Poodles come in three recognized sizes and a wide range of colors. The three sizes are:
Toy: under 10 inches tall
Miniature: between 10 and 15 inches tall
Standard: over 15 inches.
The most common colors are black, white, brown, silver, cream, blue, apricot and red. There is a wide range of shades within these colors. Many breeders feel that the different colors have distinct personality traits. Although not the norm, within the three main sizes, there are toys as small as 2 pounds and standards as large as 80 or more pounds. There is no such thing as a “T-cup Toy” or a “Royal Standard.” These are just names given to exceptionally small toys or exceptionally large standards.
Average toys are between four and ten pounds. Average miniatures are between fourteen and twenty pounds and standards typically range between 40 and 65 pounds. Weight is affected by bone size and length of body, as well as diet and exercise.
Poodles are supposed to be squarely built. An imaginary line drawn from the top of the shoulder (also referred to as the withers) to the ground should be approximately the same length as one drawn from the point of the front of the chest to the point of the rear of the dog. Poodles that resemble Dachshunds in curly suits are definitely not correct.
No doubt you already know that pet stores are not good places to shop for a new puppy. If you’re reading this, you have probably been doing your homework. The Poodle clubs in your area are great resources for breeder referrals. Click on the link to our parent club, the Poodle Club of America, (PCA) and you will find more links to member Poodle clubs throughout the country. Most clubs list people for breeder referrals and Poodle rescue.
There are a number of genetic tests that reputable breeders will have done on their breeding stock. They should be able to provide you with copies of the test results. When you shop for a standard Poodle, you will want to see proof that the parents have been certified free of hip dysplasia, PRA, SA, and von Willebrand”s. A normal thyroid test is a plus. You should ask if there is any history of Epilepsy, Addison’s or bloat in the line. There are no genetic tests for these problems yet, but if the breeder is doing the testing available for the other things, chances are they are not breeding dogs affected with the problems for which there are no specific tests.
In miniatures and toys you will want to see certification for PRA and von Willebrand’s and you should ask if there has been any history of Epilepsy, Legg Perthes or knee problems in the line. Again, a normal thyroid test is desirable.
Whenever possible, it is desirable to see both parents. Sometimes the breeder will not own the male, but you should always be able to meet the mother of the puppies. Also ask if there are any other relatives you might see. Evaluate their temperament and that of the puppies. Puppies should not exhibit any fear or shyness. Do not pick the “runt” or the one who hides behind the sofa because you feel sorry for it. You want a self-confident happy puppy who runs right up to you; one who is active and playful on the floor, but who settles right down and is calm and relaxed in your arms.
Puppies should be sold with a complete money-back health guarantee in writing. You should have the right to take your new puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours of the purchase and have his or her health verified. Have your vet listen to the heart, check the teeth, check for testicles in males, and in the toys and miniatures the patellas (knees) should be gently examined. It would be a good idea at this time to give the doctor the vaccination records which the breeder should have provided for you, and it’s never a bad idea to provide a fresh stool specimen from the puppy so that the vet can test for parasites.
Most veterinarians recommend that puppies receive their first combination vaccine at eight weeks of age. It is best not to bring a new puppy home until that first vaccine has been given. The vaccines should be repeated once monthly, with the final one given after five months of age. Rabies can be given after four months of age. It is best not to take your new puppy out to places where other dogs frequent until the puppy has had its third combination vaccine.
If your veterinarian finds something wrong with your puppy, you should have the option to immediately return to the breeder for a full refund. You may decide to exchange for another puppy, but this should not be a requirement.
Poodle Club of America Breed Standard
