Poodle
also known as Barbone, Grosse Pudel, Caniche, Chien Canne, French Poodle
History
The Poodle is a breed of dog that has a long and rich history. Although it is most well-known for its fluffy and ornately groomed appearance, the Poodle has a much deeper history that stretches back several centuries.
The origins of the Poodle are somewhat murky, but it is believed that the breed originated in Germany. The word "poodle" is thought to have come from the German word "pudel," which means "to splash in the water." This suggests that the Poodle was originally bred as a water retriever, similar to other breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel and the Standard Schnauzer.
The Poodle was first officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1887. However, the breed had already been popular in Europe for centuries prior to this. In fact, the Poodle was a favorite among French noblemen and women in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was often depicted in paintings and literature of the time.
The Poodle's intelligence and trainability made it a popular choice for various working roles, including as a truffle hunter, a guard dog, and a circus performer. In fact, the breed's signature puffed-up hairstyle was originally developed to protect its joints and vital organs while working in cold water. The breed's unique appearance and high level of intelligence also made it a popular choice for use in military and police work.
There are three different sizes of Poodle: standard, miniature, and toy. The standard Poodle is the largest of the three, standing at over 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds. The miniature Poodle is slightly smaller, standing at between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 15 and 20 pounds. The toy Poodle is the smallest of the three, standing at under 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing less than 10 pounds.
Throughout its history, the Poodle has remained a popular and beloved breed. Its intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature make it a great choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion. Its unique and stylish appearance has also made it a popular show dog, and it has consistently ranked as one of the most popular breeds in the United States for many years.
Breed Information
Is Poodle a purebred?
Purebred
What were Poodles originally used for?
Water Retrieving, Hunting
How Long Do Poodles Live? What is average life expectancy for a Poodle? How long can Poodles live?
12-15 years
The average Poodle lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Poodle Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Poodle?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 15-21 inches (38.1 - 53.3 cm) | 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) | 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) | 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) |
| Female | 15-21 inches (38.1 - 53.3 cm) | 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) | 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) | 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 60-70 pounds (27 - 32 kg) | 24.5 pounds (11 kg) | 32.5 pounds (15 kg) | 57.5 pounds (26 kg) |
| Female | 40-50 pounds (18 - 23 kg) | 21.5 pounds (10 kg) | 28.5 pounds (13 kg) | 42.5 pounds (19 kg) |
Do Poodles get fat easily?
The Poodle is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic?
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Poodles are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
What is a Poodle personality? What are Poodle dogs best known for?
Active
Faithful
Intelligent
Alert
Instinctual
Trainable
Are Poodles heavy shedders? How Much Does a Poodle Shed?
Poodle will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.
What is the watchdog ability of a Poodle dog?
Poodles are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Poodle is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
Breed History
Where do Poodles come from?
Germany
What are Poodles descended from?
Water Dog, Barbet
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Poodle breed?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
When were Poodles first bred? How old is the Poodle breed?
Ancient Times
Poodle Appearance
What color are Poodle eyes?
Brown
Amber
What color can Poodle nose be naturally?
Black
Brown
What color can Poodle coat be naturally?
Sable
White
Silver
Blue
Fawn
Cream
Red
Black
Gray
Brown
How long is a Poodles coat?
The coat of a Poodle dog ranges in length from short to medium.
How Dense Is The Poodle Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Poodle?
Curly
How many puppies can a Poodle have in a litter? How many puppies can a Poodle have in her first litter?
12-15 puppies per pregnancy
A Poodle can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Poodles are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Poodle Health Issues
Do Poodles have a lot of health problems?
The Poodle is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Poodle?
Sebaceous Adenitis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Addison's Disease
Mitral Valve Disease
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Poodles?
Entropion
Cushing's Disease
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Hypothyroidism
Hip Dysplasia
Corneal Dystrophy
What are the occasional tests recommended for Poodle breed?
Eye
Blood Test
Heart
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Poodle Needs and Activities
Do Poodles have a lot of energy?
Poodles are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.
Do Poodles need socialization? How social are Poodles?
Poodle have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
How much exercise should Poodles get?
The Poodle dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
How much sleep should a Poodle have? Do Poodles sleep a lot?
Poodles dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.
Does a Poodle drool a lot?
The Poodle is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.
How much does it bark?
The Poodle is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.
Do Poodles exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.
Are Poodles mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Poodle running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Poodle dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Poodles enjoy doing? How do I keep my Poodle busy?
Walk, Walking, Bike ride, Hiking, Laser Chasing, Car ride, People watching, Find it, Petting, Nap, Sitting, Run, Play, Jumping, Eating Snacks, Treats, Running, Sniffing, Jump, Wrestling, Playdate, Toys, Tug-of-war, Dog Parks, Companionship, Fetch, Sprinting, Rolling in mud, Belly rubs, Investigating
What is the energy level of a Poodle? How much energy does a Poodle have?
High
Poodles are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
How far should a Poodle walk each week? How many miles should a Poodle walk every week?
12 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Poodle, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Poodle should exercise a day? How much activity does a Poodle need?
60 minutes
In general most Poodles usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Poodle?
This breed is known for having high grooming needs.
How often should you brush a Poodle?
Daily
Ideally, Poodle should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Poodles?
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Poodle eat?
2.5 cups
For an average 60-70 pound (27 - 32 kg) Poodle feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Poodle Cost Daily?
$1.70 - $2.00 / day
The average cost of a Poodle is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.
How Much Does a Poodle Cost Per Month?
$48 - $63 / month
The average per month expenses of a Poodle is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Poodle Characteristic
How intelligent is a Poodle?
The Poodle breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.
How sensitive is a Poodle dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Poodle dogs affectionate?
Do Poodle do well in apartments? Are Poodles good indoor dogs?
Poodles are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Are Poodles good with kids? Are Poodles good around children?
A Poodles typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans
Are Poodles good for elderly?
Are Poodles good with cats? How friendly Poodles are toward cats?
Poodles are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on
Do Poodle dogs get along with other dogs? Are Poodles OK with other dogs?
Poodles are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,
How do Poodle dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Poodles friendly with strangers?
Poodles are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.
Do Poodles like to play? Are Poodles playful?
The Poodle is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Poodle is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Are Poodle easily trained?
Poodle dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
Poodles are widely recognized as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, and they are generally easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training and are often used as service dogs. - Apartment Friendly
Poodle are well-suited for apartment living. - Therapy Dog
This breed is a good fit for therapy dog training and work. - Boat Dog
The Poodle breed generally has a fondness for being on boats. - Low shedding
Poodles have a coat that is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies. - Versatile
Poodles are a versatile breed that can excel in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and retrieving. They are also good swimmers. - Cat Friendly
Poodles and cats tend to be a suitable pairing.
Cons
- Not suitable for office environment
Poodles are not typically recommended for office environments. - High maintenance
Poodles have a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and well-maintained. They need to be trimmed or clipped regularly and may need to be professionally groomed. - Tendency to gain weight
The Poodle's weight can become an issue if not kept in check. - Barking
The breed of this dog is known for its loudness. - Health concerns
Like all breeds, Poodles are prone to certain health issues, such as Sebaceous Adenitis, Von Willebrand's Disease, Addison's Disease and Mitral Valve Disease, and skin allergies. - High energy
Poodles have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. - Need for socialization
Poodles, like all breeds, need to be socialized from an early age to prevent them from becoming fearful or aggressive.