Breed group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Origin: Germany (as a water retriever), developed further in France
Size:
Height: 10–15 inches (measured at the shoulder)
Weight: 10–15 lbs
Position in the breed family: In between the Toy Poodle (tiny lapdog) and the Standard Poodle (larger working dog)
Body type: Squarely built, elegant, athletic
Coat: Dense, curly, single-layer coat (non-shedding but prone to matting)
Colors: Wide range — black, white, apricot, cream, silver, brown, gray, red, blue, and multi-color (parti, phantom, merle in some lines)
Expression: Alert, intelligent, refined
Intelligence: Among the smartest dog breeds; highly trainable
Personality: Cheerful, affectionate, eager to please, sensitive
Family life: Great with kids and other pets when socialized early
Social style: People-oriented, dislike being left alone for long periods (can develop separation anxiety)
Energy level: Medium to high
Needs: At least 45–60 minutes daily (walks, fetch, agility, training games)
Mental stimulation: Thrives on puzzles, obedience, and trick training — gets bored easily without it
Maintenance: High
Brush several times a week to prevent tangles
Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
Popular trims: Puppy cut, lamb cut, continental clip, teddy bear cut (depending on lifestyle vs. show standards)
Allergy-friendly: Hypoallergenic (good choice for allergy sufferers)
Life span: 14–17 years (often longer than Standard Poodles)
