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About Poodles

Poodles are bred in a variety of sizes. They are grouped according to adult shoulder height, but the exact specifics vary slightly from country to country. The (French) Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of Poodle: standard, medium, miniature and toy.  Other kennel clubs across the globe (including the American Kennel Club), generally recognize three sizes, standard, miniature and toy.

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The three or four accepted varieties of Poodle, depending on the country, are: Standard, Kleinpudel (Caniche Moyen), Miniature and Toy.

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They can be roughly categorized with the following size dimensions (as currently recognized by the American Kennel Club):

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  • The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders.

  • The Miniature Poodle is over 10 inches, but under 15 inches, at the highest point of the shoulders.

  • The Toy Poodle is under 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders.

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The Fédération Cynologique Internationale however, categorizes the sizes as follows:

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  • The Standard Poodle is between 18 and 24 inches inches, at the highest point of the shoulders.

  • The Caniche Moyen or Kleinpudel is between 14 and 18 inches, at the highest point of the shoulders.

  • The Miniature Poodle is between 11 and 15 inches, at the highest point of the shoulders.

  • The Toy Poodle is between 9.4 and 11 inches, at the highest point of the shoulders.

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There are other slight variations in size categorization for other countries.

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If you have no intention of showing or breeding your Poodle, then the great many different methods of categorization and qualification do not really matter.  Just enjoy your Poodle as the pet and ‘family member’ you desire.

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If on the other hand, you do intend showing and/or breeding your Poodle, you should consider all the elements viewed and judged by the various kennel clubs.  They include, but are in no way limited to the following.

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A Poodle's general appearance is that of a very attractive, intelligent and elegant dog.  It should be squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and proudly.  The Poodle should be well groomed and properly clipped in the traditional fashion.  The coat should be of an even and solid color at the skin.  There may be some natural shade variations of the solid color.

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To meet the desired squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump, should be approximately the same as the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground.  Bone and muscle of both fore-legs and hind-legs should be in proportion to size of dog.
 

Poodle Specifications (as recognized by the various kennel clubs):

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Poodle Health Information:

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