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Everything You Should Know About Poodles


By Emma Stenhouse

A fluffy Poodle hanging out of a car window
@reba_n_fancy

Poodles are an intelligent, active dog breed that originally came from Europe. Originally bred as duck hunters, Poodles are high-energy dogs that love to swim and play. These dogs are also popular for their characteristic curly coats.

“Their coats molt far less frequently than other breeds, making them more tolerable for those with allergies,” explains Dr. Jen Wormleighton, veterinarian and head of veterinary services at Animal Friends Pet Insurance.

Poodle mixed breeds, or Doodles, have also become very popular due to their low-shedding “hypoallergenic” coats.

Some people consider Poodles high-maintenance dogs. It’s true their coats do require plenty of upkeep, and they may need more exercise and mental stimulation than other breeds. But doing some research ahead of time to understand a Poodle’s needs can help you learn more about what to expect from life with a Poodle.

Read on for a deep dive into Poodle facts and traits.

Table of Contents

  1. Characteristics
  2. Types
  3. Are They Good Pets?
  4. Grooming
  5. Life Expectancy
  6. How to Find One
  7. Other Breeds
  8. Takeaway

Breed Characteristics

Key

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High
  • Origin: Germany
  • Size:
  • Weight: 4-70 pounds
  • Activity level:
  • Barking/howling level:
  • Good with dogs: yes
  • Good with kids: yes
  • Good with cats:
  • Shedding:
  • Shedding: Seasonal
  • Hair type: Curly
  • Grooming level:
  • Training level:

What Types of Poodles Are There?

Poodles come in three different types: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Each of these three types have the same build and proportions with different body weights and sizes.

Standard Poodle

  • Size: 15 inches and up
  • Weight: 40-70 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-18 years
  • Colors: A wide range of solid colors including apricot, black, cream, gray, and white

Miniature Poodle

  • Size: 10-15 inches
  • Weight: 10-15 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-18 years
  • Colors: Same as the Standard Poodle

Toy Poodle

  • Size: 10 inches and under
  • Weight: 4-6 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-18 years
  • Colors: Same as the Standard Poodle

Doodles

Doodles, or Poodle mixes, are another popular type of Poodle. These crosses aim to blend the Poodle’s low-shed coat with desired traits from other breeds.

The Goldendoodle—a Poodle and Golden Retriever cross—is the third most popular breed in the US. The Miniature Poodle was the number one trending breed for 2024, closely followed by the Bernedoodle in second place.

Do Poodles Make Good Pets?

A typical Poodle is bright, energetic, and friendly. They make a good match for people searching for an active, smart breed who wants to be involved in your day-to-day life.

Plus, since they come in different sizes, you can choose the right size for your home. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a yard, for example, a Miniature Poodle may be a better fit—though they’ll still need regular exercise!

Behavior and personality

“Poodles are known for being great with families, including children, as they are generally gentle and patient dogs,” says Ivan Petersel, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and founder of Dog Virtuoso. He adds that Poodles can be a little standoffish with strangers, although they tend to warm up quickly.

Sociability and energy levels

Poodles are playful and love spending time with their families. Petersel says they’re also fairly social with other dogs, but it’s important to find dogs who match their play style.

As a water breed, Poodles have a natural love of water, and most of them will love swimming and dock diving.

Poodles aren’t very territorial, so they don’t make the best watchdogs. That said, if they sense danger, they’ll protect their owners and families.

Their intelligence means they’re quick to recognize patterns and predict outcomes, says Petersel. “They often observe our routine and respond accordingly,” he adds.

So, don’t be surprised if you find them ready for your daily walk before you are!

Trainability and exercise

Poodles love to learn. They’re extremely motivated and smart, which means they can be a lot of fun to train.

“Smart dogs yearn for mental challenges and love problem solving,” Petersel says. Sitting in the kitchen for a treat is too easy for a Poodle, so you may need to step up your game to keep pace with this breed, he adds.

Petersel says Poodles can learn complex tasks and advanced obedience skills. These abilities make them good candidates for service and therapy work.

And of course, they need plenty of physical activity. “Swimming, dog sports, and scent detection are all good options for this active, energetic breed, Petersel says.

Companionship and lifestyle

The intelligent, active nature of Poodles makes them an ideal dog for experienced pet parents who have plenty of time to dedicate to a dog.

Generally speaking, Poodles love people and their families in particular. That said, they may gravitate toward one person over everyone else as a “favorite.”

This love of people means they don’t enjoy being left home alone for too long. Their ideal home situation would have people around to keep them company more often than not. On the flip side, they can get overstimulated in a hectic household, so you’ll want to make sure they have a quiet place to relax if you live in a busy home!

Poodles are adaptable dogs who can thrive in a range of lifestyles. “I’ve seen Poodles in homes, apartments and condos. I’ve even seen people take them on the road in a camper,” Petersel says.

Is It Easy to Groom a Poodle?

Grooming a Poodle can be a big task, which is part of why some people consider them high-maintenance dogs.

Show Poodles often have an elaborate hairstyle, like a Lion or French Poodle clip, inspired by their history as water dogs. The original intention of these styles was to leave hair around the joints so they could stay warm in cold water. Some show Poodles also have corded coats, which need expertise and time to maintain.

But if they get a short puppy cut every 4-6 weeks, Poodles only need a weekly brush to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Make sure to check your dog’s nails and trim if needed at the same time!

Are Poodles really hypoallergenic?

People often call Poodles hypoallergenic because their non-shedding coats create much less dander than other breeds.

But no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and Poodles aren’t completely allergen-free. If you have severe allergies, you may still experience a reaction. If your allergies are minimal, however, a Poodle or Doodle mix may be a good fit!

What Is a Poodle’s Life Expectancy?

Poodles typically live for 10-18 years.

This breed does have a higher risk of some health conditions, according to Dr. Wormleighton. These include:

  • Hip dysplasia: This condition typically affects Standard Poodles. Hip dysplasia can cause joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
  • Epilepsy: Dogs with epilepsy will experience seizures, which can vary from mild to severe.
  • Skin conditions: Poodles can develop skin conditions like cysts, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Bloat: Gastric dilation-volvulus, more commonly called bloat, is a potentially life-threatening condition that generally affects large dogs with deep chests.
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease: This rare condition makes the blood less likely to clot.
  • Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to specific foods or environmental allergens like pollen.

Dr. Wormleighton says many of these conditions, especially hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and epilepsy, are genetic and passed down through breeding.

If you’re planning to purchase a Poodle puppy, she recommends doing plenty of research to make sure you’re buying from a responsible breeder. This can reduce the chances you’ll get a puppy with a hereditary condition, she says.

Medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms of these conditions. It’s essential to discuss these health conditions with your vet to make sure your Poodle gets the most effective treatment possible, Dr. Wormleighton says.

Other conditions can develop due to lifestyle factors. “Bigger dogs who eat quickly can be more likely to experience bloat. Finding ways to slow down their eating, raising their bowl off the ground, and avoiding exercise after eating can help to prevent bloat,” Dr. Wormleighton says.

Poodles usually don’t need a special diet, but if you notice any signs of allergies or skin irritation, your vet can recommend a food switch.

Making sure not to overfeed your Poodle can also help prevent extra strain on their joints that might contribute to hip dysplasia, Dr. Wormleighton says. You can also ask your vet about food or supplements designed for joint health can also be beneficial.

How to Ethically Adopt or Buy a Poodle

Decided a Poodle is the breed for you? If you’re starting to search for a Poodle, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500. Toy and Miniature Poodles typically cost more than Standard Poodles.

Purebred vs. mixed breed

You can find plenty of available puppy or adult Poodles with a simple internet search, but be careful of puppy mills and internet scams.

If you’re searching for a mixed-breed puppy like a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, keep in mind that the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize these crosses. This means you won’t be able to find AKC-registered breeders of Doodle dogs. You’ll know you’re on the right track, though, if the breeders have AKC-registered parent dogs.

You may save some money when adopting a rescued Poodle. Unlike puppies, rescue dogs will often be spayed or neutered and have had all their vaccinations. Many have also had some training.

Be sure to ask questions about why their previous family couldn’t keep them, because those reasons could mean they’re not the best fit for you. For example, maybe they didn’t do well with small children and you have toddlers at home.

Vetting breeders

If you decide to get a Poodle puppy, use a website like the American Kennel Club to find reputable breeders and take care to do some research ahead of time.

Because Poodles may develop inherited health conditions, it’s important to ask whether the breeders have done genetic tests on the parent dogs.

Before you commit to buy, read online reviews of the breeder or rescue group, if available, and ask plenty of questions. The breeders should be willing to show you where the mother and puppies sleep, answer health questions about the parent dogs, and give you time to interact with the puppy.

Other Dogs to Consider

If you love Poodles but can’t find the perfect match, one of these other breeds could be a good fit:

  • Goldendoodle
  • Bernedoodle
  • Golden Retriever
  • Yorkiepoo
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Cockapoo

Takeaway

Poodle pet parents tend to be passionate about this curly, loveble breed. But as extremely intelligent and active dogs, Poodles do need a certain kind of home. They need plenty of attention and affection, plus challenging training sessions that test their mental and physical abilities. You’ll also need enough time to keep them well-groomed, by yourself or with regular trips to a groomer!

Article Resources

  • AKC breed standard. (1990). https://poodleclubofamerica.org/akc-breed-standard
  • Health concerns. (n.d.). https://poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns
  • Petersel, I. (2024). Personal interview.
  • Sizes of Poodles. (n.d.). https://poodleclubofamerica.org/sizes-of-poodles
  • Wormleighton, J. (2024). Personal interview.

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By Emma Stenhouse

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