What Is a Moyen or Klein Poodle?
The term Moyen means “medium” in French, which describes a Poodle size. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, Moyen poodles fall under the Standard Poodle category. However, the term indicates the smaller end of the size spectrum, typically standing 15–20 inches at the shoulder and weighing 20–35 pounds.
In Germany and the Netherlands, this size is called Kleinpudel (Klein means “small” in German). Despite the different names, Moyen and Klein Poodles refer to the same mid-sized variety, larger than a Miniature Poodle but smaller than the Standard Poodle in much of Europe.
Although the AKC does not recognize Moyen/Klein Poodles as a separate size, they are officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which sets breed standards in much of Europe.
Their medium size makes them ideal for families wanting a dog that’s not too small or too large.
Moyen Poodles vs. Standard and Miniature Poodles in the U.S.
| Poodle Size | Height at Shoulder | Weight | Recognized by AKC? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle | Under 10 inches | 6–9 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Miniature Poodle | 10–15 inches | 10–20 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Moyen/Klein Poodle | 15–20 inches | 20–35 lbs | ❌ No (classified as Standard Poodle) |
| Standard Poodle | Over 15 inches | 40–70 lbs | ✅ Yes |
The AKC recognizes any Poodle over 15 inches as a Standard, but in practice, most Standards exceed 22 inches in height.
Why Choose a Moyen Poodle?
Moyen Poodles offer the same intelligence, energy, and adaptability as Standard Poodles making them an excellent choice for:
✔️ Families with kids – Sturdy enough for active play but not overwhelming in size.
✔️ Apartment or small home living – More manageable than the average sized Standard Poodle.
✔️ Active individuals – They enjoy long walks, hiking, and agility training.
✔️ People with allergies – Like all Poodles, they have a hypoallergenic coat.
Their trainability, affectionate nature, and moderate size make them ideal companions for many different households.
Final Thoughts: Moyen vs. Klein – It’s the Same Dog!
Whether you hear Moyen Poodle or Klein Poodle, they are still referring to a Standard Poodle in the US, larger than a Miniature but smaller than the average Standard Poodle. While the AKC does not recognize this size separately, it remains a popular choice among breeders and owners, especially in Europe.
At Peterson Poodles, we specialize in red and apricot small AKC Standard Poodles with outstanding temperaments and health. If you’d like to learn more or join our waitlist, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 Have questions about Moyen Poodles? Drop them in the comments or contact us today!
We have a 1 yr old poodle from true bitch and sire standard poodles. Definitely not a mini-standard mix, but just a runt. My wife likes her size, and I was hoping she’d be bigger, but she’s a great dog. She weighs 30 lbs. Not sure how to measure her height—where is the top of the shoulder? Is there a bony landmark?
Hi there, thanks so much for sharing about your poodle. At 30 pounds, she likely falls right into that small standard or “moyen” range, depending on her height.
To answer your question, the best way to measure height is at the withers, which is the highest point of the shoulders where the neck meets the back. It’s a term that comes from horse anatomy but applies the same way in dogs. You can usually feel a slight bony ridge just above the front legs when your dog is standing squarely.
Appreciate you taking the time to read and join the conversation. Give your girl some love from us.
Desiree,
Peterson Poodles
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