Poodles

Most people look up Poodle sizes when they’re trying to choose the right dog for their home — or to sense-check what a breeder is advertising. With Poodles, the labels matter, because “extra small” claims can blur into marketing, and size can affect handling, exercise needs, and even health.

Poodles are recognised in three size varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The differences are measured at the shoulder, and the official breed standards are clear about what counts — and what doesn’t.

What makes a Poodle a Poodle

Poodles are known for their dense, curly coat and athletic build. They were developed as water retrievers, and many sources trace the name back to the German pudeln, meaning “to splash”.⁶

In Australia, the three Poodle varieties are defined by size (not colour): Toy, Miniature, and Standard.^{1, 2, 3}

Poodle sizes (Toy, Miniature, Standard)

The simplest way to identify the variety is height at the shoulder:

• Toy Poodle: under 28 cm at the shoulder.^{1, 2}
• Miniature Poodle: under 38 cm but not under 28 cm at the shoulder.^{4, 5}
• Standard Poodle: 38 cm and over at the shoulder (no upper height limit is specified in the Australian standard).³

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles sit under 28 cm at the shoulder. They’re compact, light on their feet, and often suited to smaller homes — but still need regular exercise, training, and coat care like any other Poodle.^{2, 7}

About “teacup” Toy Poodles

“Teacup Poodle” isn’t a recognised variety in the Australian breed standard. In practice, it’s usually used to describe a very small Toy Poodle, and it’s worth treating the label cautiously — especially if “tiny” is being sold as a feature rather than a risk to manage.^{2, 8}

Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodles are under 38 cm but not under 28 cm at the shoulder. The Australian standard describes the Miniature as a replica, in miniature, of the Standard — the same outline and coat, simply scaled down.^{4, 5}

This middle size can suit people who want a dog that’s small enough for apartment living but less “micro” than the tiniest Toys, with a little more substance through the body.^{4, 5}

Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are 38 cm and over at the shoulder. In Australian breed standards, there is no stated maximum height — only the minimum.³

About “Royal Standard” Poodles

“Royal Standard” isn’t a separate, recognised variety in the Australian breed standard. It’s generally used as an informal or marketing label for a taller Standard Poodle, rather than a distinct category.^{3, 9}

Quick checks when you’re comparing breeders

• Ask for the parents’ heights (measured at the shoulder) and compare them with the breed standard ranges.^{2, 3, 4, 5}
• Be wary of made-up categories (for example “teacup” or “royal”) being used to justify a price jump without clear, standard-based information.^{3, 8, 9}
• Remember the coat is “low shedding”, not “no maintenance”: Poodles typically need regular brushing and grooming because loose hair tends to stay in the coat rather than fall out.¹⁰

References

1. Poodle Club of New South Wales Inc. — About the Poodle Club (varieties and sizes)
2. Dogs Victoria — Poodle (Toy) Breed Standard
3. Dogs SA — Poodle (Standard) Breed Standard
4. Dogs Australia — Poodle (Miniature) Breed Standard
5. Dogs NSW — Poodle (Miniature) Breed Standard
6. American Kennel Club — Poodle History (name origin and water retriever background)
7. The Kennel Club (UK) — Poodle (Standard) Breed Standard (size)
8. RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — Poodle (Standard) breed profile
9. The Kennel Club (UK) — Poodle (Miniature) Breed Standard (size)
10. MSD Veterinary Manual — Dog owners: Introduction to skin disorders of dogs (coat/skin basics relevant to grooming and coat care)

Sophie Kininmonth

Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom