The Moyen Poodle is a medium-sized Poodle that is recognized in Europe but not in the USA as the fourth Poodle size alongside toy, miniature, and standard Poodles. This breed is a smaller version of the standard poodle and larger than the miniature poodle. The Moyen Poodle is known for intelligence, trainability, and loving nature.

Moyen Poodles are great companions for families and individuals looking for a dog that is easy to train and not too big or small. They are also allergy-friendly due to their low-shedding coats, which still need mild canine shampoo for maintenance.

This ultimate Moyen Poodle guide will adequately prepare you for the breed before you search for “Moyen Poodles for sale.” We have consulted expert sources like The Everything Poodle Book for a complete breed profile and guide.

So, What Is A Moyen Poodle?

A Moyen Poodle, also known as a Klein Poodle or a Medium Poodle, is a purebred Poodle that falls between the Standard Poodle and the Miniature Poodle in size. Moyen Poodles typically weigh between 20 to 35 pounds and stand at a height of 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder. The only difference between them and the more commonly known Standard Poodle is size.

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It’s safe to say that Moyen Poodles are more of a European dog. “Moyen” is “average” or “medium” in French. Others also know the dog as Klein Poodle, where Klein means “small” or “low.” It’s no coincidence that these two countries are both best known for their love for Poodles.

Even in other parts of the world, Poodles are extremely popular due to their lovely personalities and low-shedding coats. This makes them a prime choice in creating mixes, such as German Doodles, Doberman Poodles, Labradoodles, and Doxipoos, only to mention a few.

Moyen Poodles are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. They have an elegant appearance with a curly coat in various colors, such as black, white, brown, gray, and apricot. Their coat is more hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for people with allergies.

Overall, the Moyen Poodle is a wonderful breed for those looking for an intelligent, athletic, and affectionate medium-sized dog. They are great companions for families and individuals as long as their exercise and socialization needs are met.

Check out Jack the Moyen Poodle:

As you can see from the video above, Moyen Poodles look almost identical to a Standard Poodles, they’re just a little small.

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History of Moyen Poodles

Moyen Poodles share history with your everyday Poodle. Poodles originated in Germany in the 15th century, where they retrieved bird game from the water. Eventually, they were also used as circus dogs due to their acute intelligence and high trainability.

However, things get a bit confusing when you get into the Moyen nitty gritty. Moyen Poodles are large enough to be considered standard Poodles by American clubs like the AKC.

This is because, by American clubs’ measurements, standards are 15 inches and above. However, several European breeders consider standard Poodles to be 20 inches+. This leaves a gap between 15 to 20 inches, which the Moyen Poodle gladly fills.

Some people claim that a Moyen Poodle is a mix between a Standard Poodle and a Miniature Poodle. However, this is not true since Moyen Poodles are actually a fourth but less-known Poodle category based on size. And Moyen Poodles are recognized in Europe as a legitimate size on their own.

This owner says his pup isn’t a big Standard Poodle, so you could say he has a Moyen Poodle:

What is the Difference Between a Poodle and a Moyen Poodle?

Only a few people are aware of the existence of the Moyen Poodle, which is a unique size variation of the standard Poodle. In reality, only size differentiates a Moyen and a Standard Poodle, where the Standard is larger.

Every other aspect, including physical appearance, temperament, and intelligence, is the exact same between a Poodle and a Moyen Poodle.

Physical Characteristics of Moyen Poodles

How Do Moyen Poodles Look?

Moyen Poodles look exactly like a typical Poodle. Their body is compact and muscular, with a straight topline and a level back. The deep and well-sprung chest provides ample lung capacity to make them athletic. Their legs are pretty long, straight, and well-muscled.

Their muzzles are straight and moderately long below their almond-shaped, dark, nicely spaced eyes. Their heads are slightly rounded and typically have the famous Poodle fro. They have droopy ears set right or just below eye level.

How Big Does A Moyen Poodle Get?

Moyen Poodles y are smaller than Standard Poodles but larger than Miniature Poodles. Klein Poodles should stand between 15 to 20 inches ( 38 to 50 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 to 35 pounds (6 to 15 kg).

Coat and Colors of Moyen Poodles

Moyen Poodles have a dense, curly coat that is hypoallergenic, sheds minimally, and doesn’t molt. They come in a variety of colors, including:

Black;
White;
Brown;
Gray;
Apricot;
Cream;
Red;
Some Moyen Poodles may have parti-colors, a combination of two or more colors;
phantom markings; and
Sable.

Personality and Temperament of Moyen Poodles

Moyen Poodles are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They are very friendly, loving, highly intelligent, loyal, and sometimes mischievous. They are perfect for families and individuals who want an obedient but fun companion.

Moyen Poodles are social dogs and enjoy spending time with their owners and other pets. They thrive on attention and affection and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. They are also highly sensitive and would break down if their favorite person gets too stern.

In terms of energy level, Moyen Poodles are energy maniacs. They enjoy daily exercise and playtime and must have an energy release to remain well-behaved. They are also brilliant, making it to the number two smartest dog as per Dr. Stanley Coren’s list.

Health Issues Common to Moyen Poodles

Several academic sources look into common Poodle health problems to better prepare potential owners. Some of these issues include:

Hip Dysplasia: a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort in the affected dog.
Eye Disorders such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. These conditions can cause vision loss and discomfort in affected dogs.
Addison’s Disease/hypoadrenocorticism is a hormonal disorder that affects the adrenal glands. Moyen Poodles are at an increased risk for this condition, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy.
Heart issues like arrhythmia that’s irregular heartbeats, and heart defects.
Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a disease that causes blood clotting issues. There are three types, with type 1 von Willebrand’s as the most common.
Bloat/ GDV (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus) is where the stomach twists on itself. Studies show that deep-chested canines, including Poodles, are most susceptible.
Neurological issues like epilepsy.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, causing an insufficient blood supply to bones.
Mild to moderate problems like allergies, obesity, dental issues, skin conditions, and ear infections.

How Long Do Moyen Poodles Live?

Moyen Poodles are a relatively healthy breed with a long lifespan. The Moyen Poodle’s lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years, depending on diet, exercise, genetics, and overall health.

Care and Grooming Needs for Moyen Poodles

Feeding Requirements

Moyen Poodles are medium-sized dogs that require a balanced diet to maintain their health. Feeding them high-quality dog food formulated for their size and activity level is recommended.

Moyen Poodles should eat twice a day to prevent bloat, with the amount of food depending on their weight, age, and activity level.

Exercise Needs

Moyen Poodles are active dogs that require regular exercise for 1 to 2 hours to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy brisk walks, runs, playing fetch, and swimming.

Grooming Tips

Moyen Poodles have a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. These dogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming, so this is not a good breed if you don’t have time for daily grooming sessions to maintain their coat.

Brush them daily with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Also, trim their coat every six to eight weeks to maintain length and prevent matting.
Moyen Poodles also require regular bathing, with a frequency of once every four to six weeks. It is essential to use a mild dog shampoo and conditioner to avoid skin irritation.
Additionally, their ears should be cleaned regularly with canine wipes to prevent infections, and their nails should be trimmed every four to six weeks with clippers to prevent overgrowth.
Brush their teeth at least twice a week and alternate with a doggy mouth wash.
Poodles need professional grooming a few times yearly to maintain that famous Poodle look. These include the teddy bear cut, summer cut, German trim, puppy cut, and continental cut, among many others.

This video wonderfully illustrates Poodle haircuts:

Training a Moyen Poodle

Moyen Poodles are super intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners, making them an excellent breed for obedience training, agility training, and even therapy work. When training a Moyen Poodle, it is essential to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, and be consistent.

Moyen Poodles benefit from socialization training, obedience, and crate training. It is important to start all these training early, ideally when the dog is a malleable puppy, but it is never too late to start. Remember that these dogs are sensitive, so you must learn how to discipline without punishing them.

In addition to obedience and socialization training, Moyen Poodles can also excel in agility training. Their intelligence and athleticism make them a natural fit for this sport. However, it is crucial to start agility training gradually and under the guidance of a professional trainer to prevent injury.

Moyen Poodles as Family Pets

Moyen Poodles are an excellent choice for families looking for a loving and intelligent companion. They are easy to train, hypoallergenic, affectionate, and great with children, making them an ideal family pet.

Suitability with Children and Other Pets

Moyen Poodles are gentle and patient with children, making them an excellent choice for families with young kids. However, always supervise interactions between your Klein Poodle and children to prevent accidents. These dogs also do great with other pets and animals, especially with proper socialization.

Ideal Moyen Poodle Home

A home with a yard.
People with active lifestyles.
Allergic homes since they’re considered hypoallergenic.
Multipet households since they’re animal-friendly.
Adult supervision around young kids.

Where to Find Moyen Poodles

Moyen Poodles are relatively rare in the United States. This section will provide information on where to find Moyen Poodles, including adoption and rescue organizations and breeders.

Adoption and Rescue Organizations

Adoption and rescue organizations are a great option for those looking to adopt a Moyen Poodle. These organizations typically have a variety of dogs available for adoption, including Moyen Poodles. Some of the most reputable adoption and rescue organizations for Moyen Poodles include:

These organizations have a rigorous adoption process, including an application, a home visit, and sometimes a trial period to ensure the dog and the family are a good match. Adoption fees vary but typically range from $50 to $300.

Breeders

Breeders are another option for adding a Moyen Poodle to their family. It’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder knowledgeable about the breed and prioritizes their dogs’ health and well-being.

When working with a breeder, it’s essential to ask questions about the parents’ health, the puppies’ socialization, and any genetic testing that has been done. Moyen Poodles for sale from reputable breeders can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

In conclusion, whether you adopt or work with a breeder, it’s essential to research and find a reputable source for your Moyen Poodle. You can find the perfect addition to your family with patience and diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a Moyen Poodle puppy cost?

The price of a Moyen Poodle puppy can vary depending on the breeder, location, and lineage. On average, a Moyen Poodle puppy for sale can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

What is a Moyen Poodle mixed with?

Moyen Poodles are not mixed with other breeds. They are a distinct size variety of the Poodle breed, between the Standard and Miniature sizes.

What is the temperament of a Moyen Poodle?

Moyen Poodles are known for being intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs. They have an energetic and playful personality but also have a calm and gentle side.

What are the most common Moyen Poodle colors?

The most common colors for Moyen Poodles are black, brown, and cream. Other colors include apricot, red, and silver.

How large do Moyen Poodles typically get?

Moyen Poodles typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and stand 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.

Where can I find reputable Moyen Poodle breeders in my area?

To find reputable Moyen Poodle breeders in your area, it is recommended to do research online and read reviews from other buyers. You can also reach out to local Poodle clubs or organizations for recommendations.

Is the Moyen Poodle hypoallergenic?

Yes, Moyen Poodles are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair instead of fur, which means they shed less and produce less dander.

Do Moyen Poodles shed?

Moyen Poodles do shed, but they shed far less than other breeds because they have hair instead of fur. Regular grooming and brushing can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.

Final Thoughts

The Moyen Poodle is an intelligent, affectionate, and versatile breed that can make an excellent companion for the right owner. Moyen Poodles are large enough to be considered Standard Poodles in the US. They are known for their athleticism, trainability, and allergy-friendly coat.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.