Poodle

avatar Alanna Mallory, BS, LVT, VTS (SAIM)

Height11 - 15"

Weight15 - 70 lbs

TypeNon-Sporting

Life Expectancy14 - 18 years

Area of OriginGermany

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Poodle is a popular dog breed known for their elaborate hair styles and joie de vivre. They have been depicted in paintings dating back to the 15th century, and sculptures dating back as far as the 1st century. The breed is assumed to have originated in France, since it's their national dog, but Germany is their actual country of origin. Their name stems from pudel or pudelin, which is German for "to splash in the water." The Poodle is known as Caniche in France, which stems from the phrase "chien canard," meaning duck dog. There are three different sizes of Poodle: standard (which is the largest), miniature (medium in size), and toy (small in size). Depending on their respective size, they may excel at swimming and retrieving ducks, sniffing out truffles, or simply being pampered. They have been used for centuries as circus performers due to their trainability, athleticism, and visual appeal. Their extraordinary hair styles are not just for show. Hair is longer in certain areas to protect the joints and organs, and shorter along the back to improve swimming ability. They rarely shed, making them an ideal option for people with allergies. The breed interacts well with children and makes for a loyal family companion. Personality wise, they exude confidence and elegance, which is why they have remained a top dog breed around the world for centuries.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Poodles From?

The Poodle originated in Germany, where they were used for duck retrieval.

This pampered breed was depicted in paintings by Goya, admired by Queen Anne of England, and favored by Louis XVI of France. The smaller varieties of the breed were used in England, Spain, and Germany as truffle hunters, since their small paws wouldn’t damage this delicacy while digging. Possible ancestors of the Poodle include the Maltese and the Spaniel.

It is believed that the Poodle was brought to France by German troops. The French were enchanted by the breed’s striking appearance and dignity, and their intelligence and trainability made them ideal performers in circuses across Europe.

They have been pampered in France for hundreds of years and, since many of their modern day traits were developed by the French, they have been officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the breed’s nation of origin.

The Poodle has been acknowledged by the American Kennel Club since the late 1800s.

Where Are Poodles From?

The Poodle originated in Germany, where they were used for duck retrieval.

The Poodle has been acknowledged by the American Kennel Club since the late 1800s.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Poodle Need?

Diet for a Poodle depends on specific type (Standard, Miniature, or Toy) and age. As with all dog breeds, calorie intake needs to be monitored to ensure a healthy weight.

Are Poodles Healthy Dogs?

Poodles are predisposed to a variety of illnesses, some of which are dependent on size.

Standard Poodles are prone to gastric dilatation volvulus due to their deep-chested build. Smaller varieties of Poodle commonly experience medial patellar luxation (displacement of the knee cap), aseptic necrosis of the femoral head (deterioration of the femoral head), and tracheal collapse (weakening of the tracheal rings, which leads to coughing).

Smaller Poodles are also commonly linked to neurological diseases like epilepsy (seizure disorder), hydrocephalus (excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain), and granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (inflammation of the central nervous system), as well as hypoglycemia and a variety of cardiac diseases.

The life span of the Poodle breed varies from 14 to 16 years (Standard) to 15 to 18 years (Toy and Miniature).

Poodles are predisposed to: gastric dilatation volvulus, sebaceous adenitis, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal degeneration, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, von Willebrand’s disease, cataracts, hyperadrenocorticism, glaucoma, intervertebral disk disease, degenerative myelopathy, insulinoma, hair loss, ear infections, bladder stones, allergies, cryptorchidism, deafness, dilated cardiomyopathy (Miniature/Toy), anal sac disease (Miniature/Toy), medial patellar luxation (Miniature/Toy), tracheal collapse (Miniature/Toy), aseptic necrosis of the femoral head (Miniature/Toy), patent ductus arteriosus (Miniature/Toy), chronic valvular disease (Miniature/Toy), hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (Miniature/Toy), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (Miniature/Toy), hypoglycemia (Miniature/Toy), granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (Miniature/Toy), ectopic ureters (Miniature/Toy), and hydrocephalus (Toy).

Are Poodles Healthy Dogs?

Poodles are predisposed to a variety of illnesses, some of which are dependent on size.

The life span of the Poodle breed varies from 14 to 16 years (Standard) to 15 to 18 years (Toy and Miniature).

Caring for a Poodle

What Kind of Diet Does a Poodle Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Poodle Need?

Are Poodles Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Poodle Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Poodle Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Poodle Need?

Diet for a Poodle depends on specific type (Standard, Miniature, or Toy) and age. As with all dog breeds, calorie intake needs to be monitored to ensure a healthy weight.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Poodle?

Standard Poodles stand over 15 inches tall and weigh 45 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are between 10 to 15 inches in height and weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds. Toy Poodles are less than 10 inches tall and under 10 pounds.

Poodles typically have dark brown, oval-shaped eyes. Their noses sit at the end of a long muzzle, and color varies based on the coat.

Yes, Poodle necks are lengthy, which allows them to carry their head in an erect and elegant manner.

Poodles are born with long tails, which are docked to meet breed standard. The tail is carried upright and typically has a pompon of hair at the end.

A Poodle’s front legs are straight with small feet and arched toes. Their shoulders are laid back and muscular, and dewclaws are typically removed.

Poodles have monochromatic coats, which come in colors like black, white, gray, blue, brown, café au lait, apricot, and cream.

The texture of their hair coat is dense with tight curls.

Their hind legs are muscular and parallel with well-bent hocks. Their feet are small with arched toes.

Poodle Facts

1

Sculptures dating back to the 1st Century that were found along the Mediterranean Sea feature dogs with lion cuts, many of which bear a striking similarity to the modern-day Poodle.

2

17th and 18th-century nobility fancied the Poodle breed and usually sought smaller varieties, which resulted in the development of the Toy Poodle.

3

Munito, a 19th-century circus Poodle, was renowned for his ability to play dominos and count.

Other Breeds to Explore

Choosing a Lagotto Romagnolo

Choosing an Irish Water Spaniel

Choosing an Afghan Hound

References

Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.
Poodle Dog Breed Information. American Kennel Club, 2021.
Bygone Performing Poodles. Poodle History, 2021.