Maybe time for another Poodle--Help with "sizing"

[gcpicken]

Hi, I am new to the forum. I have had at least one black standard for 12 years. The older dog passed away in January. She had the personality of a spiritually evolved wise old grandmother. Hard to describe I guess, but it she there was just something in her eye. The younger dog's personality changed, and she took over as lady of the house. Also a black standard. She still seems to mope around, and I think she I bored. When my fiance brings her Lhasa Apso they have so much fun. Watching them do everything in unison, with one big and black and the other small and blonde, is pretty comical.

Anyway, that has me thinking that I would like to commit to another poodle, BUT, two "big" dogs plus the Lhasa would be a bit much when we get married. That has me thinking Miniature Poodle, but I like the look of the standard. I guess I would like a big miniature, that looks like, and has the personality of the standard. Any ideas on whether this is realistic? I am not familiar with the personality of miniatures, but it does seem to me that many of the ones I have seen don't really look like small standards, there is something different about them--not sure what--shorter snout?

[zefi]

I dont know much about the minis in the USA (I presume you're in the US?) but in Australia we have gorgeous minis with lovely long muzzles and fine clean heads. In fact most minis shown fall into that category. However, there's a fair share of the short muzzle/thicker head variety too.

I guess it would depend on how big a mini or how small a standard you'd be looking for as to whether you'd find that. I know Paula (Tasseltop Standards) has small bitches and her puppies tend to be around the 20-22in mark which is very small for a standard. But there's a huge difference between that and a 16 or 17in mini.

In Europe the minis are from 15-17in so one of them would be perfect for you. Still a decent size to run with a standard but not as big. I really dont know where you'd find one though. I think you'd have to start your search by asking people if they had oversize minis or small standards and go from there.

[Michael]

I agree with Zefi on her points, but will try to add a wee bit more. There generally is a big difference between SPs and MPs in the US. Many SPs will be 23 inches and up. Mini's often tend to run about 13-15 inches. And weight.....another major difference. An SP can easily weigh 50+ pounds, and mini's often tend to be about 15 pounds....give or take. Amber was a featherweight and usually about 11 to 12 pounds, and about 14 inches at the shoulders. Muzzles tend to be a bit finer and less stocky than in the SPs as well. SPs just tend to be a larger, bulkier dog overall. Nothing wrong with that, and obviously you prefer that look/type, so that's great for you. But trying to find a mini with SP appearance and qualities may be tricky. Best you can do is look around as Zefi mentioned. An oversized MP or a *small* SP may show up from time to time. It'll be the exception rather than the rule, but it does happen. Probably your best bet is looking for a *small* SP...as you'd be more likely to get the appearance and type you like, but in a smaller package. The oversized mini's I've seen in my time just tend to look like that...slightly larger mini's. I've seen some small SPs in my time as well, and they are very SP looking, but usually had finer structure and so on overall. Nice dogs....easier to handle than a larger SP for sure, but you'll have to see if you are ok with the finer structure in those that come out that way. So yes, look around....ask around....usually if people know of anything, they'll point you in the right direction and you just keep narrowing down. I think your sizing thoughts on one large, one medium, and one small dog together may work out well in your situation. Hope it does and that you find the right dog at the right time! Feel free to ask any other questions you have along the way too.