Here's why:
* Size Standards: The American Kennel Club (AKC) sets the standard for miniature poodles at 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 15-17 pounds.
* Comparison: While some individual miniature poodles might reach the upper end of this range, they are still significantly smaller than medium-sized dogs. For example, a standard poodle, which is considered a medium-sized dog, can reach 45-60 pounds.
So, even though miniature poodles are larger than toy poodles, they are still classified as small dogs.