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4 Different Types of Poodle Dog Breed

4 Different Types of Poodle Dog Breed

You can easily recognise Poodles from far away, thanks to their distinctive curly coat. This breed is often linked with luxury, it is also highly versatile – excelling as walking, show, and family dogs. But did you know? There are four different types of Poodles – Standard, Miniature, Toy, and Teacup. Let's discuss the unique characteristics, health considerations, coat colours, and more of these Poodle types.

  • Standard Poodles

    Standard Poodles are the largest and the first of their kind. This kind of Poodle is known for its athletic build and appearance and was originally bred to be a water retriever – hunting and retrieving prey. Since these dogs are larger in size and highly trainable, they’re well-suited for activities such as agility, obedience, water sports, and more. Because of their high energy levels, this type of Poodle needs to exercise a certain amount daily, to keep its physical and mental health in check. 

    Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 18 to 31 kg. They feature a curly and dense ‘hypoallergenic’ coat that can be found in different colours such as black, white, apricot, silver, grey, blue, and brown. Pet parents must pay close attention to grooming their coats to prevent matting and taking them for regular health checkups. 

  • Miniature Poodles

    A smaller version of the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodles too are known for their intelligence and trainability. These Poodles are friendly, and their small size makes them ideal for apartment living. Despite their small size, this kind of Poodle dog has high energy levels that need to be met with adequate exercise daily to avoid boredom. These dogs are lovable and affectionate in nature, making them the perfect family dog in terms of bonding.

    Miniature Poodles are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 4 to 6 kg. Their curly coats can be found in different colours, such as white, black, blue, silver, grey, brown, and apricot. Pet parents must tend to their Poodle’s coats regularly as their dense hair is prone to matting.

  • Toy Poodles

    As the name suggests, Toy Poodles are the smallest recognised Poodle variety and are known for their petite size and elegant appearance. This type of Poodle was bred down from Standards and Minis in the 20th century to serve as companion dogs. Despite their small size, Toy Poodles are very intelligent and have the same learning abilities as Standard and Miniature Poodles. As family dogs, they are extremely loving, affectionate, and highly trainable. They love spending time with their pet parent and are very vocal too. 

    Toy Poodles are less than 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere between 1 to 3 kg. These adorable dogs have dense coats that are found in colours like white, grey, black, brown, and apricot. Their energy levels are not as high as Standard and Mini Poodles, making little exercise daily enough for them. Because of their petite and delicate size, they are highly susceptible to injuries. Pet parents must pay close attention to their Toy Poodles and help them keep away from any unnecessary accidents. 

  • Teacup Poodles

    While there are different Poodle breeds, this type of Poodle is an extremely small variation of the Toy Poodle. People looking for pint-sized companions started adopting them; however, you must note that this Poodle type is unofficial and is not recognised by any major kennel clubs. This is due to the concerns about unethical breeding, health and welfare, and more. 

    Teacup Poodles barely weigh a kilogram and are at most 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their dense coat is found in the same colours as other Poodles, but they are prone to many health conditions such as – hypoglycaemia, dental problems, fragile bones, heart defects, and more. While they are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please their parents, it is important to consider the ethical implications of bringing a dog home that has been bred to be unnaturally small. 

Things to remember about Poodles

Before you bring a Poodle home, address the fact that this breed needs attention and time. Pet parents must look after them and care for them as these friendly dogs bond with their parents easily and are prone to separation anxiety. From grooming their coats to taking them for walks and play sessions, Poodles need plenty of mental stimulation to stay healthy. If you’re someone who stays home or has a family that can look after your Poodle, then this breed is the best choice for you. 

If you’re looking for different Poodle breeds, then it's best to choose from these 3 types of Poodles – Standard, Miniature, and Toy variations. Along with being smart and affectionate, they are also healthy dogs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I identify a Poodle?

Poodles can be identified through their physique – a square-like body, long neck, and straight back. They are also famous for their iconic curly single coat. 

What is the rarest Poodle?

Which type of Poodles are the best?

How many different breeds of Poodles are there?

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