Poodle faqs

What sizes do Poodles come in? 
It can be difficult because there are 3 official sizes according to the AKC but there are 3 additional sizes used as marketing gimmicks by breeders to buyers.  I will list the 3 official and the 3 "slang sizes" with brief description:  I will list from largest to smallest and put a picture of each so you will understand the size.  Princess Petite Poodles specializes in miniature and  toys,  We do sometimes have "tiny toys" or "tea cups", 
AKC /CKC The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle.
Slang Moyen It is a miniature version of a standard poodle.  They are generally in the 14″-18″ height range and in the 20-30 lb weight range. Moyen is a French word that means the fourth size Poodle in France, but the remainder of Europe refers to them as Kleins. 
AKC/CKC The Miniature  is 15 inches under or is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle.
AKC /CKC The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.
Slang Tiny Toy Poodle will generally weigh between four and six pounds  and stand eight or nine inches tall.
Slang Teacup, Pocket, or Mico Poodle is a very small poodle usually weighing between 2 to 4 pounds and 8 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders  

What colors do toy poodles come in? 
As with most things regarding toy or mini poodles, there are the true colors and slang colors,
AKC standard colors - Apricot. Black, Blue, Brown, Cafe Au Lait, Cream, Gray, Red, Silver, Silver Beige, White
AKC non standard other colors/Slang - Black & Brown, Black & Cream, Black & Gray, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black & White, Blue & White, Brown & White, Cream & White, Gray & White, Red & White, Red & Apricot, White & Apricot, White & Silver, Black & Apricot, Brown & Apricot

CKC Standard coat color variety - Any solid color including but not limited to: white, black, gray, red/apricot, blue, liver, cream, café-au-lait, Champagne, Isabella, sables (with darker feathering).
CKC Nonstandard coat color variety/Slang -  Phantom (black, blue, silver, Isabella, liver, gray, or blue with tan points), brindle, tuxedo, pied, piebald, or party (includes all of the above listed patterns and colors with or without white markings), white with the above listed coat colors and patterns.

General Slang colors - Mahogany, Tuxedo, Chocolate, merle
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What are the different poodle registries? Princess Petite Poodles uses AKC / CKC / or dual AKC &CKC
The purpose of a dog registry is to ensure dog and puppy owners of the sound nature of their new puppy as well as to validate the authenticity of a bloodline. Dog Registries are comprised of organizations formed to compile a register of an official list of dogs within a specific dog breed whose parents are known to the registries and contain a "clean" bloodline. Most puppies are registered when they are born by their breeders. Registries also may compile a "stud book" used to reference male dogs within a specific breed. Some kennel clubs maintain their own dog registries within their own group of members and affiliated clubs. There are a number of puppy and dog registries you can list your puppy through.  We have put the links for you to explore your choices (Again Princess Petite Poodles uses AKC and / or CKC but you may dual register to these
ACA- American Canine Association 
ADBA - American Dog Breeders Association
AKC - American Kennel Club
​APR - American Purebred Registry
APRI - American Pet Registry
CKC - Continental Kennel Club 
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
DRA- Dog Registry of America
IAR- International Animals Registry
NAMBR- North American Mixed Breed Registry
NAPDR- North American Purebred Dog Registry
UABR- United All Breed Registry
KC- United Kennel Club
USKC- United States Kennel Club
WKC- World Kennel Club
WWKC- World Wide Kennel Club
​Dog registration is not required but is a great idea to get your new puppy or adult dog registered if your breeder has not already done so. If you intent to show your dog, this should be the first thing you do. There are breed specific registries where you can dual register your dog as well. Many show dog owners have their dogs registered through a standard registry such as AKC as well as a secondary registry for their specific dog's breed. Keep in mind that a registration does not insure the quality or soundness of a dog or dog breeder. It is more important to find the right dog for your needs and personality than it is to find a registered dog. Look into the meaning of each different dog registry listed above and learn more about the type of registration your new puppy may already have or your options if registering your own dog.

Are poodles French? No!!!!

Poodles first originated in Germany, not France. Although it is the national dog of France, the Poodle actually originated in Germany.  The breed name comes from the German word, “pudel” or “pudelin,” which means “to splash in the water.” In fact, the term “French Poodle” is a misnomer. In France, the breed is called Caniche, French for “duck dog.”

Are poodles "foofoo dogs" / Why the silly looking haircuts?

They were originally bred as hunting dogs. The Poodle was named after splashing in water because these dogs were originally bred to be water retrievers. Their job was to bring ducks and other birds back to their masters. They haven’t lost their skills over the years. Some waterfowl hunters still use Poodles in the field today.

The Poodle cut is meant for function, not fashion. It might seem like the ultimate canine fashion statement, but the traditional Poodle cut is really all about function, not fashion. Less hair would make the Poodle a more efficient swimmer, but more vulnerable to cold water. To get the best of both worlds, Poodle owners placed puffs of hair around the joints and the upper torso to protect the joints and vital organs.

There are a variety of hairstyles for Poodles. Each Poodle haircut has very specific rules about where the puffs and pompoms of hair should be and how long they should be. To compete as show dogs, adult Poodles must have one of three hairdos: the Continental Clip, the Modified Continental Clip, or the English Saddle. Puppies in competitions have the official Puppy Clip, which is an even length all over the body.

Regardless of size, Poodles are highly active dogs. Taking a cue from their history as duck hunters, Poodle owners should give their dogs lots of exercise. They’re excellent retrievers and enjoy a good game of fetch, as well as jogging and long walks. As superb water dogs,  swimming is another great option.

They have hair, not fur. “What’s the difference between hair and fur?” you may wonder. Fur grows up to a certain point and then falls off—what we know as shedding. Hair does not fall out and never stops growing. Poodle hair, like human hair, can respond to hormonal changes in the body. Female Poodles can experience hair thinning or loss after having puppies.

 Lots of Poodles have jobs. Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great service dogs. Poodles are also employed as guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with other physical disabilities, and therapy dogs. They’ve even been utilized as truffle hunters due to their keen noses.

A team of Poodles once competed in the Iditarod. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race takes place every year in Alaska and is now restricted to northern breeds well-adapted to the cold. This rule restricting the breeds was adopted after a musher, named John Suter, attempted to compete with a team of Standard Poodles in 1988. Some of the Poodles were so cold, with frozen feet and hair-matting problems, that they had to be dropped off at checkpoints.