Moyen Poodle 101: Complete Guide to This Rarest Dog Breed

Last Updated on February, 2025

Are you looking to know about a unique member of the POODLE FAMILY? Forget about what you already know about Miniature, Toy, and Standard Poodles.

There’s another player in town – the Moyen Poodle!

This medium-sized Moyen Poodle breed is also known as ‘French Poodle.’ They might not have the same recognition in the U.S. as other breeds, but TRUST ME, This breed is making waves. 

If you are curious about what sets the Moyen Poodle apart – I have some INTERESTING FACTS about these puppies. 

Quick Summary

Moyen Poodles are a lesser-known variety of the Poodle breed and are sometimes referred to as “French Poodles.” They are a medium-sized breed, standing between 15-20 inches and weighing between 20-35 pounds.

Moyen Poodles stand out for their exceptional intelligence and are quick learners. They excel in obedience training and other dog sports, making them desirable for various types of owners.

While not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, Moyen Poodles are gaining popularity worldwide as they make great companions for individuals with different lifestyles.

What is a Moyen Poodle?

A brown moyen poodle is looking at the camera

On the American Kennel Club website, ‘breed standard’ for the standard Poodle now requires the dog to be taller than 15 inches at the shoulder.

Any Poodle under 15 inches is considered a miniature Poodle. Those under 10 inches are classified as Toy Poodles.

However, before 2020, standard Poodles had to be at least 20 inches tall to be recognized as ‘standard Poodles.’

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Moyen Poodle puppies are a lesser-known variety of the Poodle breed. They offer a UNIQUE middle ground between the well-recognized Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles.

It’s standing at a height of 15-20 inches and weighs between 20-35 pounds. (they’re just the right size between miniature and standard Poodle). Moyen Poodles live around 13 to 16 years.

In the United States, Poodle sizes come in various sizes such as:

  • Mini or Toy Poodle: a toy or mini Poodle standing under 10 inches tall and weighing between 4 to 6 pounds. (Read how much does this Toy Poodle cost.)
  • Miniature Poodle: slightly taller than toy Poodles. They range in height from 10 to 15 inches and weigh between 10 to 14 pounds.
  • Standard Poodle: stand 16 inches tall, and they usually weigh 15 pounds or more.

Do you know? The ‘Moyen’ is a French term. Moyen means ‘medium’ in English. And in other parts of Europe, a Moyen Poodle is called a ‘Klein Poodle (German word) or Medium Poodle.’

Moyen Poodles, long-loved pets in Europe, are now gaining popularity worldwide. They share a temperament, energy level, grooming needs, and overall health that makes them lovable. This dog breed usually has a price of $2000-$3000.

Note: The price you will pay for a Moyen Poodle depends on the pup’s color, the reputation of the dog breed, genetic testing, and champion lineage.

Do you know about Intervariety Moyens? They are essentially FIRST GENERATION Moyen Poodles – which means we cannot accurately predict how BIG the pups will grow. (interesting, right?)

If you love history, you’ll find this interesting. Listen, Moyen Poodles – initially bred in France, have a long history dating back further than their recent global recognition.

These dogs were created by making standard Poodles smaller, fitting in between standard and miniature Poodles. 

But you know what? The American Kennel Club does not recognize them for their size. People typically breed Moyen Poodle puppies as companions. 

These dogs are also used for their size and charming qualities to create mixed breeds like Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Irish Doodles.

What Are the Grooming Needs of a Moyen Poodle?

A brown moyen poodle is sitting in front of some trees

Moyen Poodles come in different coat types, and their grooming requirements vary accordingly. But, for those with curly coats, regular grooming is ESSENTIAL.

Corded Moyen Poodles, on the other hand, need DAILY or regular brushing to maintain their cords. Regardless of their coat type, professional grooming every few months is necessary to keep their appearance in check.

Besides brushing, DON’T FORGET to have your dog’s nails trimmed once a month. Remember, dental health is also crucial. So, make sure to brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.

Note: Keep your Moyen Poodle’s coat and overall health in check by following these grooming guidelines specific to their coat type.

Physical Characteristics of a Moyen Poodle

These are a unique dog breed celebrated for their particular physical characteristics and personality as wonderful companions. Like many dog owners – I’m also a big fan of their distinct appearance. 

Are Moyen Poodles Highly Intelligent?

Yes. One standout trait of Moyen Poodles is their exceptional intelligence. These dogs are quick learners and are eager to please.

This makes these highly intelligent dog breeds relatively easy to train. 

This dog breed excels in various commands, making them a popular choice for obedience training, agility, and other dog sports.

However, Moyen Poodles require mental stimulation to stay content. These smart dogs will become bored if left unchallenged, leading to DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR.

A white moyen poodle laying on the floor in a living room

The best is to keep them engaged with interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions.

Do Moyen Poodles Have Hypoallergenic Qualities?

Yes. If you have allergies, Moyen Poodles present a FAVORABLE OPTION. While no dog breeds are entirely hypoallergenic, these medium-sized dogs have hair rather than fur – which reduces the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions in dog owners.

The classic curly coats of Moyen Poodles shed less. THE BEST THING? They are SUPER CLEAN. These great family pets produce less saliva and rarely drool.

Are you excited to give a Moyen Poodle a tight hug? Hold on, though, and I have got more physical traits to discuss. (keep reading with the same excitement)

Do Moyen Poodles Bark?

These dogs are moderate barkers. They tend to be alert and highly intelligent. A Moyen Poodle only vocalizes when they perceive a genuine reason for concern. 

If you prefer a quieter, tiny, standard Poodle – these true Moyens are the BEST.

With proper training and early socialization, you can TEACH your Moyen Poodle when it’s appropriate to bark and when silence is expected.

However, these smart dogs will bark or show their protective behavior – if they sense a potential threat (that’s why they’re fantastic service dogs).

How to Train a Moyen Poodle?

Training a Moyen Poodle is a rewarding experience as they are highly intelligent and willing to learn.

Guess what? These service dogs are highly trainable – making them suitable for various commands from BASIC obedience to COMPLEX tricks.

These dogs also love outdoor adventures and daily walks as training sessions.

Like certain other dog breeds, the Moyen needs consistency and positive reinforcement for successful training.

True Moyen Poodles aim to please their owners (like kids).

Two moyen poodles in a crate in the back of a car

So, building a solid bond through training sessions is an excellent way to ensure they behave well in public.

What is the Temperament of a Moyen Poodle?

Sociable

Moyen Poodles are sociable. This dog breed enjoys socializing with their owners and other pets. These moderate barkers interact well with children and withstand occasional rough handling.

Moderate Independence Nature

These medium Moyen Poodles have the intelligence of standard Poodles to strike balanced independence and affection. They entertain themselves when necessary and cherish their quality time with human companions (like you)

Flexible for Different Lifestyle

Moyen Poodles adapt remarkably well to different environments, growing in urban apartments and countryside residences.

Their calm behavior and ability to adjust to diverse backgrounds make them a SUPERB choice for individuals like you – with different lifestyles. 

Standard Poodles Vs. Moyen Poodles

standard poodle vs moyen poodle

When it comes to standard Poodles and moyen Poodles, the critical difference lies in their size. The standard Poodle is larger, while the Moyen Poodle falls between the miniature and standard sizes.

Poodles have German roots, but gained prominence in France. A Standard Poodle is bred for water retrieval, while smaller varieties, including the Moyen, were initially circus performers. 

Both standard and moyen Poodles share elegant features with long legs, floppy ears, curly coats, and docked tails.

Here’s the most exciting part – Their SIZE. Standard Poodles are larger, reaching up to 24 inches in height and 70 pounds. In contrast, Moyen Poodles stand between 15-20 inches in height and weigh 20-35 pounds.

Next is their temperament. Both dog breeds exhibit gentle, intelligent, and affectionate qualities – making them wonderful companions.

However, standard Poodles live between 11 to 13 years, while Moyen Poodles can reach 13 to 16 years. And NO DOUBT. Both breeds require proper training.

Now, the kicker is the PRICE DIFFERENCE. Moyen Poodles can go up to $3000, whereas standard Poodles will reach $2000.

How to Start Breeding Moyen Poodles?

If you want to breed one or two Moyen Poodles (these medium-sized dogs), you should consider the following KEY STEPS:

  • Understand the origin of Moyen Poodles: As I discussed above, this medium-sized Poodle breed was developed in Europe by breeding down standard Poodles to medium size. First, learn Moyen’s history to appreciate its corded coat.
  • Follow ethical breeding practices: Follow strict guidelines set by canine organizations like the FCI during the breeding process of this medium-sized Poodle.
  • Select the correct breeding pairs: to create true Moyens, breed Poodles with balanced proportions. But, be CAUTIOUS when mixing different-sized dogs as it will lead to off-balanced results.
  • Consider temperament: remember that each dog has a unique personality distinct from others, including medium-sized Moyens (but a Moyen is not as challenging as a large dog). The temperament of the offspring is only predictable once they grow up.

So, breeding from a long-line Klein Poodle from Europe or choosing a standard small Poodle will increase the chances of getting your desired temperament:

  • Practice patience and dedication: Breeding a Moyen Poodle isn’t a quick process. Creating a healthy, diverse, and high-quality Moyen Poodle usually involves many generations of breeding to STICK the best methods. So, you need to have patience when breeding them.

The American Kennel Club has the BEST BREEDING METHODS for dog owners like you.

FUN FACT: Violette De Ayala, the fantastic founder of FemCity and a bestselling author, has a cute Moyen Poodle named ‘Georgie’ living with her in her home. (wow! How cool is that?)

Moyen Poodle Health

Two pictures of a moyen poodle dog breed

Health issues affect all living beings, including dogs. However, some dog breeds experience fewer health problems.

As a dog lover, you will be concerned about this – for sure! I have analyzed some common health issues that a Moyen Poodle will encounter.

Understanding these issues early can help you take precautions and necessary steps before it’s too late.

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Eye and Ear Health

A Moyen Poodle will be susceptible to eye disorders such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Keeping a close eye on their vision and regular vet checkups can help identify and address these issues. 

Additionally, like other dogs, a Moyen Poodle will also be prone to ear infections. So, maintaining clean and dry ears is crucial.

Skin Condition

Skin infections or an allergic reaction will also trouble your Poodle. It is often triggered by improper grooming techniques or responses to certain shampoos.

Use suitable grooming tools during regular grooming. And always prefer gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos to keep their skin healthy.

Chronic Conditions

As they age, Moyen Poodles may be at risk for chronic ailments like ‘Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Epilepsy, Addison’s disease, and Hypothyroidism.’

These conditions will put their life at risk. So, regular VET check is essential.

But, careful planning and introducing mixed breeding into their lineage will increase genetic diversity and lower the likelihood of inherited diseases.

While it doesn’t provide complete immunity, it reduces the risk of health problems caused by limited gene pools.

As a proactive care to ensure your dog’s health, maintain a balanced diet, provide regular exercise, and practice good dental hygiene.

Two brown and white moyen poodles standing next to each other

These dogs need vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases. Remember, preventive care is the BEST approach to ensure your Moyen Poodle is physically fit.

Here are some IMPORTANT tests that are recommended for your Moyen Poodle:

How to Find a Moyen Poodle?

A moyen poodle wearing a red jacket

If you plan to pick the right one for you, this guide will simplify your search by providing the most effective methods. These medium-sized variety Poodles are good companions, and locating one is a straightforward process.

Reputable Breeders

Start by looking for reputable breeders specialized in Moyen Poodles, such as Magenta Bay Poodles and Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles.

You can also search online, consult Poodle clubs or organizations, attend dog shows, and even ask your local VET for recommendations. 

Note: Ensure the breeder conducts health tests and ask for references from previous buyers to ensure they’re trustworthy.

Online Classifieds

You can also check websites and classified ads for available Moyen Poodles. While this method requires caution – it’s just a way to find breeders or individuals looking to rehome their dogs.

Poodle Rescues

Consider adopting a Moyen Poodle from a rescue organization. Poodle rescues primarily deal with standard Poodles but may occasionally have Moyen Poodles available for adoption. Check their websites and inquire about available dogs. 

Some Poodle Rescue organizations are California Poodle Rescue, NorCal Poodle Rescue, and Poodle Rescue of Houston.

On-site Visits

Visit the breeder in person to see their facilities and meet the dogs. This visit will help you assess the breeder’s practices, Poodle sizes (moyen size), and the dogs’ health. 

Health and Welfare

Ensure the breeder conducts health testing on their dogs and properly cares for the puppies. You can request them to explain their dog breeding methods, socialization practices, and the health of Moyens.

Adoption Procedures

For rescue organizations, be prepared to go through the adoption process, including prerequisites, submitting an adoption form, and visiting the rescue facility by appointment.

Do Moyen Poodles Have AKC Recognition?

A brown moyen poodle laying on a blue rug

No. The American Kennel Club does not officially recognize Moyen Poodles despite their distinct size variation.

Moyen Poodles are not included in the ACK’s recognized categories of Poodles. ACK categorizes Poodles as ‘one breed’ consisting of three different varieties.

While the ACK doesn’t officially acknowledge Moyen Poodles, the United Kennel Club (UKC) takes a different approach. 

They treat Moyen Poodles as if they were standard Poodles. If you want to show your Moyen Poodle in a dog competition meant for standard-sized Poodles, the UKC is the proper organization.

Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:

Conclusion

Moyen Poodles may not have official recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC), but their exceptional qualities as FAMILY PETS speak for themselves. If you don’t want a larger dog, Moyen is your best choice.

And Guess what? Their friendly and trainable nature makes them perfect companions (lovely as hanging out with kids). But, selecting a reputable breeder is IMPORTANT – for the dog’s well-being.

You can check the ‘Poodle Club of America’ for a list of local clubs and esteemed breeders.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: FREE 7-DAY ULTIMATE PUPPY TRAINING COURSE →

FAQs

The main difference between a Toy Poodle and a Miniature Poodle is their size classification. Prior to 1907, both dogs were referred to as Toy Poodles. However, after this date, smaller Poodles under 28 cm were considered Toy Poodles, while those between 28 and 30 cm were classified as Miniature Poodles.

Yes, Moyen Poodles need a moderate to high level of exercise. They typically require 1 to 2 hours of physical activity each day.

A Moyen Poodle can have the same coat colors as a standard Poodle, such as blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots, and creams. However, non-solid colors like Parti are popular among Poodle enthusiasts despite not being recognized by the AKC.

The usual energy level of a Moyen Poodle is moderate, characterized by intelligence, trainability, and activeness. They are not overly hyper, and their friendly nature makes them ideal for families, including children.

A Moyen Poodle will usually reach its full size at around 2 months of age, with peak growth happening in the first 12-18 months. Their final height typically ranges between 14 to 20 inches.

Poodles’ weaknesses revolve around their sensitivity to emotions. They can become easily scared by loud noises and can be upset by chaos or yelling at home, leading to stomach issues or unusual behaviors. This applies to all types of poodles, including Moyen Poodles.

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

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