FREQUENTLY                QUESTIONS

Asked

What is a “Moyen” poodle?

01

Moyen is a descriptor of a poodle's size.

Moyen, the French word for “medium,” describes a poodle size larger than miniature poodles but smaller than traditional standards. Sometimes called Klein poodles, Moyens typically stand 15–20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 20–40 pounds.

Are Moyen Poodles Recognized by the AKC?
In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not designate Moyen as a distinct size category. Moyens are classified under the standard poodle designation. However, this size is recognized by other organizations, including the Canadian Kennel Club, Australian Kennel Club, and United Kennel Club.

Why Choose a Moyen Poodle?
Moyen poodles combine the elegance and intelligence of a standard with a more manageable size. Whether you’re seeking a loyal companion, a playful family dog, or a versatile performer, the Moyen poodle offers the perfect balance of personality, agility, and cuddly charm.

What colors do you breed?

02

Our specialty lies in the striking red and apricot coloration of our poodles, available in both solid red and abstract variations.

Abstract poodles showcase solid color patches paired with white markings, which can appear on the chest, belly, paws, or face. These markings vary in size and placement, making each abstract poodle truly unique.

Where does the red color come from?

03

The rich red color of poodles is a relatively recent achievement in breeding, tied to the discovery of the MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) gene in the 1980s. This gene produces stunning coat colors, including shades of red, apricot, and cream. At Peterson Poodles, we are proud to be part of a dedicated community working to develop and preserve this remarkable color.

While red poodles are truly eye-catching, it’s important to note that their coats can fade over time due to factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and the natural aging process. However, not all red poodles experience significant fading, and the extent varies between individuals.

Tips for Maintaining Red Coat Vibrancy

To help preserve the intensity of a red poodle’s coat:
 • Regular Grooming: Keeps the coat healthy and vibrant.
 • Proper Coat Care: Use quality shampoos and conditioners designed to protect color.
 • Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight to minimize fading.

At Peterson Poodles, we are committed to the beauty, health, and legacy of red poodles, ensuring their timeless elegance for generations to come.

Do you perform health testing?

04

Our Poodle parents have undergone health screening to ensure the well-being of their puppies.

Genetic Testing by Embark: We use genetic testing to ensure our puppies inherit the best traits and are free from breed-specific health issues.

The OFA Eye Test: Rest assured, their beautiful peepers are clear and sparkling. Their vision is top-notch, providing a solid foundation for healthy and happy puppies.

At Peterson Poodles, we prioritize the overall health and well-being of our dogs while making thoughtful decisions about the testing we perform. While hip testing, such as PennHIP or OFA, can provide useful insights, we have chosen not to pursue these evaluations for the following reasons:

Lower Risk in Small Standard Poodles:
Our breeding program focuses on small Standard Poodles, which are at a significantly lower risk for hip dysplasia compared to larger breeds or full-size Standards. This reduced risk minimizes the necessity of routine hip testing for our dogs.

Concerns About Testing Procedures:
PennHIP Testing:
This method requires sedation or anesthesia, which introduces unnecessary risks, particularly in young dogs. Additionally, results can be subjective and vary based on interpretation.

OFA Testing: While less invasive, OFA certification requires dogs to be at least 2 years old, which delays useful insights for breeding decisions.
Emphasis on Responsible Breeding:

We ensure our breeding dogs come from lines with proven health and strong hips. By prioritizing ethical practices and focusing on maintaining a healthy lineage, we further reduce the likelihood of hip-related issues in our puppies.

We remain committed to transparency and responsible breeding practices to provide our families with happy, healthy puppies. If you have questions about our health practices or want more information, we’d be happy to discuss!

Do you do temperament testing?

05

At Peterson Poodles, we know a puppy’s personality is just as important as their adorable looks. To ensure the perfect fit for every family, we perform temperament testing at 7 weeks of age.

Using the Empowered Badass Breeder Puppy Evaluation Curriculum, developed by Jeanette Forrey, we carefully assess each puppy’s unique traits, behaviors, and temperament. This testing provides detailed insights into their personalities, helping families match with the puppy that best complements their lifestyle and needs.

Each family receives videos of all puppies in the litter before puppy selection, along with a detailed compatibility report. This report highlights each puppy’s temperament and qualities, offering guidance for families seeking a companion or those looking for service or therapy dog potential.

Our goal is to ensure a joyful and harmonious bond from the moment your new puppy comes home.

Do you have a Kennel?

06

We do not have a kennel facility. We operate as a home-based breeding operation. While we do crate train our dogs for their safety and comfort, we best serve our pups by providing them with a loving family environment. We also utilize guardian homes as part of our breeding program. Poodles thrive when they are an integral part of the family unit, enjoying companionship and close bonds with their humans. Currently, we can not offer this level of attention as a kennel. 

Do you offer breeding rights?

07

Upon successful completion of our application process, our program offers approved individuals the opportunity to obtain AKC breeding rights.

Do you allow visits?

08

To prioritize the health and well-being of our family-raised puppies, we do not allow visits to our homes.

The safety of our puppies is of the utmost importance, and as such, we minimize exposure to potential risks. Puppies are not vaccinated when they go home at 8 weeks old, and they are susceptible to parvovirus. We strongly advise against taking your puppy to public places where other dogs frequent, such as pet stores or dog parks.

As an extra precaution, we recommend refraining from wearing shoes inside your home until your puppy is fully vaccinated to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens from outside.

Follow our Facebook™, Instagram™, and email newsletters to get plenty of photos and updates of puppies, parents, and upcoming litters.

How can I reserve my puppy?

09

Click here to reserve a puppy and join the waitlist.

What do your puppies cost?

10

Our pricing reflects the extensive care and commitment we invest in our poodles and their puppies. Pricing is available on each litter's information page.

Our puppies range between $2500-$3500 depending on breeding rights, AKC registration, genetics, and age.

We require a $200 reservation fee.

We do not discount our puppies. The longer a puppy stays with us, the more one-on-one training and time are invested in them, increasing their value.

Apply today to reserve your furry friend.

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