Poodle: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Group

Non-Sporting (Standard and Miniature); Toy Group (Toy)

Height

Standard over 15 in; Miniature 10-15 in; Toy 10 in or under

Weight

Toy 4-6 lb; Miniature 10-15 lb; Standard 40-70 lb

Temperament

Highly intelligent, quick to learn and very active

At a glance

• Three size varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy ¹.
• The AKC calls the breed best known for its high intelligence and learning skills, and says all varieties are very active dogs that need plenty of stimulation ³.
• Coat care is a regular commitment.

Overview

The Poodle comes in three varieties. The Standard and Miniature belong to the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group, and the Toy variety, recognized as the third variety in 1943, belongs to the Toy Group ^1,3. The AKC’s history of the breed traces it from a water retriever to a versatile companion ⁴.

Size

The breed standard defines the varieties by height at the shoulder. A Standard is over 15 inches, a Miniature is 15 inches or under but over 10 inches, and a Toy is 10 inches or under ¹. The AKC’s weight chart lists roughly 4 to 6 pounds for Toys, 10 to 15 pounds for Miniatures, and 60 to 70 pounds for male Standards and 40 to 50 pounds for females ². Weight is not a formal disqualification, so these ranges are approximate.

Temperament

The AKC describes the Poodle as best known for its high intelligence and stellar learning skills, and notes that all varieties are very active dogs who need a lot of stimulation ³. A quick, active mind does best with daily training and mental games. See our guides to exercise and mental stimulation and DIY enrichment games.

Is this breed right for you?

A Poodle may suit you if you enjoy training, want an active companion and are happy to commit to regular grooming. It may not suit you if you want a low-maintenance coat, or if you cannot offer daily activity and mental work.

Choose a variety that fits your home, and ask any breeder about the health tests the breed’s national club recommends. Our guide to inherited diseases in popular dog breeds explains how to read them.