Explore the Breed
Breed Overview
Affectionate, intelligent, playful, social, alert
18-32 kg (40-70 lbs); Miniature: 5-9 kg (12-20 lbs); Toy: 3-4 kg (6-9 lbs)
Black, white, apricot, red, silver, chocolate
Long hair
Solid, multi-color
Brown to dark brown
12 to 15 years
Yes
History of the Poodle
The Poodle dog breed originated in Germany, where it was initially bred as a water retriever. Its name came from the German word "Pudel," which means to "splash in water."
The breed became more popular in France over time, where it was revered by the nobility. Poodles went on to become the country's national dog. Its high intelligence and iconic coat made it one of the most rewarding dogs to train and take care of.
From then on, the popularity of the Poodle continued to grow in other parts of the world. The breed’s playful and friendly nature worked well with most households, and its easy trainability became a favorite.
Physical Characteristics of Poodle
Head
Poodles have moderately rounded skulls with a well-defined stop. Their muzzle is long, straight, and fine, ending with a black or brown nose.
Eyes
Poodles have oval-shaped, dark eyes that show alertness. Eye color is typically brown but may be amber in lighter-coated ones.
Ears
Their ears are long and wide. These are usually set low and hang close to the head, covered in fur.
Body
Poodle dogs have proportionate bodies with deep chests.
Limbs
Standard Poodle legs are long, straight, and muscular, built for agility and endurance. Their feet are small, compact, and slightly oval-shaped.
Tail
Traditionally, they have a moderately long tail, which is docked for show dogs. When undocked, it is carried high and slightly curved.
Coat
Poodles have a dense, curly, and hypoallergenic coat that comes in various colors. This includes black, white, apricot, red, silver, and chocolate.
Size
Male and female standard Poodles are about 46-61 cm (18-24 inches). Miniature male and female Poodles are about 28-38 cm (11-15 inches). Toy Poodles are 24-28 cm (9.5-11 inches) in height.
Weight
Male standard Poodles weigh 27-32 kg (60-70 lb), while females weigh 18-23 kg (40-50 lb). Male miniatures weigh 5-9 kg (12-20 lb), while females weigh 5-6.5 kg (11-14 lb). Male and female toy Poodles weigh around 3-4 kg (6-9 lb).
Just welcomed a Poodle
What to Expect With a Poodle
Health Concerns of Poodle
How to Groom a Poodle
Coat Maintenance
Due to their dense and curly coats, they require a minimum of 3 brushing sessions per week. Use a slicker brush to help prevent matting and tangling.
Skin Health
Poodles are generally prone to skin issues because of their coat. Focus on brushing and bathing frequently. Use moisturizers, coconut oil extracts, and oatmeal cream.
Bathing Routine
A bath every 4 to 6 weeks is generally enough for Poodles. Use a pet-safe shampoo, and be sure to dry them thoroughly.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming should be done every 2 to 3 weeks or until the nails have grown so long that they create a sound when Poodles walk. Use a specific dog nail clipper.
Ear Cleaning
Clean ears weekly and routinely check for signs of redness or odor. Use a pet-safe cleaner and a cotton ball, never a cotton swab.
Eye Care
A Poodle’s eyes must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent eye issues. This frequency can increase depending on the case. Use a soft and damp cloth to clean it.
Dental Hygiene
Like other dogs, Poodles require regular dental cleaning and at-home brushing. At home, their teeth need to be brushed every day to prevent any plaque buildup.
