Moyen Poodle Dog Breed

Other names:
Klein Poodle
Medium Poodle

The Moyen Poodle, also referred to as the Klein Poodle, is simply a 4th size of the breed. This particular size falls in between the Standard and Miniature Poodles but is not recognized by the AKC; however many European Kennel Clubs do recognize the Moyen. These are indoor dogs that will be a well behaved companion inside your house or apartment and a lively, playful bundle of energy outdoors. Most notably, this breed is intelligent, easily trained, playful and a people pleaser. Moyens are perfect additions to a multi pet household and an excellent option for families with children. They can be nervous around strangers at first but are capable of warming up. Although they require quite a bit of maintenance to ensure they are properly groomed and exercised, their other traits far surpass this small setback to ensure they remain one of the most popular breeds of all time.

Moyen Poodle Breed Details

Below are the details and specs for the Moyen Poodle.

Type
Purebred
Lifespan
12 - 15 yrs.
Height
16 - 20 in.
Weight
20 - 35 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Moyen Poodle Breed Description

This type of Poodle falls between the Standard and Miniature sizes, however this size is not AKC recognized. They stand about 16-20 inches tall and weigh 20-35 pounds.

Most notably, this breed is intelligent, playful, alert, focused and companionable. Moyen Poodles get along well with most other animals are great additions to a multi pet household. They make the ideal companion for a family with playful children and are intelligent enough, if socialized, to appropriate their behavior around different ages. They are focused and alert enough to make fine watchdogs but, due to their nervousness around strangers, do not make good guard dogs.

The Moyen Poodle is a fairly high maintenance breed in terms of grooming and exercise. They are immensely intelligent and focused making them easily trainable. Grooming is a different story, however, with monthly bathing, clipping, teeth and ear cleaning not uncommon. This breed is good for those with allergies as it does not shed often. Exercising your pet's mind and body will also require some time as these extremely clever and intelligent dog needs time for their mind as well as their bodies. These needs can be met with obedience training, agility training, walks, games, swimming, retrieving and many other activities you might personally enjoy.

Moyen Poodle Breed History

The curly haired Asian ancestors of the modern poodles made their way over to central and Western Europe long ago. They settled in areas such as France, Germany, Russia and many other countries. In fact, the word Poodle comes from the German word 'pudel' meaning" to splash". This name is quite exacting as the Poodle had its start as a water bird retriever. The standard sized poodle had began making an appearance in artworks of the 15th century by artists such as Albrecht Durer. Only later did it begin to make its debut as a circus dog and also during the 19th century as a companion to the aristocratic ladies of Europe. It is notable that the poodle is the national dog of France.

Moyen Poodle Appearance

The characteristic Poodle coat can come in two variations for the Klein, curly or corded. Corded will appear as very tight curls/cords in varying lengths while the curly version is softer.

Moyen Poodle Colors

The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Moyen Poodles.

Additional Coat Colors
Apricot
Blue
Cafe-au-lait
Cream
Grey
Silver

Moyen Poodle Temperament

This breed has plenty of energy, a playful attitude and a high intelligence level. Nearly all owners agree that these traits, along with alertness and ability to remain focused, make them highly trainable. As a companion dog this breed loves to please and is often seen as comical and affable; fitting as they were once prominent circus dogs. Among a Moyen's favorite activities are swimming, retrieving, agility training and learning special tricks.

Moyen Poodles are exceptionally good with children making excellent playmates. They are also friendly with other pets, especially dogs. They tend to be reserved around strangers but this behavior can be reduced if socialized at the appropriate age (8-12 weeks).

Moyen Poodle Maintenance

The Moyen Poodle is a fairly high maintenance breed in terms of grooming and exercise. They are immensely intelligent and focused making them easily trainable. Grooming is a different story, however, with monthly bathing, clipping, teeth and ear cleaning not uncommon.

Exercising your pet's mind and body will also require some time as these extremely clever and intelligent dog needs time for their mind as well as their bodies. These needs can be met with obedience training, agility training, walks, games, swimming, retrieving and many other activities you might personally enjoy.

Grooming Requirements

Poodles coats are notoriously laborious to care for; however, they are good for those with allergies as they do not shed often. Many groomers recommend monthly clipping and weekly brushing for short coats; this increases to daily brushing for longer coats. Most owners tend to go for a lower maintenance "puppy clip" which is short all over. Those that show their dogs or like a more traditional look will choose the Continental and English Saddle clips in which the hair is shaved over the rear of the body and areas around the ankles and tip of tail are left. Bathing will need to be done just as regularly and special attention will need to be paid to keeping the ears clean and removing hair overgrowth. The teeth will also need to be cleaned frequently.

Exercise Requirements

The Moyen needs a considerable amount of exercise physically and mentally. Obedience training is a great way to exercise your dog's mind as well as bond with him/her. Poodles have the focus, intelligence and energy to excel at this; owners agree that they are quite easily trained. They should also have ample outdoor activity in the form of daily walks or time to run and play in a safe area. They also enjoy retrieving, swimming, agility training and learning special tricks.

Living Requirements

This breed is considered an indoor breed and is not recommended to spend the majority of its time outside. Moyen Poodles do not do well when separated from their owners for long periods of time as they are primarily companion dogs.

Moyen Poodle Health

A longstanding pure breed, Moyen Poodles are subject to many possible health issues. Eye diseases, ear infections and skin diseases and allergies are quite common. Hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes and luxating patella is often common in smaller poodles. Autoimmune disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands, diabetes, epilepsy and heart diseases are also more serious yet frequent issues. This information is simply a list of possible issues any owner should familiarize themselves with, it does not mean your pet will have all or even one of these problems. A more complete list and descriptions of the majority of Poodle health concerns can be found on official breed websites such as AKC and various Poodle club sites. Members of this breed generally live 12-15 years.

Moyen Poodle Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Moyen Poodles.

Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Luxating patella
Allergies
Epilepsy
Heart problems
Diabetes
Eye diseases
Skin diseases
Autoimmune disorders

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 7, 2016
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