7 Types of Poodles: A Complete Guide (With Pictures)


Poodles are smart, energetic, and easy to train which makes them fun dogs to have around the house. However, there are quite a few different types of poodles to choose from, which naturally raises this question: What kinds of breeds are there, and which one is right for me? Let’s talk about poodles!

There are seven basic poodle types including standard, royal standard, miniature, toy, teacup, moyen, and the poodle mix. Though each type of poodle varies in size, shape, and temperament, all are still considered poodles. Nevertheless, only standard, miniature, and toy poodles are recognized by the AKC.

Surely you are wanting to know which poodle type is right for you. Here’s some info on each of the above types that will help you to choose the right dog for you and your family:

1. Standard Poodles

First, we have standard poodles which you have probably seen and heard of fairly often.

Standard poodles usually grow to be about 15 inches tall or taller and weigh in at 60-70 pounds (males) or 40-50 pounds (females). As with any dog breed, standard poodles do come with their pros and cons. Here are some you should be aware of before investing.

Despite the stereotypes that float around poodles about them being “wimpy” or “high class” dogs, standard poodles are actually smart and quite athletic. Sure, they are entered often into best-looking dog contests (because they’re handsome dogs so why not?) but they can be extra fun to have around the house.

Standard Poodles are quick thinkers and move quickly, which means they need a lot of exercise and attention to keep them happy each day.

If their long, curly coat worries or bothers you, your poodle can easily be shaved into a short-haired mutt who is not afraid to get dirty. One of the poodle’s largest perks is that its hair is largely hypoallergenic.

This makes it a very family-friendly and safe option for anyone who suffers from pet allergies. Additionally, their shedding is very minimal, making it easy to clean up after them.

If you are looking for a dog to train and train quickly, the standard poodle is what you’re looking for. They are quick and light on their feet, making them elegant, graceful, and extremely fun to watch.

Standard poodles excel in competitive obstacle course programs and obedience classes.

As a matter of fact, it is encouraged for standard poodle owners to enroll their dogs into some sort of advanced training class or competition. Poodles are an extremely intelligent breed that requires mental stimulation in bushels!

If you need some help training your Poodle at home, there are plenty of online courses that can assist you as you teach your dog new things.

I found the Brain Training for Dogs online training program to be extremely helpful when training my dog, Angus. I really liked the private member’s area where I was able to connect with other dog owners to get solutions to issues I had with his training. I would highly recommend this course and I know it can help you too! Check out their website here to see if this course is right for you.

That all sounds fine and well, just keep in mind that if you choose to own a standard poodle, you are in for the long haul.

Standard Poodles may be easy to train and fun to play with, but they are in no way low-maintenance dogs. Their coats are hypoallergenic and they don’t shed very much, but you still have to get these dogs clipped or shaved at least every 4-6 weeks. That can get old pretty quickly.

Additionally, Poodles do require huge amounts of exercise which means several hours of time and attention from you. They cannot be left to fend for themselves alone in the backyard all day long.

Standard Poodles can also be hypersensitive to touch and sounds which makes them a less than ideal choice for families with young children who might be a little too rambunctious for your dog to handle. This does depend on the dog though; they are often very friendly and easygoing for the most part!

2. Royal Standard Poodles

As you may have guessed, standard poodles and royal standard poodles are not that different. In fact, they are technically the same breed! So what’s the difference?

Royal Standard Poodles are Standard Poodles that exceed the average size in both weight and height measurements. While Standard Poodles grow to 15 or more in height and can weigh as much as 60 pounds, Royal Standard Poodles can grow to be 25 inches and often weigh between 60-70 pounds in adulthood.

3. Moyen Poodles

Moyen poodles, also called medium poodles are fun-loving, energetic dogs. They enjoy being the center of attention, getting in plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation. They are athletic and energetic and provide a fun-filled experience for their owners.

Moyen Poodles are medium-sized Poodles, smaller than the standard, but larger than miniature or teacup poodles. These poodles are not only smart but also incredibly obedient, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Moyen Poodles have friendly and loving temperaments, making them ideal family dogs.

The biggest downside to owning a moyen poodle is probably the variety of health problems it could be susceptible to. If you can find a good breeder with a healthy litter, you might be able to avoid many of these diseases (especially since a lot of them are genetic).

Moyen poodles are typically susceptible to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These issues will likely cause eventual blindness in your dog.

Though these eye issues may be scary to think about, not all Moyan Poodles will face these health problems.

There are also other potential health issues such as patellar luxation, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, and hip dysplasia to name a few.

Lemonade Pet Insurance insurance has enabled me to afford the highest level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Especially after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Visit the Lemonade Health Insurance website here to get a free quote and see why Lemonade is a good fit to protect the health of your dog too.

Just be aware that if you choose to invest in a Moyen poodle, you could potentially be subject to dealing with these problems. Additionally, Moyen poodles can also cost a pretty penny; anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.

4. Toy Poodles

As with standard and royal poodles, toy poodles and miniature poodles have very similar traits and characteristics.

Toy poodles are smaller than miniature poodles, with a height of no more than 10 inches and a weight of no more than 4-6 pounds. While toy poodles are generally friendly, they tend to be anxious and sensitive around small children, strangers, and other animals in the home.

This means if you have small kids in your family, they will probably need to be extra careful with a toy poodle.

While toy poodles are pretty friendly toward their owners, they can often be less friendly and even aggressive to strangers. This is a characteristic that most dog owners probably don’t want.

Another thing about toy poodles to keep in mind is their sometimes severe separation anxiety and need for routine.

Toy Poodles are often smart enough to memorize your routine and anticipate when you are going to do something.

This is pretty cool, but it can also be a pain if you have to suddenly break from that routine. This can cause anxiety problems with your toy poodle.

Overall, they are not a perfect dog breed, but they can still be fun, loving companions to have around the house. As long as you have an open schedule and are available to play with them often, the toy poodle is right for you!

5. Miniature Poodles

Miniature poodles are small and sweet, which is one of the main reasons they are the most popular poodle type. They usually grow to be about 10-15 inches tall and weigh only 10-15 pounds (hence the name miniature). Here’s what you ought to know about them.

Aside from their obvious cuteness, mini poodles are loved for primarily the same reasons that other poodles are. They are very active, playful, light on their feet, and extremely obedient, and easy to train. They can easily be bathed and clipped in 30 minutes or less, making them slightly easier to care for.

As with standard poodles, minis need mental stimulation. Miniature Poodles excel in training programs and obedience classes.

However, they will also be happy doing something as simple as hide-and-seek every day. As long as they have some sort of mental stimulation each day, they should be very content.

A unique, sometimes difficult thing about mini poodles is the fact that they often come in two “builds.” The first and correct build (the square build) makes for great, athletic dogs. If a mini poodle is square it means its legs are straight and won’t bother it. It will be a great athlete if this is the case!

Some poodles are born with a slight deformity which is commonly referred to as chondrodysplasia. This simply means these Poodles have shorter legs and a longer back, which prevents them from having the same level of agility as a “square” poodle.

This will not, however, detract from its fun, friendly personality!

6. Teacup Poodles

I know exactly what you’re thinking: awww! As their name suggests, teacup poodles are tiny enough to fit into a teacup!

Teacup poodles are the smallest of the poodle types and one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. Teacup poodles are small, friendly, loyal, and cute. Like the other poodles, teacup poodles are fun and energetic, which means they require a lot of time and attention from their owners.

Teacup poodles enjoy playtime as much as any other poodle, but be careful with them!

A Teacup Poodle’s tiny stature means they are particularly susceptible to broken bones.

These dogs can play fine with children just as long as those kids understand that they need to exercise care and caution when playing with a teacup poodle.

Unfortunately, though teacup poodles are adorable and fun-loving, they are definitely the most high-maintenance of all the breeds listed here! Generally, the smaller the dog gets, the more attention and care it’s going to need.

Teacup poodles need regular bathing and clipping which is no different from any other type of breed. The problem is, they are so tiny and so delicate which can make it difficult and nerve-wracking to give them the care they need.

In addition to their frequent upkeep, teacup poodles are pretty expensive. And I don’t mean $500 expensive. We’re talking $5,000-$7,500 expensive.

You could buy a used car for the same price! So if you are prepared to pay the price, that’s great, you should go for it! If you have a smaller budget in mind, you should probably aim for a different breed.

7. Poodle Mixes

Perhaps even more common than the purebred poodle are poodle mixes which come in hundreds of forms.

Here are a few of the most popular ones!

Probably the most famous poodle mix is the Labradoodle (Labrador/Poodle). These dogs are wildly popular due to their loveable personalities and energetic affection. Originally bred to be guide dogs, Labradoodles are not only affectionate but incredibly smart.

Labradoodles are hypoallergenic and don’t shed very much; a fantastic combination. They are pretty shaggy, but if you don’t let that bother you, a labradoodle will prove to be sweet and adaptive to its environment.

Keep in mind, though, Labradoodles still require a good amount of attention and exercise. If you have the time and willingness, a Labradoodle will be a great fit for you.

Goldendoodles are also phenomenally popular breeds (Golden Retriever/Poodle).

Goldendoodles are often referred to as good beginner dogs, meaning they are great for people who want to own a dog for the first time.

This is primarily due to their friendly, easygoing nature. They are very loyal and playful, making them great with young kids.

The only thing you should probably keep in mind is their high-maintenance coats. Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and minimal shedders, but they can get pretty shaggy. Goldendoodles require regular haircuts and brushing to keep their coat clean and under control. Again, if you are willing to put in the time, your Goldendoodle will thank you with hours upon hours of fun.

Pekapoos (Pekingese/Poodle) are on a smaller scale, but they can still prove to be fun dogs. They are neither as large nor as rambunctious as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, but they are still loyal companions.

Pekapoos are good lapdogs who will sit with you contentedly for hours if you like. Pekapoos can be fiercely loyal to and protective of their owners.

This is pretty comical, actually, because they are so tiny. The only thing about these tiny, loyal dogs is their inability to be left alone for too long. If you are a passionate traveler, you either need to plan to take your Pekapoo with you everywhere you go or else try to cut down on the trips.

You can, of course, hire dog sitters but Pekapoos may or may not have difficulty adjusting.

Must Have Products For Poodles And Doodles

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission.

But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family.

Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Lemonade is a great company, and I can’t recommend them enough!

Brain Training For Dogs: Brain Training for dogs is an amazing online training program I found that actually helped me to understand and ultimately stop my dog’s separation anxiety and destructive behaviors when I left the house. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer!

Pet Plate: I first learned of Pet Plate when the company was featured on the TV show “Shark Tank” back in 2016. Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price.

BarkBox: Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters.

Pawp.com: Pawp is not insurance. It’s a membership program that gives you access to unlimited video calls or texts with a licensed vet 24/7 and includes up to six pets on a single membership! I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Pawp will even pay up to $3,000 if your pets experience an emergency situation! Check out Pawp’s website to see why Pawp can help you save money and increase your pet’s quality of care.

Brent Hartman

I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need.

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