Poodle breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Poodles
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Poodle breed
Poodles are a highly intelligent and elegant breed that originated in Germany. Although from Germany poodles are often associated with France, where they became popular as show dogs and companions for the French aristocracy. They are known for their distinctive curly or corded coat, which comes in a variety of colours such as white, black, apricot, and silver.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
The Standard Poodle stands at a height of 45-60cm, while Miniature Poodles stand at 28-38cm, and Toy Poodles stand at up to 28cm.
Their weight varies depending on the size, ranging from 4.5 to 32kg.
Poodles have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Poodle like?
Poodles are known for their intelligence, alertness, and active nature. They are highly trainable and adaptable dogs. Poodles are generally friendly, sociable, and eager to please their owners. They are excellent family pets and can get along well with children and other animals when properly socialised.
Our Poodle Community
“Toot is one of the sweetest dogs you'll ever meet. He's obsessed with people and getting cuddles. He loves to go for walks, he loves to smell everything around him and he loves to stick his head between your legs to force you to give him butt scratches! He really is a cuddle bug and will make you feel so special.”
Toot’s owner, Hana from Manchester
“Winnie is a toy poodle. She’s full of energy and loves attention - especially belly scratches! She’s fully toilet trained and loves playing games and pleasing you. She enjoys doing tricks, playing with other dogs and chasing after a ball or a game of tug. But also loves snuggling on the sofa after a walk!”
Winnie’s owner, Josh from London
How much exercise does a Poodle need?
Poodles have moderate to high exercise needs and require approximately 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day. They are active and energetic dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. It's important to provide them with regular exercise to prevent boredom and to keep them physically fit.
Poodles enjoy activities such as brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports like agility and obedience. They have a great capacity for learning and excel in various training activities.
Poodles can adapt well to different living situations, including apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental enrichment.
Poodle puppies have different exercise requirements compared to adult dogs. Their growing bodies and developing joints require caution to avoid injury. It's recommended to provide short and gentle exercise sessions for puppies, focusing on playtime and controlled activities that don't put excessive strain on their joints. Avoid long walks or high-impact activities until they are fully developed, usually around 12 to 18 months of age.
Consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Poodle’s age and physical condition.
Need an extra hand exercising your Poodle? Find a local borrower today.
Do Poodles need a lot of grooming?
Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat, which makes them a popular choice for individuals with allergies. However, it's important to note that no dog breed is completely allergy free.
Poodles have a unique coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance. Their coats are dense, curly, and non-shedding, which means they require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat in optimal condition.
Regular brushing at home is also necessary to prevent matting and tangles. Some Poodle owners choose to keep their dog's coat in a shorter, more manageable trim known as a "puppy clip" or opt for a traditional "show clip" that showcases their elegant appearance. Grooming may also include regular nail trims.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Poodles easy to train?
Poodles are highly trainable dogs and are often ranked among the most intelligent breeds. They have a natural inclination for learning and excel in obedience training and various dog sports. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and enjoy mental challenges.
They thrive when given tasks to complete and enjoy being mentally stimulated. Poodles are quick learners and can master a wide range of commands and tricks. Consistency, patience, and positive rewards are key to successful training sessions with Poodles.
Want to experience spending time with a Poodle to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Poodle near you.
What do Poodles eat?
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is important for the overall health and vitality of Poodles. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Poodle puppies require a specific puppy food formulated to support their growth and development. It's recommended to feed them 3-4 times a day until 6 months old, then twice daily. As they mature, Poodles should transition to adult dog food.
It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity. Your vet can advise on the appropriate diet for your poodle.
Are Poodles healthy?
Poodles are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some health concerns that can affect Poodles include:
Bleeding disorders
Von Willebrand’s Disease - an issue with platelet function in the blood stream causing bleeding
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Distichiasis - when extra hairs grow on the inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately! This is more likely in Standard Poodles
Heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger, which can lead to heart failure
Hormonal
Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism) - a condition where your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough of a couple of necessary hormones from their adrenal glands
Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) - when the adrenal gland produces too steroid hormone
Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Poodle is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Focus on regular grooming to keep your Poodle healthy and comfortable. Brush your Poodle several times a week and schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent tangles and skin issues. Consistent grooming is key to a happy, healthy Poodle!
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
