What Are the Four Sizes of Poodles?

Poodle pups! Active, intelligent, and perky! Poodles are easily differentiable from other dogs as they have curly fur and also, they differ in size. Poodles are the 7th most popular breed in the US.

They are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and qualities. All poodles look the same. So, if you are wondering what are the four sizes of poodles, you are at the right place.

In this article, we will talk about all sizes of poodles from toy poodles to standard poodles, their characteristics, and much more. So, let’s begin!

Four Different Sizes of Poodles

Poodles are very social dogs. They are very popular worldwide for their beauty and intelligence. They make the best family pets and have a longer lifespan. The most recognizable feature of poodles is their curly fur. 

There are only four sizes of poodles known officially. They all not only differ in size but also in colors and patterns.

An interesting and unique characteristic feature of poodles is that they all have a solid color. There are no spots or shades on their fur.

All poodles have similar characteristics, they are mostly calm and can easily be trained.

1. King Poodle/Standard Poodle:

King Poodle is the largest among all poodle variants. King poodles are the originals who first appeared. These are the standard poodles. Standard poodles are active but a little reserved.

They are called king poodles as their personalities include the companionship of nobles and royals. The history of poodles is a long story. However, french royals Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are the most famous poodle owners in history.

King Poodles are almost 18 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 44 to 71 pounds. Male poodles are bulkier as compared to female poodles. Due to their large size, they are also called “giant poodles” or” royal standard poodles”, but these are not the official and standard terms.

King poodles have a longer lifespan. The average life expectancy of a standard poodle can exceed 16 years of age.

Standard poodles are very alert, active, brave, and protective. However, they don’t look terrifying but they can actually make excellent guard dogs.

King poodles are the originals and the other three variants are derived from them.

2. Medium Poodle:

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to medium poodles. AKC does not categorize medium poodles and merges them with the standard ones.

However, by canine standards, a medium-sized poodle is usually 14 to 18 inches tall and weighs between 33 to 42 pounds. 

These mid-sized poodles are slightly shorter than the king poodles. They have similar traits in terms of appearance, coat color, and temper. They make perfect furry companions.

3. Miniature Poodle:

According to American standards, a miniature poodle is 11-14 inches tall and weighs between 26-31 pounds. There is a slight difference in size, so it is hard to differentiate between a medium and a mini poodle. However, the difference between a king poodle and a mini poodle is clear.

All poodles are very smart, active, and intelligent. But their characteristics slightly vary according to the type. Miniature poodles are more energetic and vigorous than standard and medium poodles.

Mini poodles have the longest lifespan. In most cases, mini poodles can live up to 20 years of age.

Miniature poodles are smaller but as much beautiful as a standard poodle and are great family pets.

4. Toy Poodle:

Toy poodles, as the name shows they are the tiniest dogs of the poodle breed. They are the most famous among all for their cuteness. Toy poodles are 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh less than 10 pounds, usually between 6 to 9 pounds.

The life expectancy of a toy poodle is a bit less than a mini poodle usually between 14 to 15 years of age. 

Breeders bred smaller specimens of poodles to get this variant. There come a lot of health concerns with crossbreeding. In the case of poodles, genetics were involved to reduce the possibility of congenital defects.

However, with the involvement of science, toy poodles are still the unhealthiest of all poodle variants.

So, if you want a small-sized furry play ball, there will be a no better option than keeping one cute and active toy poodle.

Breeders have also tried breeding very small variants of poodles and introduced teacup poodles but those are very unhealthy and breeding them is not considered a good practice.

What Are the Different Colors of Poodles?

Poodles show series of characteristics. According to the poodle standards, these are the accepted colors of pure-bred poodles for all sizes.

• Brown
• Black
• Grey
• Off-White
• White
• Blue
• Apricot
• Silver
• Red Fawn

General Characteristics of Poodles

Some other characteristic features of poodles are; 

They are lovely, curly dog breeds. A pure-bred poodle must have curly and wooly fur. They are known for aesthetics that come from various types of haircuts.

Grooming a poodle is extremely very important because of the curly hair. When poodles shed, their hairs get tangled. So, to keep a poodle clean and aesthetically appealing, grooming is a must-to-do thing!

Poodles are also hypoallergenic dog breeds. They are groomed regularly which reduces the accumulation of dander and dead hair which in turn reduces the risk of allergies to sensitive people.

What Are the Four Sizes of Poodles? Conclusion:

Poodle discussions have always been confusing for many of us. But when we talk about different poodle sizes, there are only four variants of pure-bred poodles according to standards. 

King poodles, medium poodles, mini poodles, and toy poodles. They all have similar characteristic features like color and curly fur. However, they differ in size and temperament.

King poodles are very calm and reserved. While on the other hand, mini poodles are very energetic, welcoming, and easily trainable. Miniature poodles have the longest life expectancy of 20 years.

There are also some unofficial sizes of poodles available but those are unhealthy and cannot live long. They are also many genetic health concerns attached to them.