Poodle
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson
The Poodle may have a prissy reputation, but they are intelligent, friendly dogs who make excellent companions.
Average size and lifespan
Weight: 40-70lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 18 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Poodle Information
You may have heard of the Poodle stereotype. An aloof, stuck-up dog peering down his snout at others. In actuality, however, the breed couldn’t be more different. He is eager to please, easy to train, and loves being around his humans.
The Poodle has both brains and beauty. The breed is considered one of the smartest of all the canines. He also has an elegant, sophisticated appearance with a textured, hypoallergenic coat in white, black, apricot, or gray. This dignified dog has long been considered the national breed of France.
Poodles come in three sizes: Toy (9-11 inches tall), Miniature (11-14 inches tall), or Standard (14-18 inches tall).
Poodle History
The Poodle is famous for being the national dog of France; however, the breed is most likely from Germany. They used the dog as a duck hunter due to its swimming abilities. The name comes from the German word Pudel which means to “splash in water.”
The Poodle’s unique haircut originated with hunters as well. The dogs were trimmed to enhance mobility but left long around their chest, hips, and leg joints to keep warm. The puffs of hair left on the breed are called pompons.
Poodle Training & Temperament
Poodles are a very trainable breed. They are intelligent and happy to please their human companions. They do well with agility, obedience, tracking, and retrieving. Poodles can do well with any family members, including children, if introduced slowly. They also will warm to strangers over time.
Poodle Exercise
Poodles are an active breed. They need daily exercise to make them content, such as jogging or long walks, fetching, or swimming. In addition, they were bred as hunting dogs, so they typically have a retrieving instinct that can be used to give them adequate exercise.
Poodle Grooming
Poodles can be clipped to a short trim for low maintenance (aside from maintaining the clip). If they are kept long, you’ll need to brush them often to keep them from matting. If keeping short, they will need grooming every 4-6 weeks. The breed also doesn’t shed much, so it is an option for people with allergies when maintained.
Poodle Health
Poodles are generally a healthy breed. However, they tend to grow hair in their ears which can lead to ear infections. Checking their ears and cleaning them out with a cleaning solution as needed is best.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-miniature-standard/
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Poodles be apartment dogs?
The Poodle is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.
Can Poodles be left alone?
Poodles are extremely social and need lots of interaction with their owners. They don't like being left alone and will likely become destructive or anxious if left for long periods.
Are Poodles good with kids?
Poodles do well with kids. As with any dog they should be monitored closely, they're unlikely to become aggressive.
Are Poodles friendly with strangers?
Typically, Poodles are friendly with strangers. They tend to be open and willing to trust those they don't know.
Do Poodles get along with other dogs?
Although Poodles will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Poodles bark a lot?
A Poodle will most often bark only when alerting about something. They likely need something or see a stranger if they're barking.
Do Poodles shed a lot?
The Poodle rarely, or never, sheds. They're excellent for someone who doesn't want to clean up much dog hair.
Do Poodles need a lot of grooming?
Expect Poodles to require regular grooming. Their coats will need brushing and continued maintenance.
Do Poodles need a lot of exercise?
The Poodle has a good amount of energy and will need to be exercised with some walks and play to keep them happy.
Are Poodles easy to train?
The Poodle is smart and extremely trainable. They will learn commands quickly and love the bond of training with their owner.
Can Poodles handle cold weather?
Although Poodles can handle the cold weather when out with you, they may not want to stay out for long periods of time.
Can Poodles handle hot weather?
Poodles do well in hot climates and can stay out longer without overheating.
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