Differences between Toy and Miniature Poodles: which one to choose between the two?
Differences between Toy and Miniature Poodles: which one to choose between the two?
Written by Silvia
October 2, 2023
The Poodle is undoubtedly one of the most beloved companion dog breeds: it's beautiful, cheerful, intelligent, and easy to train.
Moreover, Poodles come in various sizes, catering not only to personal preferences but also to the needs of any family in terms of space and ease of transport.
The two most common varieties are the Toy Poodle and the Miniature Poodle. They have similar characteristics but mainly differ in size.
But what other differences exist between the Toy and Miniature Poodle, and how do you choose the right size? Keep reading to find out!
Sizes
Toy Poodle:
The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the four Poodle varieties recognised by the FCI, namely the Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle.
Toy Poodle weight: 3-4 kg; height at the withers: 24-28 cm.
Miniature Poodle:
The Miniature Poodle is slightly larger and heavier. However, many are close in size to the Toy Poodle and can also be considered "purse dogs".
Miniature Poodle weight: 5-8 kg; height at the withers: 28-35 cm.
In reality, these two varieties often get mixed up. Toy Poodles that are slightly larger and smaller Miniature Poodles are sometimes mistakenly sold interchangeably by individuals.
The weights given are ideal and aren't specified in breed standards, which can lead to confusion between the Toy and Miniature Poodle.
Although many breeds are incorrectly labelled with the same terminology, only the Toy Poodle is officially recognised by the FCI and ENCI.
Apart from these four varieties, there's sometimes mention of an even smaller fifth variety: under-sized dogs sold as "Mini Toys".
It's important to note that not only is this variation not officially recognised, but Poodles weighing less than 3 kg may not be healthy, suffering from dwarfism or some growth-limiting condition.
There's no difference in appearance between the two sizes. Both Poodles are graceful, have well-balanced proportions, curly and thick fur, a slender body, and an elegant posture.
The only distinction might be the occipital crest being a bit shorter (the back part of the skull) in the Toy Poodle.
The Toy Poodle might look more delicate at first glance (being so small, it's a bit more fragile).
Colours
Poodles have a wide range of coat colours, both solid and bi-colour or multi-colour. The single-colour variants are:
Black, brown, grey, fawn (a shade ranging from red to apricot), silver, and white.
There are also beautiful coat shades not recognised by the FCI and ENCI, such as blue (a variation of black), cafe au lait, and silver beige.
Then there are the multi-coloured variants: Classic Parti-colour, Brindle (or sand, or sable), Mismark, Tuxedo, and Phantom (or Black and Tan, or tan-pointed). To learn more, read [here]; these have been described in detail in the colours section.
Both varieties are accepted with these coat colours.
Character and Temperament
In terms of character and temperament, there aren't any significant differences; this breed possesses all the qualities a owner might desire in a flat or companion dog.
Everyone knows that the Poodle is renowned for its high intelligence, is the quintessential flat dog, and is the perfect companion for families with children as well as the elderly.
However, a common misconception is that they are not very active, when in fact the opposite is true: while they do love their home and the comfort of a sofa, these dogs adore walks and have excellent stamina.
They love swimming and being outdoors and have a good energy level, but they aren't the best choice for enthusiasts of long outdoor treks.
Another common belief is that the Toy Poodle is more temperamental than the Miniature Poodle: this is not the case at all, as owners who've had both breeds can confirm!
Neither of the variants is aggressive; both have a tendency to bark and can become protective of their owners if not properly socialised (often out of fear of strangers).
Both the Toy and Miniature Poodles have a long lifespan, with a life expectancy of around 15/16 years. However, from personal experience, this seems rather conservative, as many live beyond 20 years.
Among the two, the Miniature Poodle tends to have a slightly longer lifespan.
Common Illnesses in Toy and Miniature Poodles
The two breeds share some health issues, mostly due to the continuous breeding for size reduction over the centuries. Among the most common diseases are:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Heart problems
Patellar luxation
Eye problems
Hip dysplasia
Cardiovascular diseases
How much does a Toy Poodle cost?
The indicative price for a Toy Poodle purchased from a breeder is around 1300 to 2000 Euros.
You can find them at various prices, as it's a widespread breed and easily available even from private sellers.
However, be cautious. Like all pedigree dogs, which have sometimes been the result of careless breeding, purchasing a non-tested puppy from a private seller might result in getting a pet with serious genetic diseases.
This price can significantly rise based on the dog's pedigree or even its colour (fawn and chocolate are the most sought after), and specimens deemed suitable for breeding can exceed 6000 Euros.
Specimens sold as Teacup Poodle, Mini Toy, or Baby Toy can approach 5000 Euros.
How much does a Miniature Poodle cost?
For a Miniature Poodle, the indicative price is between 800 to 1500 Euros.
Since the breed is widespread in Italy, many specimens can also be found in shelters and through associations. So, if you wish to adopt a homeless Poodle, it probably won't be hard to find one.
Given the slight differences in terms of character and appearance, the key factors to consider include:
Size: Toy and Miniature Poodles are much smaller than standard Poodles. If you live in a limited space, like an apartment, or have a preference for small-sized dogs, these variants might be more suitable.
Exercise Needs: Poodles, regardless of their size, are active dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation. However, Toy Poodles might require less running space compared to Miniature or standard Poodles, which can be a factor if you have limited space.
Family Compatibility: If you have children or other pets, you might want to pick a Poodle size that fits best with your family situation. Both Toy and Miniature Poodles can be suitable for families with younger children or smaller pets. However, Toys are very delicate and should be handled with utmost care.
Remember that, regardless of the Poodle size you choose, it's essential to provide proper care, socialisation, and training to ensure your dog grows up as a happy and healthy member of your family.
Before making a final decision, consult a vet or a dog breed expert to determine which Poodle variant is best suited for your needs and lifestyle.
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Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comment section. Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, training tips, or diet will help us create a vast community of dog owners who not only love their dogs but also know how to best take care of them.
If this post has been useful and you want to learn more about dog care, wellbeing, and training, we'll be happy to help. Find lots of useful information here to better understand your beloved pet.
Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and in no way replaces the opinion of a veterinarian or industry experts. Always consult a vet for any concerns.
