What Is a Moyen Poodle? [Moyen Poodle Guide + Photos]

You have surely heard of the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle, but a Moyen Poodle may sound unfamiliar. So, what is a Moyen Poodle?

A Moyen Poodle is a medium-sized Poodle with a height and weight between a Standard and a Miniature Poodle. They are also sometimes referred to as the Klein or Medium Poodles.

Moyen Poodles originated in Europe, and Moyen means “medium” in French. The AKC and other breed registries in the United States do not recognize Moyen Poodles as their own breed and instead consider them either a Standard or Medium. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Europe does have the Moyen Poodle on their official registry. 

With the correct care and training, Moyen Poodles make a vibrant addition to the family and an excellent companion. Read on to know more about Moyen Poodles, why they are unique, and what they are like as a pet. Your Moyen Poodle Guide is right here! 

Features of the Moyen Poodle

The physical characteristics of the Moyen Poodle are similar to those of the Standard Poodle, just scaled down. The smaller size of Moyen Poodles makes them appealing to those who live in urban areas.

In terms of feeding and vet care, a smaller dog can be more affordable.

Height/Weight

Moyen Poodles range in height from 15 inches to 20 inches. Their weight range is even more varied, as Poodles can come in thinner or more muscular builds. Some Moyen Poodles weigh as little as 20 pounds and up to 50 pounds. 

Coat Color and Texture

Moyen Poodles come in an array of colors. Black, brown, and white are the most common, but aside from those, here are other colors you may find a Moyen Poodle to be:

• Blue (Silvery Grey)

• Silver

• Beige

• Sable

• Cafe au Lait

• Red

• Cream

• Apricot

Moyen Poodles have a thick, curly coat that can grow long and fluffy. Most owners choose the short style for their Poodle. A short coat requires less maintenance and is more affordable than the fancy hunting trim. 

As a bonus, the Moyen Poodle’s coat tends to be allergy-friendly. Moyen Poodles are an option for people with sensitivities. 

Appearance

Moyen Poodles generally have the slender, muscular build as large Poodles. Their legs are long, and they have a deep chest. They have a long snout, floppy ears, and intelligent eyes.

Lifespan

The general rule of thumb with dogs is that the larger the breed, the shorter they live. This varies depending on the breed’s health and other genetic factors. 

With adequate exercise and a nutritional diet, a Moyen Poodle will live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Some can live as long as 18 years.

The Temperament of the Moyen Poodle

Poodles are exceptionally smart and easy to train, and the Moyen follows suit. The Poodle’s intelligence made it a popular performance dog throughout history. Smaller breeds like the Moyen came about to optimize the breed’s size for show performances. 

Consistent training and a tasty rewards system will have your Poodle doing tricks in mere days.

With proper socialization, Moyen Poodles are friendly, outgoing, and eager. They are good with children and love to have them as playmates. While Moyens are loving family animals, their intelligence can mean a strong personality and cleverness.

Without adequate stimulation, your Poodle might get up to trickster activities. 

Moyen Poodles can get a bit feisty during a heated play session. Therefore, exercise caution when your Poodle plays with children and other dogs. 

Another great thing about the trainability of Moyen Poodles is they are excellent for athletic dog shows. They love to please their owner above all else, and their smaller size allows them to navigate complicated obstacles with graceful ease.

Are Moyen Poodles Expensive?

Because Poodles are such a popular breed, breeders have carefully maintained their bloodlines to minimize health issues. This mindful breeding has resulted in a high-quality, healthy dog with a great range of desirable traits.

Buying a Moyen Poodle from a breeder can be expensive. Although they are not officially recognized as a breed in the USA, a Moyen may still come with papers marking it as a Standard or Miniature Poodle.

How Much Do Puppies Cost?

The larger the breed, the less the puppies cost. Although this may seem contradictory, smaller breeds tend to be more desirable for their cuteness and convenience. 

Therefore, a Moyen Poodle from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Rare coat colors can increase the price even further. If the puppy is AKC certified, it can cost $5,000 or more. 

For a Poodle without a massive price tag, you can look into Poodle rescue organizations. All breeds end up in unfortunate situations, and rescuing a Poodle is an excellent option for an experienced dog owner. 

Maintenance Costs

Once you have purchased a Moyen Poodle, there is the cost of taking care of your dog to consider. Regular trips to the groomer do not have to break the bank, but you want to take your Moyen to a quality and trustworthy shop. 

Additionally, it is essential that your Moyen Poodle gets adequate nutrition, especially in puppyhood. Athletic breeds are bound to eat a large amount of food. 

Finally, there are a few health issues that Poodles, including Moyen Poodles, can develop as they age. Examples of these include eye disorders, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. You can find a detailed list of health issues to screen for here. 

Things a Moyen Poodle Cannot Do Without

As with any breed of dog, bringing one into the home means taking on a huge responsibility. It becomes your job to provide enough physical and mental stimulation to keep your dog healthy and happy in both body and mind. 

Here are the essentials to give your Moyen Poodle the best life possible.

Adequate Exercise

All Poodles were originally bred as hunting companions. They love the water, and hunters used them to retrieve waterfowl, among other prey. When hunting with dogs fell out of fashion, the Poodle’s reign in show performance began. 

The great thing about Moyen Poodles is that their size makes them suitable for apartment living. As long as they get daily walks and exercise sessions, these dogs will be perfectly comfortable in both the city and the country. 

The history of the Poodle breed is rooted in athleticism, and though the smaller breeds like the Miniature and Toy Poodle do tire quickly, all Poodles need plenty of exercise. 

Proper and Frequent Grooming

The gorgeous coat of the Moyen Poodle does come with a built-in maintenance cost. There are several options for maintaining your Moyen Poodle’s coat, including short-cut, the classic sporting trim, or long and natural. 

Poodles require fairly frequent grooming by a professional because of the density of their coat. Seeing a groomer will keep your Poodle looking handsome and feeling healthy. That long coat requires lots of clipping.

To reduce risk of injury, grooming is best done by a professional. 

The other option of allowing your Moyen Poodle to have its natural curly coat requires the most maintenance. You’ll need to do a thorough brushing daily to prevent mats from forming close to their skin. Fur mats can cause discomfort and even life-threatening issues if they become severe.

Creative and Energetic Mental Stimulation

Did you know that Poodles are one of the smartest breeds of dogs? With that kind of intelligence comes a need for an enriching life. Of course, every dog deserves this, but Poodles, in particular, can develop neuroses or behavioral issues if they do not receive adequate training and exercise, both mental and physical. 

Therefore, play that engages your Moyen’s brain and body is essential to their overall health. 

I love these ideas for spending quality time with your Moyen Poodle.

• Water fetch

• Competition training

• Hiking medium to challenging trails

• Food puzzles

• Jumprope

• Ball toss games

Is a Moyen Poodle the Dog for You?

Moyen Poodles are a versatile breed of dog that can fit into many different families. They are athletic, energetic, fun-loving, and smart as a whip. Great with adults, children, and other dogs, a Moyen Poodle may be the perfect addition to your furry family.

Because of their high-maintenance coats and intelligence, Moyen Poodles do best with a family who can dedicate lots of time and energy to them. The Moyen will require care and training but will be a loyal life companion in return.

If you feel you can meet this unique breed’s needs and their size is perfect for your home and family, there are plenty of great Poodle rescue organizations out there in addition to traditional breeders. 

I hope this guide has successfully answered the question, “What is a Moyen Poodle?,” helped you decide if they’re the perfect pup for you, and gave you some advice on how to take the best care of your newest family member. 

Now, grab the leash and take your Poodle for a walk!