Poodle
Posted: 02/15/2023 | BY: Content Writer
Poodle Dog Breed Profile
Pet Profile
Great for those looking for a highly trainable, hypoallergenic breed.
- Poodles come in a variety of different sizes; standard, miniature and toy.
- 12 to 15 years life expectancy
The Poodle has a variety of advantages over other breeds, from its intelligence to its physical prowess and charming character. They are highly trainable, faithful and active, so make great additions to the family.
Due to their variety of sizes, you can be sure to find the perfect Poodle to suit your home and lifestyle. They can come as toy or miniature poodles, giving you all the cuteness and breed traits in a toy size.
Poodles are often viewed as a luxury dog breed because of their elegant grooming styles and showy looks. The breed has been favored by nobles of France and Europe.
Poodles are also able to live long and healthy lives if they are well looked after. In fact, most Poodles live to their mid-teens, and some have reportedly reached the grand old age of 20.
History of Poodle Dogs
Poodles are the national dog of France, however their name originated in Germany from the german word “pudelin” which means splashing in water.
Poodles were originally bred as a duck dog, as water retrievers for duck hunters over 400 years ago. Their thick curly fur was great for cold water.
Today, the standard and miniature poodle are non sporting dogs. The toy poodle was bred in America to be a companion dog.
Characteristics of Poodle Dogs
A standard poodle is 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A miniature poodle stands between 11-15 inches tall, and a toy poodle is less than 10 inches tall.
All three size varieties have curly hair and are usually solid colored like white, gray, cream, apricot, or browns.
Poodles are known to be a very intelligent dog breed, non-aggressive, and people pleasers. They make great companions and do well with families and other pets.
Poodles are known to be barkers sometimes and can suffer from separation anxiety from their owners.
Adopting A Poodle From A Breeder Or Rescue
When adopting a poodle, it is recommended to adopt from an American Kennel Club or Poodle Club of America recognized breeder. This ensures you are adopting from a poodle breed lineage that is in good health.
Be aware that there are standard poodles, miniature, and toy poodles. The size difference can be a lot so you want to know which type of poodle you are adopting to be prepared for caring for a larger or smaller dog breed.
You can also find poodles at poodle rescues or sometimes animal shelters. There are also popular mixed breeds that contain poodles such as golden doodles, Maltipoo’s, or Aussie doodles.
Exercise And Nutrition of Poodle Dogs
The Poodle requires a good amount of exercise daily, and a least an hour a day is recommended to keep a Poodle happy and healthy. Most Poodles love to swim and play fetch.
Feed your Poodle twice daily with good quality pet food to keep them healthy. The amount you feed your dog is dependent on their size and age, so if you are unsure or want further guidance around nutrition, get in touch with your veterinarian.
Common Health Problems And Illnesses Of Poodles
Poodles do have their share of health issues, which is why it’s a good idea to take out dog insurance for your Poodle while they’re still a puppy.
Poodles often suffer with Addison’s Disease, a condition involving chemical imbalances in the body. The symptoms include, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting diarrhea, shaking, increased thirst and more frequent urination.
The symptoms of Addison’s Disease are often mistaken for other, less harmful conditions that don’t require treatment, however Addison’s Disease can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to pay a visit to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
The second most common condition affecting Poodles is bloat. This condition does have some visible symptoms, including pacing and gagging, and your dog is likely to act as if they are feeling uncomfortable or sick.
Like Addison’s disease, excess gas in Poodles can be deadly, and dogs suffering from this condition must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible or they may suffer from complications.
Epilepsy is also a common problem within Poodles of all sizes. If your dog develops the following symptoms it could be a sign that they are having a seizure: drooling, pacing back and forth, confusion, unresponsiveness and loss of consciousness.
If you think your dog is suffering from a seizure, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible so you can obtain a proper diagnosis and find out how best to manage the condition.
Fun Facts About Poodles
- Without regular grooming, a Poodle’s fur can become matted and dreadlocked. However, on the plus side, as their coats are hypoallergenic, their fur is normally odorless!
- Elvis ADORED Poodles. He had quite a collection at Graceland and gifted them out to loved ones. One called ‘Little Bit’ went to a previous girlfriend and a Poodle named ‘Honey’ was given to his wife Priscilla.
- Poodles are highly intelligent, and as they are easy to train, the breed has been a favorite in circuses in the past.
- A Poodle’s fur can come in a variety of colors such as black, white, grey, silver, brown and cream.
- Poodle hair can be curly, dense and wiry. This is beneficial for creating a variety of hairstyles, and often means the breed is recognizable from a mile away.