Do you think the Kleinpudels are healthier as a whole? What and from whom did you hear about this breeder? It looks like they're in Calif. Can you explain what low COIs are? I think I read a little something somewhere (can't find it again) on her website. Even if they're not a "size" in the US, they still would fit into mini or standard. If their range is 14" - 18" then if the dog is 14, it would still be at the top of the mini standard. If it were 15 to 18" then it would still fit into the Standard's standard. lol. But the short end of it, I guess.
Have you ever met any in person? I'm not sure...I do like the mini's size just fine. The Kleinpudels are supposedly a little more laid back than the miniatures. What do you know about this?
I read about the breeder on a poodle forum. I don't remember the name... I think someone here is on that forum as well, though, because the avi looked familiar. It was in a thread about looking for breeders of drivey Poodles.
The smaller ones tend to live longer in general, less prone to bloat and joint troubles. That's a big draw for me, even though I love the Spoos so much.
A COI is a coefficient of inbreeding. Standard Poodles were massively inbred in the past, and it destroyed the health and temperament in many lines. My understanding is that many ended up as related as brothers and sisters. Responsible breeders are now taking the breed back by researching their dogs and importing new blood. It's best to get a pup that you can look back in the pedigree and not see a bunch of inbreeding for as far back as possible.
Here's a link that talks more about it:
http://parispoodles.com/Inbreeding.html
(I have mixed feelings on that particular breeder, though I love the pics in their testimonials.)
Basically, a Spoo with diverse blood will live for an average of three years longer!
I haven't met a Klein specifically, though I met a "small Standard." He seemed liked a really nice dog. Not hyper, but he was a bit older as well. I prefer the temperaments of the Standards I've been around, personally, but the Minis/Toys I've been around haven't been from good breeders, so that may be the reason.
I think I'd end up getting a Spoo from a small line or at the larger end from a Klein breeder. I like that size and look a lot. I don't really like the faces on the Minis as much. I know it's just appearances, but if I'm going to go through the trouble and cost, I want it to be perfect, and I have years to find the right dog.