The Differences in a Toy Poodle and a Mini Poodle

The poodle is a popular purebred dog breed that is recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 2010, according to AKC registration records, poodles were the ninth most popular dog breed in terms of registration. The AKC recognizes three subcategories of poodle: the standard, the miniature and the toy. The AKC has set certain guidelines to differentiate between the types.

  1. History

    • The poodle originated in Germany as early as the 15th century and is named for the German word "pudeln," which means to splash in the water. They were initially used as water retrievers. This led to the development of the poodles' distinctive grooming patterns, mostly shaved for better swimming but with hair over the joints and organs to keep them warm in water. The standard poodle was developed first, but the smaller varieties appeared soon after.

    Standards

    • Poodles are considered to be active and intelligent dogs that are sturdy and well-proportioned. Their grooming tends to give them an elegant appearance. The AKC has established standards for the poodle as to head, neck, body, fore and hindquarters, coat and grooming, color, carriage, gait and temperament. However, these standards apply to every variety of poodle. In fact, if a particular dog meets the overall guidelines, the only feature that differentiates the three subcategories is height.

    Height

    • Poodles are measured for height at the highest point of the shoulders. The AKC considers a poodle that measures more than 15 inches to be a standard poodle. Miniature poodles must measure between 15 inches and in excess of 10 inches. Toy poodles must measure 10 inches or less at the shoulder. A poodle is considered to be of a particular variety based upon the size range in which it falls.

    Determining the Variety

    • A poodle that is over 15 inches is disqualified as a miniature poodle and is considered a standard poodle. Likewise, a poodle that measures in excess of 10 inches is not a toy poodle, but is considered a miniature poodle. The AKC states that "as long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the Variety, diminutiveness (height) shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal."