Poodles come in Three Sizes or Varieties

Those interested in the Poodle should be aware there are three varieties of Poodles; Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles. There is no officially recognized Poodle variety such as a "royal" Standard, a "tea cup" Toy or a "pocket" or "tiny" Toy Poodle. These are all just marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals that are in reality just dramatically over or under in size from the norm.


Toy Poodle - The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three varieties of Poodle. For the conformation show ring the Toy Poodle should be no larger than 10? high at the shoulder. This more diminutive variety of Poodle is particularly well suited to apartment life or as a traveling companion for retired people.


Miniature Poodle - The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized animal limited to 15? high at the shoulder for the show ring. Still it?s a sturdy compromise between the Toy Poodle and the Standard Poodle, suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy lifestyle of a family with children.


Standard Poodle - The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three varieties with no restriction on size. Typically Standard Poodles will be about 21? to 27? high at the shoulder with the females usually a little smaller than the males. Being a larger, more substantial animal, the Standard Poodle will usually require a little more room to roam than the other two varieties.


"Teacup" or "Pocket" Poodles and "Royal Standard" Poodles
Responsible Poodle Breeders do not promote the sale of "teacup", "pocket" or "royal standard" Poodle puppies. This is a marketing ploy to sell the Poodle puppies for increased prices. Prospective Poodle puppy buyers interested in a small Toy Poodle or a large Standard Poodle can make their preferences known to their Poodle breeder. Most responsible Toy Poodle and Standard Poodle breeders are familiar enough with their family of dogs to provide information about size and other attributes.