Thinking about Poodle dogs as a companion?
Get to know this popular dog breed before you buy!

 

Standard Poodle:

Size
Exercise
Grooming

Miniature Poodle:

Size
Exercise
Grooming

Toy Poodle:

Size
Exercise
Grooming

 

Height: Standard: 38 cm and over (15 inches) at the shoulder; Miniature: 28-38 cm (11-15 inches); Toy: less than 28 cm (11 inches)

Group
American Kennel Club: Standard and Miniature - Non-sporting; Toy - Toy
The Kennel Club (UK): Utility
Australian National Kennel Council: Non-sporting

Lifespan: 11-16 years

Who is the Poodle?

An intelligent, lively and affectionate dog, Poodle dogs come in three different sizes (standard, medium and toy) and a wide variety of colours, including black, white, brown, grey and apricot.

Poodles have a curly coat that will grow almost continuously unless clipped. The hair is shed into the coat so the dog needs frequent grooming to prevent matting. Very little, if any, hair comes out of the coat, so poodles may be suitable for people who are allergic to dogs. (If you are allergic to dogs, you should take an allergy test before buying any breed of dog.)

Breed history

Poodle dogs seems to have originated centuries ago around Germany. The name derives from the German word 'pudelhund', which meant 'splashing dog', and referred to the dog's original use as a water retriever.

In the 19th century, the breed became popular in France, particularly as a circus dog since its high intelligence made it easy to train. It may have been at this time that the highly decorative 'continental clip', or lion clip, was developed. This is where the hair is elaborately clipped and styled but the hind quarters are shaved bare. The continental clip is now usually only seen in the show ring and most pet poodles are kept in 'pet clip' (sometimes known as lamb clip), which simply keeps the hair short and neat all over the body.

Because of their association with high fashion, poodle dogs are often unfairly accused of being brainless but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, poodles are generally recognised as the second most intelligent dog in the world (behind Border Collies) and they excel in obedience work. They are also very good at dog sports such as agility, and can learn to track, and even herd, with ease. Their intelligence, friendliness and zest for life have made them one of the world's most popular puppy breeds.

The largest poodle is the Standard Poodle, next is the Miniature Poodle (one of the small dog breeds) and the smallest is the Toy Poodle (classed as one of the toy dog breeds). There is no such dog as a 'giant poodle' or a 'Royal French poodle' - they are all just unofficial names for the Standard Poodle.

Personality

• Intelligent
• Lively
• Friendly
• People-oriented
• Highly trainable

Good with children?

Yes. Poodle dogs excellent pets for all the family, though children should be taught to handle the delicate Toy Poodle carefully.

Exercise needs

The Poodle is an active dog and appreciates a daily walk. The standard and miniature varieties require more exercise than the toy, which can quite happily live in an apartment and makes a good companion for the elderly.

Health

Poodles are generally a strong, healthy breed and individual dogs in all the poodle varieties have sometimes reached the age of 18 years or more. Good nutrition and care will allow your dog to reach its teens.

Possible health problems

Addison's disease (a disorder in which the adrenal gland produces insufficient amounts of steroid hormones)

Gastric dilatation volvulus (a condition in which the dog suffers from bloat - the stomach becomes over-expanded due to excessive gas content - and torsion, when the stomach is also twisted)

Thyroid problems

Hip dysplasia (a disease that can cause lameness and arthritis in the hips)

Cancer

If you're planning to buy a poodle puppy,
make sure that the breeder has x-rayed both parents for hip dysplasia.

Good breeders should x-ray or test their dogs for as many of these conditions as possible before breeding, or should avoid breeding from dogs that display the conditions.

Grooming

Poodle dogs have dense, curly hair that sheds minimally. Most of the hair that is shed is captured within the coat and the coat must be brushed to remove it and prevent matting. Since the hair does not come out of the coat, the poodle does not leave hair on furniture and carpets and it can be considered a hypoallergenic dog - that is, it may be suitable for people who are allergic to dogs. However, if you are allergic to dogs, you should always take an allergy test as allergic reactions can differ from person to person.

Pet poodles are usually kept clipped quite short so maintenance of the coat is considerably less. As a general rule, a pet poodle would need to visit the dog groomer for clipping every 6-8 weeks but some people prefer to let the coat grow a little longer in winter. It is possible to learn to clip a poodle yourself at home - you would need to buy the appropriate clippers.

The breed has long, floppy ears which do not allow the air to flow around the ear's opening. The ears can become infected but regular cleaning with an ear cleanser should keep them in good condition (ask your vet or pet shop for a good product to use).

When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning.

Ideal owner

The ideal poodle owner will recognise that this intelligent breed needs mental stimulation as well as exercise and will involve the dog in family activities.

The different varieties of poodle dogs mean there is a size of dog to suit everyone.

 

 

 

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