Size

Falls in between the miniature and standard poodle size. Not an official AKC. Size variation has become popular outside the USA.
Height: 15-20 inches
Weight: 20-30pounds

Temperment

​The Klein is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree, and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it’s often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop small dog syndrome, where the dog is led to believe it is Alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Kleins may start to bark a lot without proper human to Canine communication rules to follow. Poodles  are friendly with other dogs  and non-canine pets. Be sure you are this dog’s firm pack leader, in order to avoid unwanted behavior problems.

Living Conditions

The Klein poodle is good for apartment life, given enough exercise, it is not active indoors. It will lie right next to you and is more sedate when indoors, although loves to play outdoors. The Klein poodle is a highly intelligent breed and does like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate its mentality. This breed will do ok without a yard.

Grooming

​Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every 6-8 weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hair that is growing inside their canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy-care clip called a “Pet Clip”, “puppy clip” or “lamb clip” where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the continental clip, where the rear half of the body shave, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pompom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip and the Miami or bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers.

Exercise

Klein poodles need a daily walk. While outside on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their Primal Instinct walk. Dogs that do not get to go on the daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any Performance Event you offer them: agility, obedience, rally, confirmation showing and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love, water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving.

Health Concerns

A long-lived breed, poodles are nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases.  Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness. Allergies and skin conditions are common-possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer. Runny eyes and ear infections are also common. They are also prone to PRA, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. Brown poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia).

Life Expectancy

 12-15 years