Confused by “Royal,” “Teacup,” and “Moyen”? You are not alone.
There are officially only three Poodle sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
However, the internet is full of breeders inventing names to sell puppies for higher prices. This guide cuts through the marketing to give you the official measurements, growth charts, and the truth about “Micro” poodles.
Quick Comparison: The Real Sizes
| Size Category | Height (at shoulder) | Weight | Official Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Over 15″ (usually 22-27″) | 45–70 lbs | AKC / FCI Recognized |
| Moyen (Klein) | 15″ – 20″ | 20–35 lbs | FCI (Europe) Only |
| Miniature | 10″ – 15″ | 10–15 lbs | AKC / FCI Recognized |
| Toy | Under 10″ | 4–6 lbs | AKC / FCI Recognized |
| “Royal” | 27″+ (Oversized) | 70+ lbs | Marketing Term (Avoid) |
| “Teacup” | Under 9″ | < 4 lbs | Marketing Term (Avoid) |
1. The Standard Poodle (The Original)
“The Athlete.”
Originally bred as a water retriever, this is the sturdy, athletic version of the breed.
- Height: officially “over 15 inches,” but usually 22–27 inches.
- Weight: Males (55–70 lbs), Females (45–60 lbs).
- Growth: They grow tall until 12–15 months, then “fill out” (gain muscle) until 2 years old.
- Best For: Active families, hikers, service work.
⚠️ The “Royal” Poodle Myth
You may see breeders advertising “Giant Royal Standards” for $3,000+.
Reality Check: “Royal” is a marketing term for an oversized Standard Poodle.
- The Risk: Poodles are not meant to be 90 lbs. Oversized “Royal” poodles often suffer from severe joint issues (hip dysplasia) and structural weakness because their frame cannot support the weight. Do not pay extra for a “Royal.”
2. The Moyen (Klein) Poodle
“The Goldilocks Size.”
Moyen means “Medium” in French. Klein means “Small” in German.
- Height: 15–20 inches.
- Weight: 20–35 lbs.
- Status: In Europe (FCI), this is an official fourth size. In the US (AKC), these dogs are technically registered as “Small Standard Poodles.”
- Why Get One? They are the perfect size. Big enough to hike and not get stepped on, but small enough to fit in a sedan easily. This is the fastest-growing Poodle category in 2026.
3. The Miniature Poodle
“The Circus Dog.”
- Height: 10–15 inches.
- Weight: 10–15 lbs.
- Growth: Stops growing height around 7–9 months.
- Best For: Families with kids. They are sturdy enough to play fetch but small enough for an apartment.
4. The Toy Poodle
“The Watchdog.”
- Height: Under 10 inches.
- Weight: 4–6 lbs.
- Growth: Stops growing height around 6–7 months.
- Best For: Adults, seniors, city living.
- Warning: They are fragile. A jump from a couch can break a leg.
5. The “Teacup” Poodle (The Danger Zone)
“The Micro/Pocket Poodle.”
- Height: Under 9 inches.
- Weight: Often 2–4 lbs.
- Status: NOT A BREED.
- The Ugly Truth: Reputable breeders do not breed for “Teacup” size. These dogs are typically the runts of the litter bred to other runts.
- Health Risks:
- Hydrocephalus: Water on the brain.
- Hypoglycemia: Deadly blood sugar crashes.
- Heart Defects: Organs are often too small for the body.
- Our Advice: If you want a small dog, get a healthy Toy Poodle (4-6 lbs). A 2 lb dog is a heartbreaking medical bill waiting to happen.
FAQ: Poodle Growth
When does a Standard Poodle stop growing?
They reach their full height by 18 months but continue to gain muscle mass until age 2. Do not neuter/spay a Standard before 18-24 months, or you risk stunting their growth plates.
How big will my puppy get?
- The Calculation: Take their weight at 4 months old and double it. That is a rough estimate of their adult weight (mostly accurate for Standards and Miniatures).
Can I show a Moyen Poodle in the AKC?
Yes, but they will compete in the Standard Poodle ring (since they are over 15 inches). They are often too small to win against the big 26-inch dogs, but they are fully registerable.
