, with a weight range of 40 to 70 pounds. The Standard Poodle requires proper accommodations and exercise-daily walks, games of fetch and other activities. Grooming will take longer and be more expensive than for a Toy or Miniature. The Standard makes a great jogging partner and is an ideal companion for those who like living with a large dog.
- Miniature Poodle
- The Miniature Poodle is between 10 and 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 12 to 20 pounds. It is a larger dog than the Toy, but does not have the space requirements of the Standard Poodle. They're hardy enough to play with kids and small enough to pick up when you need to. Grooming is less expensive than a Standard's. They also tend to have fewer genetic health problems than Standards or Toys. The Miniature Poodle is an ideal choice for families with young children.
- Toy Poodle
- The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Average weight is between 6 and 9 pounds, sometimes even less. In spite of their small size, Toys are strong in spirit. Owners of Toy Poodles tend to spoil their dogs, perhaps because of their small toy-like appearance. Some say they are the clingiest of the three varieties. Because of their small size, veterinary care and grooming will cost less. It's easier to exercise a Toy. Playing fetch in a small yard or even in the house is enough to wear out this little guy. If you want a sweet lap dog, the Toy is a perfect choice.
You can be a big dog lover or a tiny dog lover, live in an apartment or have a large yard, and still find a poodle that is just right for you.
