Medium Poodle

The Medium Poodle is officially recognised as the fourth Poodle size by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). It perfectly bridges the gap between the Miniature and Standard sizes.

The Poodle’s history is a fascinating story, shrouded in controversy over its true homeland. Although France is officially considered the breed’s country of origin (and it is the national dog of France), Germany also lays a strong claim. The name “Poodle” comes from the German word “Pudeln”, which means “to splash in water”. This is a direct reference to their original purpose.

Originally, Poodles were not salon pets but hardworking water retrievers. They accompanied hunters of ducks and other waterfowl, fearlessly leaping into icy water to retrieve game. Their unique curly coat, while high-maintenance, provided excellent protection from the cold and damp.

Official recognition of the medium variety came in the first half of the 20th century, although these curly water hunters have been known since the Middle Ages. The classic “lion clip” seen in show rings today had a practical purpose. Hunters would shave the dog’s hindquarters to make swimming easier but left “pom-poms” of hair on the joints (paws, hips) and chest to protect vital organs and joints from teh cold.

Over time, thanks to their exceptional intelligence, charisma, and elegant appearance, Poodles moved from the hunting grounds to the fashionable salons of European aristocracy. They became favourites in royal courts, particularly in France. They were also used extensively in circus performances, where they performed amazing tricks that further highlighted their cleverness.

Breeding Poodles for size led to the emergence of four official varieties. The Medium Poodle (Moyen/Klein) was standardised to offer a dog that was more compact than the Standard Poodle but more robust and sturdier than the Miniature. This size was perfectly suited for city life while retaining all the breed’s working potential and vitality.

Hardly anyone is unfamiliar with the Poodle’s distinctive appearance. This elegant, curly-coated breed is easily recognised even by children. The Medium Poodle is the embodiment of elegance, proportion, and harmony. It looks like a scaled-down version of the Standard Poodle, retaining all its noble features.

• General Appearance: A dog of harmonious proportions, with a characteristic curly or corded coat. Gives the impression of being intelligent, attentive, and active.
• Head: Elongated and proportional to the body. The muzzle and skull are roughly equal in length. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is slight, not abrupt.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, dark (black or dark brown). Dark amber is permissible in brown Poodles. The expression is lively, intelligent, and alert.
• Ears: Long, hanging, and set close to the head. Covered in very long, wavy hair. The tips of the ears should reach the corners of the lips.
• Body: Proportional. The body length is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The back is level, and the loin is strong and muscular.
• Tail: Set quite high, carried raised (but not curled over the back). Tails were traditionally docked, but this is now banned in most European countries, and the standard requires a full, natural tail.

The breed’s crowning glory is, of course, its coat. It comes in two types:

1. Curly Coat: The most common type. The coat is dense, springy, abundant, and sheep-like. It forms tight, small curls. It should not feel harsh to the touch.
2. Corded Coat: Less common. Forms characteristic thin cords that should be at least 20 cm long. This type of coat requires completely different, highly specific care.

Regarding colour, the FCI standard recognises several solid (self-coloured) coats. Any markings or patches of another colour are considered a fault.

A person of any age or lifestyle can own this intelligent and obedient dog, but on one condition: they must be prepared to give the dog their time. The Medium Poodle is not a sofa ornament; it’s a fully-fledged companion with high intelligence and a deep need for interaction.

Intelligence and Cleverness: Poodles consistently rank second in lists of the most intelligent dog breeds (after the Border Collie). This means they learn incredibly quickly. They grasp commands almost instantly and are capable of understanding hundreds of words and intonations. But there’s a flip side: they learn bad habits just as quickly if allowed. They need mental stimulation, or boredom can lead to destructive or noisy behaviour.

People-Oriented: This is a companion dog to the core. They adore their family and crave being the centre of attention. The Medium Poodle gets along wonderfully with children, provided the children are taught to respect the dog. It will be a loyal friend for an active owner, a decorative (but very smart) companion for a socialite, and an obedient, gentle pet for older people. This playful dog will gladly join in children’s activities. They are not prone to holding grudges and are known for their diplomatic behaviour.

Emotional and Sensitive: Poodles are very sensitive to their owner’s mood and the atmosphere in the home. They do not cope well with arguments and shouting. This also means they are prone to separation anxiety. Leaving a Poodle alone for 8-10 hours every day is a bad idea. It can lead to destructive behaviour and incessant barking.

Socialisation: They usually get along well with other dogs and even cats, especially if raised together. They can be somewhat reserved with strangers but rarely show aggression. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent the dog from growing up timid.

Like any breed, the Medium Poodle has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to assess them realistically before bringing a puppy home.

Medium Poodles are generally a healthy and long-lived breed. However, like most purebred dogs, they have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for the most common ones, but it’s necesary to be aware of the potential risks.

Main Hereditary Diseases:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye disease that inevitably leads to blindness. Genetic tests are available to identify carriers, so it’s vital to buy a puppy from breeders who test their stock.
• Addison’s Disease: This is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms can be vague (lethargy, vomiting, weight loss), making it difficult to diagnose. With proper treatment, dogs can live full lives.
• Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): A skin disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the sebaceous glands. It leads to hair loss, dandruff, and secondary skin infections.
• Hip Dysplasia: Although more common in Standard Poodles, Mediums can also be affected. It’s an improper development of the hip joint, leading to arthritis.
• Epilepsy: Some Poodle lines are prone to idiopathic epilepsy, which causes seizures.

Other Common Problems:

Besides genetic issues, Medium Poodles can suffer from care-related problems. As is common for many breeds, they often have dental issues, particularly tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Regular teeth brushing is mandatory. They are also sometimes diagnosed with inflamed tonsils (tonsillitis) and the formation of oxalate stones in the bladder (urolithiasis).

It’s also worth remembering that the Medium Poodle’s sensitive nature makes them prone to neuroses and stress if the home atmosphere is tense. Keep an eye on their ear health – their hanging shape means poor ventilation, which can lead to ear infections (otitis).

Grooming is perhaps the most crucial and expensive aspect of Poodle ownership. If you are not prepared to dedicate time and money to it, this breed is not for you. Despite their hunting origins, Medium Poodles are best suited for living in a flat. Their curly coat barely sheds, but it requires regular, professional grooming.

Why is it so challenging? A Poodle’s coat grows continuously, much like human hair, and doesn’t fall out (shed). Dead hairs remain trapped in the curls, and if not brushed out, they instantly form mats. Mats pull at the skin, causing pain, and can lead to serious skin infections. Unlike, say, the Coton de Tulear, whose coat has a different structure, a Poodle’s curls will turn into a solid, felted mess without daily care.

There are countless clip options for a Poodle – from the show-stopping “Continental” and “Scandinavian Lion” clips to practical “Modern,” “Teddy Bear,” or simple short “Sporting” clips. For a family pet, a practical clip that simplifies grooming is usually chosen.

Training a Medium Poodle is a real pleasure. They live to please their owner, and their sharp mind allows them to master the most complex commands. The Medium Poodle is highly trainable, aided by the dog’s natural intelligence, obedience, and excellent memory.

Key Training Principles:

• Positive Reinforcement: Poodles respond wonderfully to praise, treats, and games. They are sensitive, so shouting or harsh correction methods (lead jerks, severe punishments) are not only ineffective but can also damage the dog’s psyche.
• Start Early: Socialisation and basic commands (sit, stay, come) should begin from the first day the puppy arrives home.
• Mental Exercise: These dogs get bored with just a walk on a lead. They need tasks. Teach them tricks, play puzzle games (hiding treats, “shell game”), and engage in dog sports.
• Sports with a Poodle: The Medium Poodle is an ideal candidate for canine sports. They excel in agility, obedience, freestyle (dog dancing), and even nosework (scent detection).

The breed’s characteristic dexterity and love of fun led to its successful circus career. This heritage is still evident: a Medium Poodle will happily learn tricks like “give paw,” “bow,” or “weave” between your legs. To avoid overwhelming the dog with training, let them burn off energy playing ball or swimming, which Poodles genetically adore.

A purebred Poodle requires high-quality natural food or a well-balanced commercial diet. A well-chosen food will be evident in their shiny coat, healthy skin, and excellent wellbeing. Medium Poodles are quite active dogs, but they are also prone to weight gain if overfed.

Two Main Approaches:

• Complete Feeds (Dry or Wet): This is the easiest way to provide a balanced diet. Choose super-premium or holistic grade foods designed for medium-sized breeds. Check the ingredients: meat (chicken, turkey, lamb) should be the first ingredient, not grains.
• Natural Diet (BARF/Home-cooked): This can be beneficial but requires knowledge and time from the owner. The diet should consist of raw or cooked meat (the foundation), offal, lean sea fish, fermented dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir), eggs, vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgette), and a small amount of grains (rice, buckwheat). Important: The diet must be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Keep in mind that these dogs can have sensitive digestion – so even a well-intentioned piece of greasy sausage from the table will not do them any good. Avoid fatty, fried, salty, and sugary foods. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are strictly forbidden.

• Truffle Hunters: Besides duck hunting, Poodles (especially smaller sizes) were widely used in France and Italy to hunt for truffles, thanks to their sensitive noses.
• Dogs of War: During World War II, Poodles served in the US military as guard dogs, medical dogs, and messengers.
• A Mysterious Origin: Debates still rage over the Poodle’s “true” ancestor. Candidates include the French Barbet and German water dogs.
• Celebrity Favourites: Poodles have always been popular with celebrities. Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, and Grace Kelly were all Poodle owners.
• Four-in-One: The Poodle is the only breed with four FCI-recognised size varieties (Standard, Medium, Miniature, Toy) that are judged by the same standard, just in different rings.

Do Medium Poodles shed a lot?
No, they shed very little. Instead of falling on the floor, dead hairs get trapped in the curls. This is precisely why they must be brushed daily to prevent mats from forming.

Is a Medium Poodle suitable for a family with children?
Yes, the Medium Poodle is an excellent choice for families with children. They are playful, patient, and non-aggressive. Their size (35-45 cm) is ideal: they are sturdy enough to handle active play (unlike fragile Toys) but not so large that they would accidentally knock a child over.

What’s the difference between Medium, Miniature, and Toy Poodles?

The only difference is height. According to the FCI standard:

• Toy Poodle: up to 28 cm (ideally 25 cm).
• Miniature Poodle: from 28 to 35 cm.
• Medium Poodle: from 35 to 45 cm.
• Standard Poodle: from 45 to 60 cm (with a tolerance of +2 cm).

Can you just not groom a Poodle?
Absolutely not. This is not just a question of aesthetics; it’s a matter of health. A Poodle’s coat grows continuously. Without clipping, it will felt into a solid ‘pelt’ of mats, which will cause pain, skin irritation, dermatitis, and become a breeding ground for parasites. It is animal cruelty.

How much does it cost to keep a Medium Poodle?
Beyond the costs of quality food and veterinary care, the main expense is grooming. A professional groom every 6-8 weeks can be quite costly. This must be factored into your budget before buying a dog.