Poodle Weight Guide

The FCI standard defines the four Poodle varieties by height at the withers, not by body weight:

1. Toy: over 24 to 28 cm
2. Miniature: over 28 to 35 cm
3. Medium: over 35 to 45 cm
4. Standard: over 45 to 60 cm, with a +2 cm tolerance

The FCI standard does not give one specific ideal weight for each variety. Two Poodles of the same height can therefore have different, yet equally healthy, body weights.

Instead of focusing only on the scale, look at your Poodle's overall body shape.

In a dog with an ideal body condition: Ribs – they should be easy to feel without being covered by excessive fat or visibly protruding. Waist – when viewed from above, there should be a visible narrowing behind the ribs. Abdomen – when viewed from the side, the abdomen should tuck upward toward the hind legs.

A simple check at home can help you notice changes in your dog's body condition.

Gently run your hands over the ribs. You should be able to feel them without pressing firmly. Then look at your Poodle from above and from the side. Pay attention to the waist and abdominal line.

Checking regularly is useful because gradual weight gain can be difficult to notice from day to day.

Possible signs of being underweight:

1. Ribs or other bony structures are very prominent.
2. There is very little fat covering the body.
3. The dog appears noticeably thin.

Possible signs of being overweight:

1. Ribs are difficult to feel.
2. The waist becomes less defined or disappears.
3. The abdomen looks more rounded.
4. The dog may tire more easily or become less willing to exercise.

If you are unsure, a veterinarian can assess your dog's BCS and determine whether changes to diet or activity are appropriate.

Maintaining a healthy body condition matters throughout a dog's life. Excess body fat can place additional strain on the joints and make movement more difficult, while being underweight may indicate inadequate energy intake or an underlying health problem.

The goal is not to make a Poodle as light as possible, but to keep them at a healthy body condition for their individual build and life stage. Food intake should be adjusted to the individual dog, taking into account activity level, age and health rather than relying only on the feeding table on a food package.