Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Klein Poodle Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

klein poodle

You might have heard this poodle breed called many different names including the French Poodle, Moyen Poodle, Chien Canne, and Klein Poodle. These dogs may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club, but Klein Poodles are a German purebred with a lot to offer.

Breed Overview

Height:

15 – 20 inches

Weight:

20 – 30 pounds

Lifespan:

12 – 15 years

Colors:

White, black, silver, brown, fawn

Suitable for:

Energetic families looking for a loyal dog with big personality

Temperament:

Intelligent, goofy, vocal, stubborn, loyal, affectionate

The Klein Poodle is small to medium in size and becoming increasingly popular in the United States. They are loyal, intelligent, and extremely goofy animals that make the perfect companion for families and individuals. While they can be a bit stubborn, the proper training can make them one of the best dogs that you’ve ever owned.

Klein Poodle Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Klein Poodle Puppies

While the Klein Poodle does have a lot of energy, it won’t be so much that it becomes overbearing. As long as you lead a fairly healthy lifestyle, these dogs are happy to keep up. Because of how intelligent they are, they are one of the easiest dog breeds you can train. This also means that they can be a bit stubborn when they want to.

Klein Poodles are primarily healthy, but there are a few wellness concerns that you’ll have to track as they age. Speaking of age, these dogs could be hanging around your side for up to 15 years, so make sure you’re dedicated to them the same way that they’ll be dedicated to you. Unlike some other dogs, you won’t have to worry about them being friendly to other dogs or strangers. These are generally very happy and welcoming dogs when you socialize them a bit.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Temperament & Intelligence of the Klein Poodle

After spending a few days around a Klein Poodle, the first thing you’ll notice is how smart they truly are. Poodles pick up on training easily, but that also means that they can easily learn bad habits. If you own one of these dogs, then you must be adamant about your training and teaching them right from wrong. Spoiled dogs are a pain to be around and hard to live with.

With that said, their intelligence isn’t the only good quality about them. They are polite to strangers and happy to welcome new friends into their lives. Many people describe these dogs as goofy and playful. They perform for the attention and don’t ever seem to get enough of it.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

The Klein Poodle is eager to please its owners, and they’ll do just about anything to get on your good size. If training goes well, there is no reason that they can’t make wonderful family dogs and guard dogs. The more you introduce them to new places, people, noises, and situations, the better they are around others, including small children.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning a Klein Poodle:

Daydreaming about living with a Klein Poodle and actually owning one are two very different things. What should you expect from them, and what are you going to have to provide? Let’s take a closer look.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Although small, the Klein Poodle still has a lot of energy it likes to burn off. If you’re unsure about a safe food brand for this breed, ask your vet for some suggestions in different price ranges. Most of these dogs do well off high-quality kibble. Always follow the guidelines on the packaging for how much you should be feeding them. Usually, a cup and a half of kibble is enough to satisfy them.

Exercise 🐕

Even though they are smaller, this dog still requires a moderate amount of exercise. Even if you just spend 30 minutes to 1 hour playing with them every day, they are going to benefit from a little bit of exercise on a regular basis. This helps to keep obesity under control as well, which could lead to more serious health issues if not kept it check.

Training 🎾

Klein Poodles are extremely easy to train. Because they want to please you so badly, they are going to do whatever it takes to make you happy. Make sure you keep their sessions short but frequent. Only reward and encourage them instead of disciplining them when they don’t catch on to something.

grey-moyen-poodle-on-agility-course
Image Credit: Lisjatina, Shutterstock

Grooming ✂️

The most considerable demand from the poodle breed is constant grooming. Their coats are unique and require a lot of brushing, combing, and clipping to keep them from matting. They rarely shed, which is a perk for many people, but that doesn’t mean you can forget to take care of their coats. Give them a bath once every other week or take them to the groomer whenever possible. Clip the dogs’ nails whenever they get too long and brush their teeth a couple of times per week to ensure they have good dental hygiene.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions
  • Legg Perthes Disease
  • Allergies
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye problems
  • Skin problems
  • Hip dysplasia
Serious Conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Addisons and Cushings

divider dog faces oct 2024

3 Little-Known Facts About the Klein Poodle

1. Klein means small or mini in German.

The Klein Poodle name refers to the size of the poodle. Klein means small in German. Also called Moyen Poodles, this is the French word for medium. This poodle breed ranges from small to medium sizes, and you won’t have to worry about bringing a large dog into your home if they were bred properly.


2. There are disputes about their origin.

There have been quite a few disagreements about whether the Klein Poodle is German or French in origin. The AKC doesn’t currently recognize this breed, but they do say that they are German in origin but developed in France. Before they were settled in Europe, some people even thought that they came from central parts of Asia.


3. They are water-loving dogs.

Everything about a poodle is designed for the water. The right curls of the dog’s coat helped the dog swim better and kept them from getting wet and cold. They were once used as waterfowl retrievers, though their purpose evolved over time. However, they are still valued for their intelligence and hard work ethics.

black-moyen-poodle
Image Credit: Lisjatina, Shuttestock

divider dog faces oct 2024

Summary

It’s understandable why you’d be drawn to the Klein Poodle for a pet. These dogs have a whole lot of personality and seem to make many people in the world very happy pet owners. They are going to love you to a fault, and we wouldn’t doubt it if they became one of the best dog breeds you’ve ever owned. Even if you’re on the fence about bringing one home, it helps to do your research to determine if each of you would be a good fit for one another.


Featured Image Credit: isjatina, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Improve Your Dog’s Diet: 12 Vet-Approved Tips

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of keeping your dog healthy and happy while giving them the best chance of a...

Spanish Water Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & Care Guide

The Spanish Water Dog is a spirited dog with a strong work ethic. They have a seemingly endless supply of energy and are...

How to Exercise a Dog on a Rainy Day: 9 Great Ways

Dogs need exercise, regardless of the weather. In snow or rain, they still need mental and physical stimulation. That said, there are certainly...

Are Bubbles Safe for Dogs? Everything You Need to Know!

Dogs absolutely love bubbles. They go bananas for the soapy little spheres. Bubbles can provide a great outlet for exercise, mental stimulation, and...

More related

Male vs Female Great Danes: The Differences (With Pictures)

Great Danes are most famous for their impressive size, but these gentle giants are an easy-going, loving breed. These beautiful dogs are also...

How to Teach a Dog to Crawl in 3 Simple Steps

It’s fun to get your dog to do new things, especially when you have company over. But what about crawling? Nothing can entertain...

Scent Hounds: What Are They, Pros, Cons & FAQ

Scent hounds were initially bred to find and track game, and they’re best known for their fantastic olfactory abilities. The group includes several...

What Size Crate Does a Great Dane Need? Keep Your Dog Comfortable

The Great Dane is a dog breed that is known for its size and power. This is understandable, especially if you look back...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Butter? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

It isn’t uncommon to feed your dog a bite or two from your plate; our canine pals are always overjoyed to get a taste of what we’re eating! But not everything we like eating is healthy or safe for our...

Can Dogs Eat Butter

Water Enhancers for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Info, Pros, Cons & FAQ

Hydration is a key component to having a healthy dog, as a dehydrated dog can become ill, and their body won’t function as it should. You might be desperate to find ways to increase your pet’s liquid intake, which may...

beagle dog drinking water from metal bowl

Can Dogs Have Scallops? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Learning that 95% of people consider their pets family members is not all that surprising these days. We open our homes to our dogs, share our vacations with them, and even let them sleep in our beds. We even slip...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Scallops

Can Dogs Eat Mochi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Dogs don’t stop to think about whether or not they should eat something, so it’s up to us as dog owners to do the thinking for them. If you’ve made mochi and you’re wondering if your dog can have any,...

Can Dogs Eat_mochi

11 Best Grain-Free Puppy Foods in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

To help your puppy get the best possible start in life, you must feed them an appropriate diet. Puppies grow incredibly quickly compared to humans and the food they eat is designed to provide them with all the nutrients they...

Maltipoo-puppy-eats-from-a-metal-bowl

Can Dogs Eat Pop Rocks? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Pop Rocks certainly are a favorite among consumers for their variety of flavors and all the fun you get to have as they pop, crackle, and fizz in your mouth. Bite down on one and you’re in for even more...

Can Dogs Eat Pop Rocks

Just Food For Dogs Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Dog owners are often on a constant quest to find the perfect dog food for their doggies. With many options available today in the dog food market, it can sometimes get confusing. Dry dog food manufacturers offer plenty of promises...

Just Food For Dogs Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Tamales? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Tamales are popular in Mexican cuisine, and people worldwide love to eat them. If you also love to eat tamales and have a dog, you’ve probably noticed your canine lurking around, looking for tamale scraps. Tamales are not suitable for...

Can Dogs Eat Tamales