Do you own one or more poodles?
Do you worry that your poodle is too large or small for their age, or is perhaps growing at a rate that is too slow or too fast?
If so, you have come to the right place.
Here we have provided a comprehensive poodle size guide in which we will highlight the proper size and weight for the three recognized types of poodles—the standard poodle, the miniature poodle and the toy poodle.
We will also outline certain facts about each type of poodle, explain their maturity and lifespan, and offer some tips on proper feeding schedule for your beloved dog.
Fully Grown Measurements (and other Information) for the Three Types of Poodles
As we mentioned at the outset, there are three different types of poodles—types of poodles that differ by size.
All three are still considered “poodles,” but their respective height and weight measurements are what differentiates one type of poodle from the next.
Also important to note here is that different types of poodles will grow at different rates of time.
Even more, ALL poodles, regardless of type, tend to reach their adult or full height prior to reaching their final and full weight.
Here we will cover the growth rates of each type of poodle in more detail.
We will outline the fully-grown measurements of each type of dog, and explain how long it will generally take before each of these mature measurements will be met.
We will do this in order of large to small, starting first with the “standard poodle,” followed by the “miniature poodle” and finally, the “toy poodle,” the tiniest of this particular dog breed.
The Standard Poodle
The largest type of poodle in this breed, the standard poodle is also the least popular (for some reason) among the general population, but an admitted favorite of the breeding and dog-showing community.
The standard poodle is a majestic, almost regal dog that belongs to a classification known as the “non-sporting” group, and is generally viewed as a family pet or companion.
It has a coat that is tightly curled, low shedding and fairly easy to maintain; and a temperament described by the American Kennel Club as “loyal, energetic and very intelligent.”
The standard poodle will be in its growth phase for a total of two years after birth.
However, most (and sometimes almost all) of that growth will occur within the first six months after birth.
When the standard poodle reaches the end of this two-year growth period, they are said to have reached their full growth measurements in terms of both height and weight.
This poodle type can measure anywhere from 15 to 20 inches in height at adulthood.
Females of the breed and type will generally weigh anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds; and males will weigh approximately 60-70 pounds.
Indeed, standard poodles can become quite large at the end of their growth period.
The Miniature Poodle
The miniature poodle is considered the “middle child” when it comes to the poodle breed, a beautiful dog that is charmingly sized betwixt the standard and toy types of the breed.
The dog is very popular as a family pet, as it is tiny enough to sit comfortably on your lap, but large enough for hikes, walks and other excursions.
Miniature poodles are smart and easy to train and have a short, barely-shedding coat that is best kept with regular brushing.
They are very energetic and affectionate, great with kids and other pets, and will keep a watchful eye around your home and property.
The full and complete growth period of a miniature poodle is shorter than that of a standard Poodle—approximately six months to a year for the miniature compared to two years for the standard.
At the conclusion of this one-year period, both the males and females will reach their final height—10 to 15 inches when measured from the withers.
Their weight, which is substantially less than the standard poodle, typically comes in at about 10-15 pounds for both males and females of this variation.
The Toy Poodle
Last, but certainly not least, is the toy poodle, an increasing popular dog due to its tiny size and overwhelming cuteness.
The toy poodle has a short and curly coat that requires daily brushing and maintenance.
Their eye color can range from amber to dark brown, and their adorable eyes are spaced evenly on their tiny face.
The toy poodle is very active, intelligent and extremely social, the latter making it very important that you keep a watchful eye on your dog, as they are known to approach strangers without fear.
Easily able to fit into a purse or the small basket of a shopping cart, this poodle has perhaps unfairly been labeled a “diva” dog, largely because it is among the favorite dogs of female celebrities.
Now to its size.
The toy poodle is the smallest of all poodle breeds.
They have a very short growth period that lasts for between 6 to 7 months after birth.
At that time, they are known to reach their final adult height: usually just below 10 inches when measured from the shoulders.
Both males and females of the toy variation will weigh between four and six pounds at full maturity, making them one of the smallest dogs in the world.
More about Poodles’ Size, Feeding Schedule and Lifespan
In all of the variations of the poodle breed—standard, miniature and toy—almost all of their growth will happen within the first six months.
After that, there may be some slight changes in height and weight, but they will usually not be measurable variations.
Also, all of the different types of poodles tend to reach their full height before reaching their final adult weight.
This is common in all dogs—first comes growth, and later comes weight as they fill-in through proper nutrition.
Feeding Schedule
As puppies, the standard, miniature and toy poodles should be fed between 2-4 times a day to meet their nutritional needs.
Puppies are more active than adult dogs and their rapid metabolism allows them to burn off calories faster, thus the more frequent feeding.
Once they reach adulthood, all poodle variations should be fed twice a day, usually in the morning and evening.
Lifespan
The Standard poodle has an average lifespan of 12 years, although some can live to age 14 or 15 with proper care and nutrition.
Both the miniature and toy variations of the poodle have slightly longer average lifespans: between 12-15 years; and some can live to age 18 or more.