Poodle

Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Weight: 40 – 70 lbs.
Height: 22 – 24 inches

Where Does the Poodle Rank?

See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories.

Trainability

The Poodle’s level of intelligence and eagerness to please his parent makes him an extremely easy-to-train breed.

Shedding Friendliness

The Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed and does not shed.

Ease of Grooming

Poodles are very high-maintenance dogs in regard to their grooming routine. They must be groomed every several weeks to ensure a healthy coat. Some pet parents may trim their coat short throughout the summer months to avoid tangles and matting in their fur.

Health

Poodles are prone to many health risks like Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and more.

Exercise Needs

You Poodle will need a minimum of 30 – 60 minutes of activity per day to remain behavior-free. This could be playing a game of fetch or going for a walk.

Good with Children

The Poodle is very good with children and quickly becomes part of the family.

Barking Restraint

Barking is not generally a problem with this breed.

What You Need to Know About Poodle Dogs

Behavior

Today’s Poodle is known for her extreme beauty; however, they were originally bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. In France, the Poodle is known as the ‘duck dog’. Their coat served a purpose as well. Several areas on the Poodle were trimmed to lighten the Poodle’s weight, long hair near their joints and vital organs protected the Poodle against the cold water as they were hunting.

The Poodle is known for being extremely loyal, loving and intelligent. The Poodle is extremely protective of his family. If a strange person begins approaching your house, he will alert you immediately. He is extremely affectionate toward his family but it will take him a while to warm up to new people.

Due to their closeness with their pet parent, this is a breed which should not be left alone for long periods of time. The Poodle enjoys the company of their pet parent and are happy to travel along with you and any place you wish to go. If left alone for long periods of time, the Poodle will likely develop behavioral issues.

Training

Poodles are extremely intelligent and eager to please their pet parent. They are often known to be the smartest dog breed. This results in successful and relatively easy training.

Grooming

The Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed; she does not shed. Those who are allergic to dogs can often keep the Poodle without any problems. They have curly, wiry, dense fur which can be trimmed and styled.

The Poodle requires a large time commitment in regard to her grooming. Many pet parents choose to hire a professional groomer every three to six weeks and sometimes more frequently. Pet parents who do not wish to handle the Poodle’s fur often shave their fur throughout the summer months.

Health Problems

Addison’s Disease – This disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is an extremely serious health condition which is caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Symptoms of Addison’s disease include vomiting, lack of appetite an lethargy.

Hip Dysplasia – This is essentially a malformation which results in pain and lameness.

Cushing’s Disease – Cushing’s Disease occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Signs of Cushing’s disease include excessive drinking and excessive urination.

Epilepsy – Epilepsy is an inherited condition in Poodles.

Bloat – Bloat is most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs. Bloat is a life-threatening condition which needs to be examined by a veterinarian immediately. Bloat may occur if your dog eats too quickly or drinks large amounts of water at a time. 

Top 10 Most Common Health Issues for Poodles

1. Addison’s Disease
2. Hip Dysplasia
3. Cushing’s Disease
4. Epilepsy
5. Bloat
6. Allergies – skin allergies which can cause skin irritation
7. Cancer – distal squamous cell carcinoma originates in the toenails
8. Blood Clotting Diseases – hemophilia, von Willebrand’s Disease
9. Kidney Disease
10. Cataracts – usually progress to blindness