Poodle Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Barbone, Caniche
  • Size:Small/Medium/Large
  • Ease of Training:High
  • Grooming:High
  • Shedding:Low
  • Exercise Needed:Daily walks and runs
  • Energy Level:Medium
  • Protection:High, barking alarm
  • Good with Children:Yes, best with older children
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF, vWD, SA skin test
  • Weight:45-65 lbs
  • Height:15-21 inches
  • Coat Colour:Any solid colour

Poodle Coat

The Poodle has a dense, harsh coat that is either curly or corded. The colour of the coat comes in such solid colours as silver, cream, gray, blue, black, white, apricot, red, caf-au-lait, and brown. It is possible to have a Semi patterned coat. However, that type of coat is not accepted in the show ring. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Poodle Character

The Poodle is an agile, athletic, and graceful breed. They are considered to be one of the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent breeds. Lively and playful, they have a tremendous sense of humour and a true love of life. Poodles are a breed of distinction, elegance, and dignity.

Poodle Temperament

One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Poodle is loyal and deeply devoted to their owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely sensitive to their families moods and emotions. The Poodle may become overly attached to one particular family member and suffer from separation anxiety. The Standard and Miniature varieties are typically more amiable than the Toy variety, which has a tendency to be neurotic. The Standard does well in a home with children and other household pets. The Miniature and Toy varieties are best suited for homes with older, considerate children. The Poodle is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. This breed has a tendency to bark excessively.

Poodle Care

The Poodle requires extensive grooming. Professional clipping must be done every six to eight weeks. The coat may be groomed in three different styles: the Pet Clip, English Saddle, and Continental. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent mats and tangles. It is important that the Poodles teeth and ears are checked and cleaned on a consistent basis.

Poodle Activity

The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions, and securely leashed walks. They greatly benefit from regular opportunities to romp and run off lead in a safe area. Poodles will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated to help curtail their tendency to excessively bark, and to keep them physically fit.

Poodle Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Poodle is around 10-13 years for Standard Poodles, 13-16 years for Miniature Poodles and up to 16 years for Toy Poodles. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes Addison's Disease, HD, PRA, bloat, SA, epilepsy, entropion, cataracts, renal disease, and allergies. The parents of the Poodle puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates, and you should also ask about clearance relating to vWD and SA (sebaceous adenitis). . This breed is prone to cataracts, PRA, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease.