Thinking of getting a Poodle? A good choice – they are intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs. But, one size certainly does not fit all when it comes to Poodles. They can vary wildly in stature, temperament and their requirements, so it’s important to consider exactly what you want from a dog before jumping in.  

The Kennel Club lists three separate breeds of Poodle: the Standard Poodle (the big ones), the Toy Poodle (the tiny ones), and the Miniature Poodle (the in-between ones).  

Across the breed varieties there are some similarities. All poodles have a characteristic tightly curled coat and they tend to shed their fur a lot less than other breeds do. They are often classed as a ‘hypoallergenic’ breed, making them a popular choice of pet. 

Let’s explore the differences between the different varieties of Poodle to help you choose the right one for your household. 

Size  

One of the most noticeable differences between the Poodle types is their size. 

  • Toy Poodles are the smallest variety, standing no more than 28cm high at the shoulder. They are elegant, dainty dogs with a fine bone structure, making them ideal for small homes, flats, or families looking for a small pet. 
  • Standard Poodles are significantly larger at over 38cm high at the shoulder making them large-sized dogs. They are more suitable for owners with plenty of living space, a garden and an active lifestyle. 
  • Miniature Poodles are medium sized, active dogs. They sit in the middle ground with their size, and many of the following traits too.  

Personality 

All Poodles are intelligent and affectionate, but their personalities can vary. 

Toy Poodles tend to be more sensitive and often develop a strong attachment to their owners. They may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be a bit more excitable and yappy, a trait that often comes with a small stature! 

Standard Poodles are known for their balanced temperament. They are friendly, intelligent, and easily trainable, making them excellent family pets. They generally get along well with children and other pets due to their even-tempered nature. Standard Poodles are also very adaptable and often enjoy activities such as obedience training and agility classes. 

Activity Levels 

Although all Poodles are active and require regular exercise, their exercise needs differ significantly depending on their size. 

Toy Poodles need far less exercise than Standard Poodles. A few short walks and some indoor playtime each day are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Due to their small size, they are prone to injury from excessive exercise and rough play, so their exercise should be controlled and gentle. They are often very happy sitting in your arms or on your lap, and are small enough to accompany you to the shops, cafes etc without issue.  

Standard Poodles are energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise. They need at least an hour of physical activity every day – a good off-lead run is ideal. They enjoy mental challenges such as agility training and obedience exercises. You could join a structured class locally with a dog trainer, but you can easily do this at home too. 

Grooming requirements 

A strong breed trait across all Poodles is their thick, curly coats. The only difference is the larger Standard Poodles will take more time to groom due to their size.  

All Poodle types need frequent grooming because their coats can get matted easily. This is often done with regular visits to a professional dog groomer, but regular brushing at home will also be required in between. The classic pom-pom ‘poodle cut’ is generally reserved for the show ring, and there are plenty of more understated ways to trim a Poodle!  

Poodles typically don’t shed their fur much, making them popular family pets as there is less hair to pick off the sofa. They are sometimes (not 100% correctly) classed as a ‘hypoallergenic’ breed which makes them more tolerable for people with allergies.  

Training  

Poodles are one of the more intelligent dog breeds, and often enjoy being trained to a high level. 

Toy Poodles are quick learners but can be prone to a stubborn streak. Due to their small size, house training can sometimes be challenging, as they have small bladders and need frequent garden breaks. 

Standard Poodles are eager to please and very trainable. Their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, and they can excel in obedience training, agility courses, and even therapy work. 

Health Issues  

As a general rule, small dogs have a longer lifespan than larger ones.  This remains true for Poodles – Toy Poodles can expect to live for 12-15 years, Standard Poodles 10-14 years, and Miniature Poodles somewhere in the middle.  

While Poodles are generally healthy dogs, they can be at higher risk of developing some diseases such as: 

  • Epilepsy – a brain disorder which causes seizures. 
  • Sebaceous Gland Adenomas – a benign overgrowth of the sebaceous glands in the skin, causing raised lumps which can produce a thick discharge.  
  • Addison’s Disease – A serious disorder caused by a lack of cortisol production by the adrenal glands. It leads to symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss, and can be fatal if not treated. 

However, most of the health issues we see in Poodles are actually related to the size of the dogs, rather than the Poodle breed itself. 

Toy breeds are prone to conditions such as: 

  • Patellar Luxation – A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and lameness. This is common across many small breeds of dog. 
  • Dental Problems – Again like many small breeds, Toy Poodles are more likely to develop dental disease and require regular teeth cleaning. 
  • Tracheal Collapse – A respiratory issue that can cause coughing and difficulty breathing. 
  • Cataracts – a degenerative condition of the lens of the eye which can lead to blindness. 

Large breeds like the Standard Poodle are prone to: 

  • Hip Dysplasia – A common joint issue in larger breeds that can lead to arthritis, pain and mobility problems. 

So, which Poodle is right for you? 

There is lots to consider when deciding on what type of Poodle is best for you. Both Toy and Standard Poodles can make wonderful family pets, but they have important differences which make them suitable for different types of owners. 

You will need to consider how much space they have access to in the house and garden, how much time you have to exercise them, and whether they will need to be left alone for long.  

Poodle cross breeds 

In recent years, Poodles have become very popular dogs to cross with other breeds. They often retain their hypoallergenic, low shedding coats (although there is individual variation and this should not be taken as gospel!), and can produce lovely cross-breed dogs with the added traits of other breeds too.  

These crosses cannot be recognised as breeds by the kennel club (which only recognises purebred dogs), but they lend themselves to some wonderful cross-breed names which are widely recognised now: cockapoo, labradoodle, jackapoo, goldendoodle, schnoodle, and cavapoo, to name a few. 

So, think about what traits you want in a dog, and what would suit your household, and then research a breed that fits the bill. With so many to choose from, you are bound to find your perfect companion.