Moyen means “Medium” a “French term” used to describe the fourth size of Poodles. This size of poodle was created and is recognized mostly in Europe. Klein is a “German term” used to describe this size.
Moyen Poodles usually weigh 15-35 lbs and stand about 15-20 inches at the shoulder. Any Poodles over 15 inches are considered Standard Poodle according to AKC. Thus, if you purchase a Moyen Poodle and want to register it with AKC, it will be registered as a Standard Poodle.
“Intervariety Poodles” are created by breeding Poodles of different sizes, like a Miniature to a Standard, or a Miniature to a Toy. Importantly, they are still 100% Poodle, not mixed breeds. First-generation Moyens, for example, are often bred by pairing a Miniature with a Standard Poodle. Because of this, the puppies may vary in size, with some being larger or smaller than others. It takes about four generations of breeding to achieve uniform size and be considered “true to type” Moyens.
Overview of Moyen Poodles
Origin | Germany |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Size | Medium |
LifeSpan | 12-15 years |
Weight | 15-35 lbs |
Height | 15-20 inches |
Coat Type | Thick, Dense, Curly / Corded |
Coat Length | Medium-Length |
Shedding | Low |
Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Color | Black, White, Apricot, Cream, Silver, Grey, Brown, Red |
Temperament | Intelligent, Active, Alert, Faithful |
Family-Friendly | Yes |
Other Pet Friendly | Yes |
Trainability | Obedient and Loyal |
Breeding Process of Moyen Poodles
Moyen Poodles are the perfect blend of Standard and Miniature Poodles, creating an adorable medium-sized dog. These first-generation Moyens are often bred by crossing a Miniature with a Standard, resulting in puppies with a zero COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) score, meaning no shared ancestors within five generations. This genetic diversity contributes to their overall health and well-being.
However, breeding true Moyens takes more than just crossing different-sized Poodles. It requires careful planning over multiple generations—usually four—before producing consistent physical traits and temperaments. Ethical breeders follow strict guidelines from organizations like the FCI and AKC to ensure these traits are maintained. The result is a healthy, well-tempered dog, perfect for family life or even service work.
Physical Characteristics of Moyen Poodles
– Height: 15-20 inches
– Weight: 15-35 lbs
– Coat Type: Dense, Thick, Curly or Corded Coat
– Color Varieties: Like Standard and Miniature Poodles they are also found in every imaginable color from solid black to multicolored patterns.
Comparison Between Different Poodle Sizes:
Unique Traits of Moyen Poodles:
– Elegant appearance with a well-proportioned size body.
– Highly intelligent and trainable make them excellent contestants for different dog sports and activities.
Dietary Requirements:
Moyen Poodles require a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to support their active lifestyle and overall health. Typically, they need about 1 to 1.5 cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. Protein should make up around 18-22% of their diet, coming from sources like chicken, lamb, or fish, while fat content should be around 8-12% for energy. It’s important to choose food that contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, along with fiber for digestion. Additionally, Moyen Poodles benefit from antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support joint health, especially as they age. Always adjust the food portions based on their size, activity level, and weight management needs.
Energy Levels:
Moyen Poodles have moderate to high energy levels thus, need physical and mental activities to fulfill their requirements. They enjoy different activities and sports including running, jumping, exploring, agility training, obedience, and therapy services. According to researchers, Moyen Poodles have a 6/10 energy level which makes them suitable for owners who can provide them with an appropriate amount of activities. Moyen Poodles are playful and energetic but don’t require excessive exercise. They can be quite lazy at times, often enjoying quick naps throughout the day.
Grooming Requirements:
Their dense curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain a clean appearance.
– Regular Brushing is important to remove tangles and dead hair. Not only this, regular brushing helps to a continuous distribution of natural oils throughout the fur and skin which helps to make the coat healthy and shiny. A Slicker Brush is the best choice for this purpose because it can penetrate double layered coat of the Poodle, and brush it properly without any discomfort.
– Regular Trimming is also important to keep your Moyen’s fur at a manageable length. This task can be done by a professional groomer or you can learn it by yourself. You can trim your Moyen Poodle with specific clippers designed for their skin.
– Ear Cleaning: Moyen Poodles have greater chances to trap moisture and dirt inside their canal which can covered by their fur thus if not cleaned regularly their ears can be prone to various infections. Thus like humans your poodle also requires regular ear and teeth cleaning.
It is recommended to take them for a professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat in a manageable shape and length.
Moyen Poodles as Family Pets
Their friendly and social nature makes them excellent family pets. They’re incredibly versatile and can comfortably adjust to different living environments, whether it’s a spacious home with a yard or a cozy apartment. Their kind behavior with kids and other animals is the main reason for their popularity as a family pet. They are quick learners and love to spend time with their mentor making them easy to train pets.
Furthermore, their energy level is moderate thus they can enjoy outdoor activities as well as relaxation. They can be part of your outdoor adventures and can love to just cuddle up with you on the couch.
LifeSpan of Moyen Poodles
On average, the lifespan of Moyen Poodles is about 12-15 years but different factors affect their lifespan:
- Genetics
- Health
- Diet
- Exercise
- Regular veterinary checkups
Good breeding practices, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular vet checkups help your Poodle to live a longer and healthier life.
FAQs: Moyen Poodles
Q1. What are Moyen Size Poodles? Moyen Poodles are medium-sized poodles, produced by crossing a standard-size poodle with a miniature-sized poodle. The purpose was to produce a poodle in a medium manageable size with all traits of poodles. Q2. What is the difference between a moyen poodle and a toy poodle? The major difference between a moyen poodle and a toy poodle is their size: Moyens are medium-sized, typically weighing 15-35 pounds, while Toy Poodles are much smaller, weighing around 4-6 pounds. Q3. Are Moyen Poodles known for being aggressive? No, Moyen Poodles are generally not aggressive. They are known for their friendly, intelligent, and sociable nature, making them excellent companions. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Moyen Poodles are an ideal blend of intelligence, adaptability, and charm, making them perfect companions for various households. Their medium size offers the best of both worlds—compact enough for apartment living yet sturdy enough for active families. With proper care, training, and attention to their unique dietary and exercise needs, Moyen Poodles thrive as loyal, affectionate pets. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion or a loving family dog, a Moyen Poodle is a wonderful choice that brings joy and balance to any home.