Poodle Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

20-30 kg

Height

40-55 cm

Lifespan

10-14 years

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About the Poodle

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Are you looking for a new dog? As well as their unique look, Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, loyal, and great with other animals and kids, making them a fantastic family pet.

Our ultimate Poodle guide below will help to answer the questions potential Poodle owners need to know, including details on health issues, grooming, and training.

What is the history & origin of the Poodle?

The history of where the Poodle originated isn’t simple, and there’s still a lot of discussion as to whether it was first bred in France or Germany. No matter where it was first bred, there’s no argument about the breed’s purpose, and this was for retrieving waterfowl for hunters.

The name Poodle is derived from the German ‘Pudel’, which means to “splash about”. In French, the Poodle is known as the “Caniche”, the shortened form of “Chien de Canard”, meaning “Duck Dog.”

What is a Poodle breed?

The Poodle is a purebred dog that is most notable for its appearance. The distinctive curly coat protected the dogs from cold water when used as working dogs for hunters retrieving waterfowl or boats.

Poodles can be found with different coloured hair, including black, brown, white, cream, sable, silver, grey, red, blue, and apricot. Poodles are also hypoallergenic, making them an excellent option for anyone that suffers from allergies.

Poodles are divided into four size categories, with the Standard Poodle being the largest. Then there is the Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and the smallest is the Toy Poodle.

Learn more about: Poodle Colours

Who is a Poodle best for?

Poodles are very intelligent dogs which makes them ideal for service work. They have been used as therapy dogs due to their excellent nature, and are employed as guide dogs and assistance dogs for other disabilities too.

They are also great with kids and other animals, especially when they are socialised from a young age, making them ideal for families.

First-time pet owners will also benefit from having an intelligent dog that picks up training quickly. They are considered to be relatively energetic, so an active household would be best for a Poodle.

Poodle Grooming & Shedding

Though all dogs shed to some extent, the shedding cast from Poodles is minimal, and they have less dander than other breeds, making them a hypoallergenic choice that may be suitable for households where people have allergies.

Because Poodles don’t shed, you will have to groom your dog, and due to the nature of their coat, it’s advised that you seek help from a professional groomer.

Poodles are famed for their interesting and unique haircuts, and though it’s not essential, they look pretty cool. The reason you might see Poodles with that distinctive cut that leaves pom-pom like balls of fluff at certain areas is to protect the vital organs and joints.

Learn more about: Poodle Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Poodles bark a lot?

Poodles have a reputation for barking; however, this can be due to anxiety or pent-up energy that regular exercise can burn off.

Toy and Miniature Poodles are more likely to bark but training your Poodle from a young age will also help to stop excessive barking.

What is the average weight & height of a Poodle dog?

A Standard Poodle, when fully grown, should weigh between 20-30kg for males and 20-27kg for females. They tend to reach a height of around 40-55cm to the shoulder.

Medium Poodles tend to be slightly smaller than a Standard Poodle. They aren’t even recognised as a different size grouping by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognised in other circles. They tend to reach around 35 to 45 cm in height, weighing between 9 and 13kg.

Miniature Poodles will reach up to 35cm in height and weigh between 4.5 and 7kg, while Toy Poodles will reach up to 25cm in height and weigh between 2 and 3kg.

It is possible to find a smaller Poodle than the Toy Poodle. Though there are officially no breed standards, Teacup Poodles will grow to 16 to 22cm in height and weigh under 2kg.

Learn more about: Poodle Size & Weight Chart

Are Poodles easy to train?

Poodles are highly intelligent dogs which makes it easier for them to pick up training than some other breeds. That being said, they can get bored or lose attention.

You should start training your dog from a young age by rewarding good behaviour and listening to commands with treats and positive reinforcement through vocalising how well they are doing and patting them.

Regularly using their name to recognise it and teaching them to sit on command is great for establishing authority. Stopping destructive behaviours like biting or nipping from an early age are also important.

House training your Poodle puppy should be based around a schedule and can take some time, but patience is critical.

Learn more about: Poodle Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Poodles behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Poodles are affectionate, kid-friendly dogs that have an excellent nature and are very intelligent. They will require mental stimulation and don’t like being left alone though.

They respond well to leadership and can be trained well. These loyal dogs can be shy around strangers but are generally friendly and good with other animals.

Learn more about: Poodle Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Poodle have any common health issues?

Poodles are generally healthy dogs, but, as with all breeds, they can be more susceptible to certain illnesses. A healthy diet and regular check-ups with your vet can help to keep your pet healthy. Some of the most common health issues that poodles might suffer from include;

Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, potentially causing irritation.
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens, which can affect vision.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid that can lead to weight gain and skin issues.
Dry Eye: Reduced tear production, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems.
Intervertebral Disc Disease: A spinal condition that can cause pain and mobility issues.
Addison’s Disease: A hormonal disorder that affects the adrenal glands.
Cushing’s Disease: An overproduction of cortisol, which can lead to various health problems.
Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that affects the heart muscle.
Hip Dysplasia: A joint issue that can result in arthritis.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that involves the stomach twisting.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
Luxating Patellas: A condition where the kneecap dislocates.
Legg-Perthes Disease: A hip joint issue that can cause lameness.

Learn more about: Common Poodle Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Poodle?

The lifespan of a Poodle will be determined by the size class as well as a number of other factors.

A Standard Poodle lifespan can be anywhere between 10-14 years, and medium Poodles can be expected to live for between 11-15 years. A Miniature Poodle’s life expectancy is anywhere between 14-17 years, and a Toy Poodle’s life expectancy is between 16-20 years.

The Toy Poodle has one of the longest life expectancies of any dog breed. It’s important to mention that these are average figures though, and that the lifespan of your dog will depend on its breeding, general health, lifestyle, and diet.

How much does a Poodle need to be fed?

Feeding your dog high-quality dog food will improve the dog’s health, energy, skin, and coat. The amount you feed your dog will differ depending on the size, but your vet should be able to advise you on a healthy amount for its age.

Dog food brands also supply information about how much you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will probably favour some foods over others, and as long as it’s getting the nutrients it needs and the calories it requires to develop, this preference will be fine.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Poodle? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Poodle in Australia?

The price of a Poodle in Australia will be determined by the age, sex, size, colour, and breeder. You could expect to pay anywhere from $700 for a Standard Poodle, right up to as much as $5,000.

Miniature and Toy Poodles tend to cost more than their Standard counterparts, but this will differ depending on the breeder.

Don’t always go for the cheapest dog without doing your research on the seller though. Ensure they are a registered breeder, or you may be buying from an unethical source, a dog that is not purebred, or a dog with underlying health issues.

Learn more about: Poodle Prices In Australia

Poodle FAQs

Besides size, are there any other differences between a miniature poodle and a standard poodle?

Apart from size and lifespan, there aren’t too many differences between Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles. The larger dog will require more grooming due to the size, so when you factor in the costs of grooming and food, a Miniature Poodle is a more affordable dog to care for.

Do standard poodles socialise well with other dogs?

Standard Poodles are usually good with other dogs and animals. Socialising your dog with other dogs from an early age will help them become more comfortable with other dogs as well.

What are the benefits of adopting an adult poodle over a poodle puppy?

Adopting an adult Poodle over a puppy has many pros and cons, and an adult should already be house trained and less time consuming than a puppy. That being said, when you get a Poodle puppy, you will be able to train it from a young age how you want to.

Each dog will be slightly different, and they all have different personalities. Hence, taking the time to research your favoured breed and understanding the responsibility of buying a new puppy or rehoming is vital.

Are Poodles one of the more intelligent dog breeds?

Poodles are widely recognised as being the second most intelligent dog breed behind Border Collies. Intelligent dogs are easy to train but require adequate mental stimulation to keep them happy.