Poodle Dog Breed Characteristics
Height
25 to 56 cm at the shoulder
Weight
6 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy
10 to 18 years
Coat Colours
Black, white, apricot, cream, sable, brown, blue, grey, silver, red
Poodle
Dignified, athletic and intelligent
About the Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature and Toy), but all Poodles of all sizes are elegant, intelligent and stylish. Alongside their runway model looks, they are also affectionate family dogs.
While they can seem snobbish due to their appearance, they are actually sweet and gentle dogs. They may be somewhat reserved when meeting new people, but warm up very quickly to new friends.
Poodles of all sizes are also naturally athletic, and they can often be found competing in various dog sports. It is rare for the them to actually be used for hunting these days, and they’re most often found as housepets.
Their desirable qualities have made them incredibly popular with dog owners all over the world. There seems to be no sign of this trend stopping anytime soon, and Poodles look to remain one of the top dogs for years to come.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Poodle, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
4/5
Ease of Grooming
1/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
Prey Drive
2/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
2/5
Good for Novice Owners
5/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Poodle Breed History
While most people think of France when they see the Poodle, it actually originated in Germany. The Poodle is believed to have started out as a duck hunting dog, and was the product of the crossbreeding of several European water dogs. Other experts theorise that the breed descended from Asian herding dogs that travelled with Germanic tribes.
Regardless of their ancestry, this is a very old breed. There was originally only the Standard Poodle, while the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed in the 1400s to please French nobles. Unlike other miniaturised breeds, Miniature and Toy Poodles were created by breeding small Poodles to each other, not by mixing them with other breeds.
The larger Standard type was an adept duck hunter, while the Miniature was used to hunt truffles, instead. Toy Poodles were created to be companions first and foremost.
In modern times, it has become popular to combine this breed with other breeds. These mixes are commonly called Oodles or Doodles, and many of these crossbreeds are very desirable.
Caring For a Poodle
- Temperament: They are sweet and loyal dogs who love to make their owners happy. While they may appear aloof at first, they are calm and well-behaved with strangers. When they’re with people they trust, they tend to be playful and eager to please.
- Grooming: Their curly coat requires a good deal of brushing, no matter how it is styled. Grooming will be a time-consuming affair for most Poodle owners. The benefit is that the Poodle is non-shedding and hypoallergenic.
- Exercise: They are high-energy dogs, despite not officially being classified as a working breed. They aren’t couch potatoes at all, and will require around an hour of exercise each day.
- Nutrition: All Poodles should be fed high-quality dog food. Because they are found in three different sizes, their nutritional requirements can vary wildly. It’s best to consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
- Training: They are easy to train, as they are calm and intelligent. They benefit from consistent training and an experienced handler, but even novice owners can train them successfully.
How to Choose a Responsible Poodle Dog Breeder
Buying a Poodle puppy from responsible breeders is the best way to give your dog a head start in life. Ethical Poodle breeders should know best practices when caring for their animals, and should know the genetic profile of all their breeding dogs. Breeders of Poodle mixes, such as Moodle dog breeders or Cavoodle breeders, should have knowledge of the common genetic traits of both parent breeds.
When looking for a Poodle for sale, choose a breeder that will let you visit their premises and meet their dogs. The health and temperament of the dam and stud will give you a better idea of how your puppy will turn out in the future.
Poodle FAQ
Can Poodles be left alone throughout the day?
No, they are not meant to be left alone. They are primarily companion dogs, and need to be involved in family activities throughout the day.
Are Poodles aggressive?
No, They are not naturally aggressive, no matter what the size. They may be territorial, and will alert their owner to any intruders.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Poodle
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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