Poodle Size Chart: Complete Guide to Toy, Mini & Standard Sizes

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Everything you need to know about poodle dimensions, growth timelines, and how to predict your puppy’s adult size.

Poodles range from 4 pounds to over 70 pounds—one of the widest size variations of any dog breed. This makes them uniquely adaptable: there’s a poodle for every living situation, from studio apartments to sprawling farms.

Choosing the right size impacts everything: space requirements, exercise needs, travel ease, and even lifespan. This guide provides complete size reference data for all poodle varieties, growth charts by age, and methods to predict your puppy’s adult size.

Poodle Size Comparison Chart

This overview shows adult dimensions for all poodle sizes:

Notes:

• Height is measured at the shoulder (withers), not head height
• Weights represent typical adult ranges
• Males typically run 10-20% larger than females
• Standards often reach 24+ inches and 80+ pounds

Toy Poodle Size Guide

Toy Poodle Dimensions

The smallest official poodle variety:

• Height: Under 10 inches at shoulder
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (some as light as 3 lbs)
• Build: Square, proportional body
• Appearance: Delicate but not fragile when properly bred

Toy Poodle Growth Timeline

Track your toy poodle puppy’s development:

When Are Toy Poodles Full Grown?

• Adult height: Reached by 6-7 months
• Adult weight: Reached by 9-12 months
• Full maturity: May continue filling out until 18 months

Toy poodles mature faster than larger varieties due to their smaller frame.

Toy Poodle Best For:

• Apartments and small spaces
• Seniors and less active owners
• Frequent travelers (fits under airline seats)
• Households without toddlers or rough play
• Those wanting minimal exercise requirements

Miniature Poodle Size Guide

Miniature Poodle Dimensions

The most popular family choice:

• Height: 10-15 inches at shoulder
• Weight: 10-15 pounds
• Build: Sturdy, athletic, well-proportioned
• Appearance: Small enough for portability, large enough for activity

Miniature Poodle Growth Timeline

When Are Miniature Poodles Full Grown?

• Adult height: Reached by 7-9 months
• Adult weight: Reached by 10-12 months
• Full maturity: 12-18 months for complete development

Miniature Poodle Best For:

• Families with children (sturdy enough for play)
• Active individuals wanting a portable companion
• Apartment living with regular outdoor access
• First-time poodle owners
• Those wanting a versatile, medium-energy dog

Standard Poodle Size Guide

Standard Poodle Dimensions

The original poodle—a substantial, athletic dog:

• Height: Over 15 inches (typically 18-27 inches)
• Weight: 40-70 pounds (males can exceed 80 lbs)
• Build: Elegant, muscular, powerful
• Appearance: Impressive presence, surprising athleticism

The AKC only specifies “over 15 inches” for standards, leading to significant size variation. Most well-bred standards stand 22-27 inches and weigh 45-70 pounds.

Standard Poodle Growth Timeline

When Are Standard Poodles Full Grown?

• Adult height: Reached by 12-15 months
• Adult weight: Reached by 18-24 months
• Full maturity: 2 full years for complete physical development

Standard poodles take the longest to mature, continuing to fill out well past their first birthday.

Standard Poodle Best For:

• Active families with space to run
• Homes with fenced yards
• Runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts
• Service dog and therapy dog work
• Hunting and retriever activities
• Experienced dog owners comfortable with larger breeds

Moyen (Medium) Poodle Size Guide

Moyen Poodle Dimensions

The “Goldilocks” poodle:

• Height: 15-20 inches at shoulder
• Weight: 20-30 pounds
• Build: Between Miniature and Standard
• Appearance: Substantial but not overwhelming

Moyen Poodle Recognition

Important distinctions:

• NOT recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club)
• Recognized by FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) in Europe
• Sometimes called “Klein” (German for “small”)
• Gaining popularity in the United States
• May be classified as small Standards or large Miniatures for AKC purposes

Moyen Poodle Growth Timeline

Moyen Poodle Best For:

• Those wanting “medium-sized” without extremes
• Families finding Standards too large
• Owners finding Miniatures too small
• Those who don’t need AKC registration

Male vs Female Poodle Size Differences

Gender affects adult size across all poodle varieties:

Key observations:

• Males average 10-20% larger than females
• Size difference is most pronounced in Standards
• Females typically reach adult size slightly faster
• Temperament differences between genders are minimal

How to Predict Your Poodle Puppy’s Adult Size

Several methods help estimate adult size:

The Doubling Formula

A simple calculation based on puppy weight:

• Toy poodles: Weight at 6 weeks x 2 = approximate adult weight
• Miniature poodles: Weight at 14 weeks x 2 = approximate adult weight
• Standard poodles: Weight at 16 weeks x 2 = approximate adult weight

Example: A miniature poodle weighing 6 lbs at 14 weeks will likely reach 12 lbs as an adult.

Parent Size Method

The most reliable predictor:

• Ask your breeder for parent weights and heights
• Puppies typically fall between parent sizes
• Same-sex parent is often the best comparison
• Request photos of parents for visual reference

Paw Size Observation

Not scientific, but often accurate:

• Puppies with oversized paws tend to grow larger
• Compare paw size to littermates
• Large paws relative to body suggest more growth ahead

Veterinary Assessment

For precise predictions:

• X-rays can show whether growth plates are still open
• Vets can estimate remaining growth based on bone development
• Useful if puppy’s background is unknown (rescues)

Poodle Size and Exercise Requirements

Size significantly impacts exercise needs:

Key points:

• All sizes need mental stimulation regardless of physical exercise
• Standards require space to run—not just walks
• Toys can get adequate exercise indoors
• Under-exercised poodles of any size develop behavior problems

Poodle Size and Lifespan

Smaller poodles live longer—a consistent pattern across dog breeds:

Why the difference?

• Smaller bodies experience less cellular stress
• Hearts pump blood through smaller systems
• Growth-related strain is reduced
• All poodle sizes outlive comparable breeds

For complete lifespan information, see our guide to poodle lifespan.

Choosing the Right Poodle Size

Match size to lifestyle:

Choose a Toy Poodle If You:

• Live in a small apartment or condo
• Travel frequently
• Want minimal exercise requirements
• Are a senior or have limited mobility
• Don’t have young children

Choose a Miniature Poodle If You:

• Want a family-friendly size
• Have moderate space and activity level
• Are a first-time poodle owner
• Need a versatile companion
• Want portability with sturdiness

Choose a Standard Poodle If You:

• Have an active lifestyle
• Want a dog for running, hiking, or swimming
• Have a house with yard access
• Desire a substantial, athletic companion
• Are considering service dog training

Choose a Moyen Poodle If You:

• Want something between Mini and Standard
• Don’t need AKC registration
• Find Standards too large for your space
• Find Miniatures too small for your activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular poodle size?

Miniature poodles are the most popular choice for families, offering a balance of portability and sturdiness. Toy poodles lead for apartment dwellers and seniors, while Standards are preferred by active, outdoor-focused owners.

How can I tell if my poodle is a Toy or Miniature?

Measure your poodle at the shoulder while standing:

• Under 10 inches = Toy Poodle
• 10-15 inches = Miniature Poodle
• Over 15 inches = Standard Poodle

Weight alone isn’t definitive—some large Toys exceed small Miniatures in weight.

Do teacup poodles exist?

No. “Teacup” is not a recognized size by any kennel club. It’s a marketing term for undersized Toy Poodles, often bred from runts or through problematic breeding practices. These dogs frequently suffer from:

• Hypoglycemia
• Heart defects
• Bone fragility
• Shortened lifespan

Avoid breeders advertising “teacup” poodles.

Why is my Standard Poodle so small (or large)?

Standard Poodles have significant size variation—45-80+ pounds is normal. Factors include:

• Genetic variation within breed standards
• Breeding lines (some prioritize larger dogs)
• Nutrition during growth
• Gender (females smaller than males)

If concerned about health, consult your veterinarian.

At what age do poodles stop growing?

• Toys: 9-12 months
• Miniatures: 10-12 months
• Standards: 18-24 months

Height typically reaches adult level before weight, and dogs may continue “filling out” after reaching full height.

Conclusion

Poodles offer something for everyone—from 4-pound apartment companions to 70-pound athletic partners. The key is matching size to your lifestyle:

• Space: Toys and Minis for apartments, Standards need room
• Activity: Standards for athletes, Toys for low-key owners
• Family: Minis are the most versatile family choice
• Lifespan: Smaller sizes live longer on average

When adopting, size may be harder to predict if parentage is unknown. Ask the rescue organization for their best estimate based on the dog’s current age and size.

Ready to find your perfectly-sized poodle? Start with our poodle rescue directory to see available dogs of all sizes near you.