We're looking to add a second dog to our family in a year or two. High up on the list is a miniature poodle. The breed standard states they can be between 11 - 15" in height. We would prefer one in the taller range (but not essential) to be a closer match as a play mate for our miniature schnauzer. Miniature schnauzer ideal size for male is 14" so the 4" range in poodles seems a large variance.

So my question is do you get breeders who breed the smaller or larger end of the range or do they aim for mid range but depending upon the paring get small or larger dogs? When contacting breeders I don't want to appear a numpty by asking if they breed larger minis, and them saying you want a small standard or something, I'd rather be a numpty on here and ask any silly questions Or should I be looking for a breeder of small standards ? Its very confusing

Also regarding colours I've been reading the history of poodles and from what I've read parti and phantom poodles have always been around and are exactly the same as solid colours in temperament and health issues. I know they're not a recognised colour by the KC for showing, but they also don't appear to be many people breeding them in UK. Is there a reason for this, are they something that I should avoid ? Colour isn't a deciding factor but I do love the look of phantoms

If you have a miniature Schnauzer, you be best to have a miniature poodle(rather than a standard). A male is likely to be larger than a female (in most breeds) & this is why there is a range in the size.
I would say it's probably best to get another schnauzer & if you go back to the breeder of your dog, who should be able to point you in the right direction, if they don't have plans to breed themselves ;)

That's why I thought a miniature poodle would be a better option than standard. Still seems a big range to compensate for male and female size

Out of interest why do you think it would probably be best to get another schnauzer ? I don't mind you being totally honest as I said I'm still researching so all opinions welcome.

> Still seems a big range to compensate for male and female size

For my own breed there is a 2.5 inch range in the breed standard from the smaller bitch to the larger male. There is also those who fall out of the breed standard range either way.
Also with poodles the breed standards say Toys to be less than 11 inch, Miniature 11 to 15 inch & Standards over 15 inches. It doesn't specify between males & females(unlike my own breed)

> <br />Out of interest why do you think it would probably be best to get another schnauzer

One reason would be the issue with having a dog the same size as your existing dog, would be far easier to solve having the same breed

Certainly in standards some breeders and lines have 'larger' or 'smaller' dogs so you would not look silly asking a breeder if they breed or know someone who breeds mini's to the larger end of the breed standard. A small standard would be bigger than you are after as even though the breed standard starts at 15 inches I've yet to meet any below 20 inches, I'm sure they exist somewhere though.
Also with the parti coloured part of your question I would say there is no difference in temperament and health PROVIDED you go to a breeder who does the advised health tests for minis. Because of the colour being more unusual (so higher priced pups) it can attract bad breeders. Of course the are bad breeders in the solid colours as well so I would say if you fancied a parti go for it but just make sure the health tests are done :) I know 2 lovely parti coloured minis who are happy, healthy, nice examples of the breed.
Good luck in your puppy hunt :)

Yes I thought it might be the case of being extra careful with the non solid colours. Its just with being in Channel Islands trips to UK are not cheap to visit breeders and then go again to pick up. We restricted our search within an accessible range of ferry port last time. We went over one day, collected our mini schnauzer the next day, got to the ferry and was home in 6 hours that same day. So keeping options open for colour widens our choice of breeders within an area, hopefully.

Great choice of Breed - I grew up with standards and loved them. Would have bought my own when I moved out but we opted for a smaller terrier :)

I would say that the standard would be a fair bit larger. We have both mini Schnaus and standard/mini poodles at our ring craft and the mini is more more suited in size. They are such intelligent little things that I've found they get on with almost anything! We live in the south west (which I guess is a little nearer to your search area) and there are a number of breeders of minis and standards down here. So may be worth a call to the breed clubs :)