There are three traditional poodle sizes: the Miniature, the Toy, and the Standard. However, there’s a lesser-known fourth size of Poodle, and that’s the Moyen Poodle.
Moyen Poodles are a bit of an outsider in the Poodle world, particularly when it comes to showing, but they’re certainly not rare! In this guide, we’re going to learn a bit more about the Moyen Poodle and a few fun facts about the dog breed!
Before scrolling down to learn about the Moyen Poodle, check out these other similar guides: Silver Standard Poodle Guide and Sable Poodle Guide.
Moyen Poodle’s Characteristics and Traits
The Moyen is produced by the mating of two Moyen Poodles together. They can also be bred by mating a mini Poodle with a Standard. In the United States, the Moyen Poodle is not recognized by The American Kennel Club as a size of its own. Instead, they are grouped and registered as Mini or Standard Poodles depending on physical attributes like size, height, and weight.
1. Incredibly Intelligent
Every dog breed, and every dog, has inherent “problems” you’ll need to accept or deal with after adoption. With the Moyen Poodle, that problem happens to be their intelligence!
Your Moyen Poodle will be a highly intelligent dog, which is great for training the animal, but not so good in other ways. When left to their own devices for long periods of time, your Moyen may tend to get bored. As with most dogs, boredom for a Moyen Poodle can also mean destructive behavior.
Plan to keep your Poodle entertained, even when you’re not home! Hire a dog walker or sitter, keep your pup well-stocked with entertaining toys, and give him plenty of exercise. Tending to your dog’s intellectual needs can help prevent unwanted behaviors.
Related Guides: How Smart Are Chihuahuas and Are Goldendoodles Smart Dogs?
2. Mildly Hypoallergenic
One common concern among dog lovers is whether or not their dog breed is hypoallergenic. Now, it is important to point out that the concept of a fully hypoallergenic dog is still regarded as a myth. Usually, dogs that do not shed and have a certain type of coat are put into the hypoallergenic category.
According to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the pet dander you’ll find on most pets is what triggers allergic reactions in susceptible humans. Thankfully, the Moyen Poodle has hair, not fur. That makes it less likely to cause the onset of an allergic reaction in you, the pet owner. Their classic curly coats are, for all intents and purposes, non-shedding.
If you’re allergic to dogs, keep in mind that your allergies can be triggered by other sources. For instance, your dog’s saliva and urine contain enzymes that may cause a reaction. The good news is that Moyens rarely drool and, once properly trained, will only pee in designated spots. This eliminates the risk of allergic reactions from contact with any of these secretions. In a nutshell, the Moyen Poodle is mildly hypoallergenic.
Related: Best Hypoallergenic Dog Mixes.
3. Small Size Comes With Great Temperament
As with all Poodles, the Moyen inherits the intelligence and intuitiveness of its parents. They also have some agility and flexibility to training tucked in there. This makes them quickly trained and disciplined.
Size can play a role in the temperament of your dog, and the size of the Moyen means a few things. Primarily, the dogs weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, making them more likely to withstand the unintentional rough handling they may occasionally face from children in a family setting.
Temperament is an essential factor to consider before adopting a dog, and it’s why the Moyen Poodle comes out on top. Their smaller size compared to the much larger Standard Poodles mean they are less likely to knock over or injure children. They also eat less frequently and take up less space. They show an impressive level of physical stamina and endurance and are not easily riled up. When taking hikes and walks, they use their manners and are playful when given the opportunity.
4. Moyens Are Moderate Barkers
If you are easily annoyed with dogs that bark a lot, we think you’ll be pleased with the Moyen. Poodles aren’t considered frequent barkers, and they only do so when they sense something is amiss. They’re alert and intelligent, meaning they’ll only sound the puppy alarm when they feel there is good reason to do so!
Furthermore, the pups are easy to train! That makes it easy to desensitize the dogs. Begin training early, teaching them the difference between, say, the doorbell and your phone alarm! Of course, you can’t expect any dog to be bark-free. Your Moyen has a protective nature and will bark or even show signs of aggression when he feels you may be in danger.
Related: Best Device to Stop Dog Barking.
5. Easy to Train
As we mentioned, the Moyen Poodle is easy to train. The dogs are very smart and have bright, easy temperaments. This is the perfect recipe for trainability.
Your Poodle wants to make you happy, so he’ll gladly work with you to learn commands, manners, and appropriate behaviors. With time, your dog will learn all the tricks you’d like to see him perform, and will generally know what is expected of him. They will know where to eat, sleep, pee and play. In teaching them, it is crucial to make the routine fun and upbeat. Consistency is also key in training your Poodle.
Moyen Poodle Health
Poodles have some of the longest life expectancies in the dog world, and you can expect your pup to be with you from between 12 to 15 years. As they grow older, however, your Moyen Poodle may begin to exhibit signs of some of the diseases and conditions that commonly affect the breed.
These conditions include cataracts and other eye disorders. They also stand a higher risk of contracting ear infections than some other dog breeds. Another problem they will likely encounter is skin infections. Many of these skin infections are a result of inadequate or improper use of clippers. The ingredients in shampoos used and allergic reactions to those shampoos are another reason. Other diseases they may likely suffer as they grow older include Progressive Renal Atrophy, Epilepsy, Addison’s disease, and Hypothyroidism.
Bring your Poodle to the vet on a regular basis. Together, you and your doggy doc can look for signs of these conditions and, hopefully, can begin treatment early.
Moyen Poodle’s Pricing
If you have decided on this beautiful and intelligent dog, you’re likely curious as to how much a dog costs. The Moyen Poodle is considered a premium dog and, as such, demands a premium price. Reputable breeders sell them at around $2,000 to $3,000. However, depending on the bloodline and breeder, the price may rise to as much as $4,000.
Other Important Facts About the Moyen Poo
1. The AKC does not recognize the Moyen Poodle.
Despite the massive success of the Moyen Poodle spanning decades, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize Moyen Poodle as a distinct breed, but instead as a size variation of the Poodle. Only three Poodle sizes are identified in the AKC records: Standard, Minature, and Toy. You are still free to register your Moyen Poodle with the organization, though; register your Poodle as either a Mini Poodle or as a Standard Poodle. To understand why the AKC does not recognize the Moyen, you need to understand the criteria they use to categorize Poodles.
The American Kennel Club categorizes any Poodle with a height greater than 15 inches as a Standard Poodle. Moyen Poodles usually grow beyond 15 inches, and for this reason the AKC classifies them as Standard Poodles. The downside of this categorization is that Moyen Poodles may be limited in competition in AKC-branded events.
2. Their breeding process is extensive and complex.
The breeding process of the Moyen Poodle is much more complex than that of other dog breeds. Usually, first-generation Moyen Poodles are produced from the crossbreeding of a mini Poodle and a standard one. The process does not, however, promise a complete uniformity in size. The result is a disparity in the size and physical attributes of the litter produced. Scientific data compiled over the years shows that, on average, it would take about four generations of breeding for a pure Moyen Poodle to be produced. For this reason, it is essential to communicate your wishes with the breeder before you pay for your dog.
3. Moyens stop growing at 18 months.
Moyen Poodles grow pretty fast, and they complete this growth in 18 months. This contrasts with their larger Standard cousins that take on average up to 2 years to grow to full maturity. While they may stop growing tall at 18 months, the Moyen Poodle may continue to add weight after that period.
The growth curve of the Moyen Poodle isn’t a straightforward, steady increase though. In their first 6 to 9 months, they exhibit exponential growth. This is the phase where they develop 90% of their body mass and attribute. The remaining 10% is spread out over the remaining nine months. Moyen Poodles usually grow to about 15 inches in height, and they can weigh up to 50 pounds when fully developed.
4. Moyen and Klein Poodle are the same.
Another name for the Moyen Poodle is Klein Poodle. We mentioned earlier that a Moyen Poodle is the product of a Standard and Miniature Poodle. The Moyen term was coined in France, and this was where the Moyen breed was rampant and well-known at the time. However, the breed was also popular in Germany, where the Klein Poodle name originated.
Klein Poodle loosely means ‘small Poodle.’ This refers to the smaller size of the Medium Poodle in comparison to the Standard. This is why in Europe, where the Moyen is believed to have originated, Klein Poodle is the prevalent name there. The Moyen Poodle is sometimes referred to as a Barbone, a Chien Canne, Canniche, or French Poodle.
Find a Poodle Breeder: Best Mini Poodle Breeders in the United States and Best Toy Poodle Breeders in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Moyen Poodle be registered with the AKC?
The American Kennel Club(AKC) does not recognize the Moyen Poodle, also known as the Klein Poodle. Moyen Poodles are a size variation from the Standard Poodle, while the American Kennel Club categorizes any Poodle with a height greater than 15 inches as a Standard Poodle.
Moyen Poodles usually grow beyond 15 inches, so the AKC deems them to be Standard Poodles. Moyen Poodles are grouped and registered as mini or standard Poodles depending on physical attributes like size, height, and weight.
How much do Moyen Poodles cost?
The Moyen Poodle makes for good companion dogs and is extremely intelligent. Moyens rarely drool and are mildly hypoallergenic. The Moyen Poodle is more robust and sturdier than the mini or toy Poodle.
The Moyen is much smaller than the standard Poodle, and because of this, they are less likely to knock over or injure children.
The Moyen Poodle is a premium dog, and prices range from $2,000 to $3,000. However, depending on the bloodline and breeder, the price may cost as much as $4,000.
Are Moyen Poodles purebred?
They are merely seen as a size variation. Only three Poodle sizes are identified in the AKC records: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Moyen is considered a standard Poodle by the AKC.
Yet, Moyen Poodles cannot participate in AKC branded canine competitions, except they are to compete with and as Standard Poodles.
What is the Moyen size?
Moyen Poodle size first-generation Moyen Poodles are produced from the crossbreeding of a mini puppy and a standard one. We Love Doodles explains that the process does not, however, promise a complete uniformity in size and that the result is a disparity in the size and physical attributes of the litter produced.
We Love Doodles also explains that scientific data compiled over the years show that, on average, it would take about four generations for a pure Moyen Poodle can be produced.
Moyens stop growing at 18 months, and although they grow fast, it contrasts with their more giant standard Poodles, which take up to 2 years to reach adulthood. The Moyen Poodle will stop growing at 18 months but will continue to fill out. A typical Moyen Poodle’s height is 15 to 20 inches and they weigh 20 to 35 pounds.
How long does a Moyen Poodle live?
The standard Poodle lifespan is 12-15 years. Your Moyen’s life expectancy will be similar to this.
What is a merle Moyen Poodle?
Poodles can be merle, but they are never naturally merle. Merle is a dominant gene meaning the puppy only needs to inherit this gene from one parent to get the merle gene.
If both parents carry the merle gene, this is called a double merle. Breeders should never breed two merle Poodles together because the pups are likely to suffer from congenital blindness and deafness.
A merle Moyen Poodle has had the merle gene introduced in the gene line by another breed, making the pool line making the merle Poodle not purebred even they look it.
How big do merle Poodles get?
The merle Poodle usually stands between 15-24 inches in height, whereas the merle Miniature Poodle or chocolate merle mini Poodle is smaller than the Standard Poodle.
Conclusion For “Important Facts About The Moyen Poodle”
Moyen Poodles are a bit of an outsider in the Poodle world, as they size isn’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. That said, however, these dogs make fantastic, trainable, and friendly pets that get along with the whole family.
Choose a reputable breeder who understands the Moyen and opts for responsible and safe breeding practices. You’ll find guides elsewhere on this site focused on the best Poodle breeders in the United States and specific regions.
For more Poodle guides from WeLoveDoodles, you can check out:
- Black Poodle Guide
- Corded Poodle Guide
- Best Poodle Mixes
To learn more about the Moyen Poodle, watch “Moyen vs. Standard Poodle” from ThatShortGuy down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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