Guide · Poodle
Poodle sizes: Toy, Miniature, Medium and Standard compared
The Poodle is a single breed that the international canine federation FCI divides into four sizes. Only the height changes: temperament, intelligence and coat remain those of a Poodle.
Online you’ll also come across words like “teacup” or “micro toy”. Here we sort out what is official and what isn’t.
The four sizes under the FCI standard
| Size | Height at the withers |
|---|---|
| Standard | over 45 up to 60 cm (tolerance +2 cm) |
| Medium | over 35 up to 45 cm |
| Miniature | over 28 up to 35 cm |
| Toy | over 24 up to 28 cm, ideal 25 cm (tolerance −1 cm) |
Source: FCI standard no. 172, version of 5 April 2024. The withers is the highest point of the shoulders. Note that some kennel clubs outside the FCI (for example in the UK and US) use different size definitions.
Toy or Miniature?
Between Toy and Miniature only the size changes. The Miniature is a little taller and usually sturdier; the Toy is the smallest and lightest. Both are companion dogs that live well in a flat.
The practical difference is mainly fragility: the smaller the dog, the more you need to protect it from falls, jumps and careless young hands. For a family with small children, a Miniature is often a little more robust.
What size means in everyday life
| Small sizes (Toy, Miniature) | Larger sizes (Medium, Standard) | |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying | Easy to carry, fits in a crate and the car | Needs more room in the car and at home |
| Exercise | Daily walks; shorter routes are often enough | More exercise, happy on long outings |
| Care | Watch out for falls, jumps, doors and feet | Sturdier, but stronger on the lead |
| Grooming | Less coat, same routine | More coat, more brushing and clipping time |
Teacup, micro toy, tiny toy: what’s behind the names
“Teacup”, “micro toy” and “tiny toy” are sales terms. The FCI standard doesn’t recognise them, and it explicitly excludes any sign of dwarfism. The smallest official size is the Toy.
If an advert promises a dog that will stay “smaller than a Toy”, ask questions: how big are the parents? What documents exist? What does the vet say? An extremely small dog is not a mark of quality – its health comes first.
Can you predict adult size in a puppy?
You get an indication, not a guarantee. The parents’ size and growth in the first months give clues, but nobody can promise the adult height to the centimetre. Be wary of anyone who does.
How a Poodle puppy grows is covered in Poodle growth and weight.
Frequently asked questions
Does size change temperament?
No. Temperament and needs are those of a Poodle in every size. The small sizes simply call for more care with jumps and falls.
Toy Poodle, Caniche toy, Toypudel – the same thing?
Yes. “Caniche toy” is the French name and “Toypudel” the German name for the Toy Poodle.
Which size do you breed?
We discuss that with you personally, together with the parents’ measurements.
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