From their iconic curly silhouettes to their vocations as entertainers and sportsmen, Poodles are a dog breed of the highest esteem (and for good reason). These pups make affectionate family pets, but equally thrive as service, therapy, and even circus dogs with proper dog training.
If you’re considering adopting a Poodle puppy, you might have heard that they require a bit of upkeep in the grooming, exercise, and “hobby” departments. But don’t let that deter your Poodle dreams—with the right dog health practices and Poodle grooming routine, caring for a Poodle is easy and rewarding.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to Poodles, from the dog breed’s history to how to best care for your new pet.
The Poodle’s History
You might associate Poodles with the French (along with the skirts and haircuts of the 1950s). While it’s true that the breed does have roots in France (and remains France’s national dog),1 Poodles’ humble beginnings lie a bit further east.
Over 400 years ago, Germans began developing a new retrieving water breed,2 dubbed Pudelhund (“pudel” means “to splash in water”). Bred to hunt ducks, their springy curls were designed to protect them from the elements, enhancing their already superior swimming abilities.
With a signature “Poodle” haircut (shaved legs, neck, and tail), they’d remain as light as possible while evenly distributed tufts of hair kept them warm. Intelligence was also a key breeding factor—Poodles’ off-the-charts IQ makes them ideal service and therapy dogs today.
It wasn’t long before aristocrats in France (and across Europe) took notice of the new breed, which they called Caniche (“duck dog”). Poodles’ combination of looks and brains made them natural entertainers for the noble class (and later, European circus dogs), and their excellent noses even made them skilled truffle hunters.
The rest was history. For centuries after the French claimed them, Poodles remained show and lap dogs, eventually popularized in smaller varieties. First came the Miniature Poodle, and by the early 20th Century, the Toy Poodle was a favorite companion of the cities’ elite. Today, Poodles remain globally beloved, earning the favor of icons like Elvis and Jackie Kennedy.
The Poodle Look
Poodles are best known for their distinctive look, whether their hair is worn in that famous Poodle style or left as a uniform coat of curls. But do Poodles shed? Since Poodles have hair, not fur, they rarely shed (making them ideal for owners with allergies), and their coats never stop growing.
This means that, unless you plan to keep your Poodle’s hair in a short trim, it’s crucial for a Poodle owner to learn to properly comb and brush them and do so daily (to prevent matting).
Consider investing in professional grooming if you prefer not to comb, clip, and trim your Poodle’s curly coat yourself. The average Poodle must be groomed every four to six weeks (including a bath, haircut, and nail trim).
Poodles vary significantly in size depending on their variety. Standard Poodles can reach over 15 inches in height and up to 70 pounds (for males, 50 for females). Miniature Poodles can be nearly as tall, standing at 10 to 15 inches, but only weigh 10 to 15 pounds.3 Toy Poodles, who never surpass 10 inches, weigh just four to six pounds (which is why they’re still so popular as small apartment companions).4
Poodles are bred in several colors, including:
- Apricot
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Brown
- Cream
- Red
- Silver
- Silver Beige
- Café Au Lait
- Gray
Bicolor Poodles also exist in nearly every two-color combination.
The Poodle’s Personality
Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, meaning they’re highly trainable and fare best with a job that keeps them busy. If your Poodle is a pet (as opposed to a service or therapy dog), consider taking up a sport or hobby with them, like agility, obedience trials, or flyball.
This breed is tougher than its uptight stereotype and not to be underestimated when it comes to athleticism—Standard Poodles even competed in the 1988 Iditarod race.
Poodles are eager to please their owners, but also harbor a lot of energy and naturally tend to bark a lot (so it’s best to give them ample exercise and train them on when it’s okay to be vocal).
While they’re protective of their owners, Poodles are generally friendly and trusting, and playful even with strangers. They make affectionate family pets and are patient with children, but can be a bit more confrontational with other dogs. Be sure to socialize your Poodle early and often so she’ll be used to interacting with fellow canines as she gets older.
While Poodles belong to the AKC’s somewhat miscellaneous “non-sporting group,” they’re still eligible for both spaniel and retriever hunting tests.5,6 Masters of the extracurricular, a Poodle will likely grow a passion for any “hobby” you throw at them, and maintain equal zeal for life as a family pet.
Exercise Needs for Poodles
Poodles are playful, restless, and highly active, meaning they’re best served by ample regular exercise (at least an hour a day).7
They’re typically game for just about any type of workout, whether it’s a jog, a long walk, or a game of fetch with a toy, stick, or ball (they’re instinctive retrievers). Miniature and toy Poodles will have room to play in a small apartment, but a fenced-in yard is ideal (and daily walks are always essential).8
Many Poodles enjoy the water thanks to their origins as swimmers, so try taking your pup for a swim if you have access to a pool or body of water (you might even consider enrolling your Poodle in dock diving with the North American Diving Dogs).9
Keeping your Poodle mentally stimulated is key, which is why active activities like dog sports or obedience school are a win-win.
The Ideal Poodle Diet
Consult your vet or breeder about a diet plan for your Stan Poodle—their recommendations for ingredients and caloric goals will vary based on your Poodle’s size, age, and activity level. In general, Standard Poodles should eat about 2 ¼ to 3 ½ cups of dry food daily (⅓ to ¾ cup for Toy Poodles, ¾ to 1 cup for Miniature Poodles).10
Treats are often crucial as positive reinforcement in dog training, but should be given in moderation to prevent obesity.
Be careful not to overfeed your Standard Poodle in general. These dogs are naturally lean but also naturally prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia, which can be triggered by extra weight around the joints.
Poodles can be genetically prone to food allergies, so watch out for common symptoms like itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea, and ask your vet about allergy testing if necessary.11 Common canine food allergens include proteins like:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat gluten
In general, look for a dog food that contains meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits (excluding any confirmed allergens) and includes an endorsement by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the label.12 Brands often offer different formulas based on your pup’s age and size, so look for small-breed, large-breed (for Standard Poodles), puppy, or senior recipes if necessary.
Poodle-Prone Health Conditions
Be on the lookout for symptoms of Poodle health issues, like:
- Tear stains – All light-colored dogs are susceptible to below-the-eye stains, easily treatable with probiotic wipes.
- Ear infections – Since Poodles grow hair inside their ears, they’re prone to ear infections. Consider asking your groomer to pluck the hair, and treat your Poodle’s ears with an ear cleaning/drying solution weekly.
- Epilepsy – Poodles are genetically susceptible to idiopathic epilepsy, which usually onsets between 2 to 5 years of age. Seizures typically last just one minute: your Poodle might lose consciousness, spasm, urinate, or defecate, but will return to normal within a few hours. Ask your vet about preventative medication and other treatment options.
- Von Willebrand’s disease – This rare blood-clotting disorder is slightly more common in Poodles. Your Poodle’s blood might be slow to clot or not clot at all, making surgery and certain injuries more dangerous. Ask your vet about DNA testing to detect the disease.
- Bloat – This deadly gastrointestinal condition requires immediate veterinary care and sometimes surgery. The stomach distends and/or twists, putting pressure on nearby veins and arteries, cutting off blood flow, letting toxins build, and slowly killing neighboring tissue.13 If you notice symptoms like a painfully swollen abdomen, collapse, panting, and general distress, call your vet immediately.
- Dermatitis – Poodles are prone to various types of dermatitis, including allergic dermatitis (skin allergies) and painful hot spots.14 The first sign of Poodle skin problems is typically severe itchiness.
Finally, because Poodles are also prone to joint conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, it’s best to incorporate a joint-healthy supplement into their routine. A supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin (natural components of cartilage) is recommended to help with your Poodle’s lifespan.
Win Best-in-Show With Vetericyn
Poodles are a versatile breed with a rich history and a family-friendly personality. It’s no wonder they’re globally beloved both as family pets and as working and show dogs. Big fans of routine, Poodles will return the favor tenfold if you invest some time in their mental and physical development.
If you’re developing a care routine for your new Poodle, Vetericyn has your back.
Our ALL-IN dog supplements contain that daily dose of joint-healthy glucosamine and chondroitin your Poodle needs, plus additional natural ingredients to support the heart, gut, brain, and more—like a multivitamin for dogs.
Your Poodle deserves to look and feel her best, and Vetericyn is eager to meet her best-in-show standards (and yours).
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- American Kennel Club. Standard Poodle Facts You May Not Know. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/fun-facts-standard-Poodle/
- American Kennel Club. Poodle (Standard). https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/Poodle-standard/
- American Kennel Club. Poodle (Miniature). https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/Poodle-miniature/
- American Kennel Club. Poodle (Toy). https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/Poodle-toy/
- American Kennel Club. Spaniels Hunting Tests: Eligible Breeds. https://www.akc.org/sports/spaniels/hunting-tests/eligibility/
- American Kennel club. Retriever Hunting Tests: Eligible Breeds. https://www.akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/eligibility/
- Pet MD. Standard Poodle. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_Poodle
- Britannica. Poodle. https://www.britannica.com/animal/Poodle
- American Kennel Club. Diving Dogs. https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/dock-diving/
- Pet MD. Are You Feeding Your Dog the Right Amount? https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Food Allergies in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs
- American Kennel Club. How to Choose the Best Dog Food. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/choosing-right-dog-food/
- Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York. Gastric Dilation—Volvulus (Bloat). https://vmccny.com/gastric-dilatationvolvulus-bloat/
- American Kennel Club. Dermatitis in Dogs: What to Know. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dermatitis-in-dogs/
