miniature/toy poodle

Question
Hi!  I would like to know:  Can a toy poodle and a miniature poodle both be born to the same litter?  Are toy poodles all bred from toy parents?  Or is a toy poodle determined only by their height and weight?   Thank you so much for your answer.

Answer
Hello Sheri,
Yes, a Miniature or Toy can have both Miniature and Toy Poodles in their litters.  Size is the main thing that determines a Miniature or Toy.  Toy Poodles are 10" and under at the shoulder, Miniature Poodles are 11"-15" at the shoulder, and Standard Poodles are anything over 15".  
This being said, it is best to stay within the Standard when breeding your Poodle.  If your Poodle is a Toy, you should try to find a compatible Toy to breed it to.  This keeps the Toy size pure.  If you breed a Miniature to a Toy, you risk the Toy dogs getting Miniature features and Miniature dogs getting Toy features.  It is not becoming to see a Miniature Poodle with a Toy face or small skinny legs due to having Toy features.  
Some "breeders" will breed a mixed litter so that they can have both Toys and Miniatures in the litter, without having to have a pair of Miniatures and a pair of Toys.  This is an un-ethical practice and it fouls the lines of Miniature and Toy.  
It would be more practial and beneficial for both breeds, to have a Miniature female and a Toy female, and to use a stud service with both.  That way, you don't have to keep males around and you can be selective as to which males you choose to use.

I hope this has answered your question.  If you have other questions for me about this or other Poodle questions in general, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim