Ah, the Poodle – that iconic, curly-coated canine that’s been turning heads for centuries. As a Poodle and Doodle breeder, I’ve had the company of these intelligent and elegant dogs for over 20 years! But when it comes to answering the question “How many types of Poodle are there?”, well, it’s not as straightforward as you might think!
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Poodles and unravel this curly mystery together.
A Brief Poodle History
Before we jump into the different types, let’s take a quick look at their history. Despite their association with France (French Poodle, anyone?), these dogs actually originated in Germany as water retrievers. The name “Poodle” comes from the German word “Pudel,” meaning “to splash in water.”
Over time, Poodles became popular companions for nobility across Europe, and their intelligence made them stars in circuses and street performances. This diverse history has contributed to the variety we see in Poodles today.
Official Poodle Sizes: The Fantastic Four… or Three?
When it comes to officially recognized Poodle sizes, most major kennel clubs agree on three main categories. However, there’s some variation depending on where you are in the world.
Standard Poodle
The big daddy of the Poodle world! Standard Poodles typically stand over 15 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds. These are the original Poodles, bred for retrieving waterfowl.
I once had a customer who had taken a Standard Poodle named Duke. He would routinely outsmart their home’s “dog-proof” trash can. It took the family weeks to figure out he was using his paw to press the foot pedal!
Miniature Poodle
Next up, we have the Miniature Poodle. These pint-sized pooches usually stand between 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 20 pounds. They’re just as smart as their larger cousins but in a more compact package.
Toy Poodle
The tiniest of the officially recognized Poodles, Toy Poodles stand no more than 10 inches tall and typically weigh 4 to 6 pounds. Don’t let their size fool you – these little guys pack a lot of personality into a small frame!
A Note on Size Variations
It’s worth mentioning that the exact height and weight ranges can vary slightly depending on the kennel club. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) have slightly different size classifications.
The Royal Giant Poodle: A New Kid on the Block?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While not recognized as an official breed by major kennel clubs, there’s a new player in the Poodle world: the Royal Giant Poodle.
This extra-large variety of Standard Poodle is bred by Royal Doodle Haus. They’re essentially Standard Poodles that have been selectively bred for larger size. They stand taller and weigh more than typical Standard Poodles.
Poodle Colour Varieties: A Rainbow of Curls
When it comes to Poodle colours, we’re not just talking black, white, and brown. Poodles come in a veritable rainbow of shades!
Solid Colours
Poodles can be solid-colored in various shades, including:
- Black
- White
- Brown (ranging from light café au lait to deep chocolate)
- Grey (silver or blue)
- Red (ranging from light apricot to deep red)
Particoloured Poodles
These Poodles have a coat that’s at least 50% white, with patches of another colour. I’ve seen many stunning black and white particolour Poodles over the years – and you might even find a few here!
Phantom Poodles
Phantom Poodles have a base colour with specific markings in a second colour above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, forechest, legs, and below the tail. It’s like they’re wearing a mask!
Abstract and Mismarked Poodles
These Poodles have splashes of colour that don’t fit into the parti or phantom patterns. Each one is unique, like a canine work of art.
Poodle Mixes: The Doodle Craze
No discussion of Poodle types would be complete without mentioning our range of Poodle mixes!
Our most popular Poodle crosses include:
– Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
– Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
– Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle)
– Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle)
– Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
– Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)
The idea behind these crosses is to combine the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat with characteristics of other breeds, and we have this down to a fine art with our breeding program.
So, How Many Types of Poodle Are There?
After all this, we can say that officially, there are three recognized sizes of Poodle: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. However, when we factor in unofficial sizes, colour varieties and popular mixes, the world of Poodles becomes much more diverse.
Remember, whether you’re considering a tiny Toy Poodle, a majestic Standard or one of our Poodle mixes, the most important thing is responsible ownership. Each Poodle, regardless of size or colour, is an intelligent, active dog that requires proper training, exercise, and grooming.
I’ve seen Poodles of all shapes and sizes lead happy, healthy lives when well-cared for. So whether you’re team Standard or tempted by a Royal Giant, remember that good care and lots of love are what truly matter in the end.