Poodle

Poodles are extremely smart, energetic and friendly members of the non-sporting group that originated in Germany. Under the poodle’s frilly, low-shedding coat is a powerful athlete and an overall wonderful companion. These dogs typically get along with people very well and can be trained in a variety of tasks, including work as service and therapy dogs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-sporting

HEIGHT: over 15 inches

WEIGHT: 40 to 70 pounds

COAT: Curly, long

COAT COLOUR: Apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, or white

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 18 years

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, affectionate, active

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: Germany

Characteristics of the Poodle

Poodles tend to have a friendly and outgoing personality. High energy and intelligence also influence their temperament, and they prefer to have an active lifestyle. They generally are good around kids and even open to meeting strangers.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Low

Poodle Care

Poodles require ample daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They also need consistent training and are typically adept at picking up new skills. Plus, their curly coat needs a fair amount of grooming attention.

Exercise

Poodles have high energy levels and simulation needs. They need at least an hour of exercise per day. Brisk walks, jogging, hiking and swimming are great options of exercise. And as retrievers, they love a game of fetch. Plus, they excel in dog sports, such as agility, which also can challenge them mentally. 

Grooming

The coarse, curly, low-shedding, single-layer coat of a poodle grows continuously. It needs regular haircuts, most owners keep the coat short for easier maintenance. You can either self-trim or take it to the groomer roughly every four to six weeks. Regular brushing is essential as hair is retained in the coat rather than being shed. Baths and nail trims are required every four to six weeks. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth everyday. 

Training

Poodles require proper training and socialisation to be happy and well-adjusted. As they are smart and eager to please, they can be trained easily to perform a variety of commands and tricks. Start when your dog is still a puppy and aim to be consistent in training.

Start socialisation as early as possible by exposing your dog to various settings. Most poodles love  people and are generally good around children.

Common Health Problems

Poodles are a healthy dog breed overall, but they are prone to some hereditary health issues:

• Hip dysplasia
• Epilepsy 
• Eye problems
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Sebaceous adenitis (skin disease)
• Von Willebrand’s disease (blood disorder)
• Luxating patella (kneecap displacement)
• Bloating

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your poodle. Most owners feed two measured meals per day of a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Discuss the type of food and the quantity with your vet, as this can vary depending on age, activity level, and other factors. Make sure to factor treats and other extra food intake into your dog’s daily diet to prevent overeating.