Poodle
Quick facts
Size
Various (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
Weight
3 – 32 kg (varies by variety)
Height
24 – 60 cm (varies by variety)
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Origin
Germany / France
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very Low
Temperament
Compatibility
Pros
- Second most intelligent dog breed — remarkably easy to train
- Non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat ideal for allergy sufferers
- Available in three sizes to suit any living situation
- Athletic and versatile — excels at obedience, agility, and water sports
- Long-lived and generally healthy, especially Miniature and Toy varieties
Cons
- High grooming demands — professional grooming every four to six weeks
- Coat mats quickly if not brushed regularly
- Can be prone to anxiety and may develop separation issues
- Standard Poodles need substantial exercise despite their elegant appearance
- Some lines can be highly strung or nervous
Care guide
Exercise
Exercise needs vary by size. Standard Poodles need 60 to 90 minutes daily and excel at swimming, running, and retrieval games — they were originally bred as water retrievers. Miniature Poodles need 45 to 60 minutes, and Toy Poodles need 30 to 45 minutes. All varieties enjoy mental challenges alongside physical exercise. They are surprisingly athletic and thrive at agility, rally obedience, and dock diving. Keep walks interesting with new routes and environments.
Grooming
Poodle grooming is the breed's biggest commitment. Their curly, continuously growing coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential for clipping and shaping. Between grooms, brush thoroughly with a slicker brush, working through the coat section by section. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Keep ears clean and dry — Poodles grow hair inside their ear canals, which traps moisture. Regular dental care is crucial, particularly for smaller varieties.
Feeding
Portions vary dramatically by size. Toy Poodles need one-quarter to half a cup daily, Miniatures need three-quarters to one and a half cups, and Standards need two to three cups. Feed twice daily with a quality food appropriate to their size. Poodles can be fussy eaters — find a food they enjoy and remain consistent. Smaller varieties are prone to hypoglycaemia, so regular meals are essential. Choose a formula with omega-3 fatty acids for coat health.
Training
Poodles are second only to Border Collies in intelligence, and they know it. They learn new commands in fewer than five repetitions and obey first commands 95 per cent of the time. Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions mentally stimulating. They bore easily with repetitive drills, so vary exercises. Poodles excel at trick training, obedience, agility, and scent work. Socialise well from puppyhood — some lines can be timid around strangers. Their intelligence means they also learn bad habits quickly, so be consistent with rules from day one.