There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, there are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties. They were bred for hunting and their hair was cut to make it less dense in the water, and a top knot was tied in their hair to show they were working.

They have the reputation of being ‘girly’ dogs due to their grooming, but there is nothing girly about these dogs; they are playful, fun and are great companions. If you are looking for an active and fun addition to your household, this could be your perfect breed.

Poddle Stats

Weight -4kg –8kg
Size – 28cm – 30cm
They live for 14-16 years

Best Trait – Intelligent

Worst Trait – High-maintenance coats

Exercise

They need plenty of exercise, so as long as you have an energetic life and time to play outdoors and take them on a good daily walk, they are a fantastic addition to your active family. They can cope quite well with apartment living as long as all their exercise needs are met and given plenty of playtime.

Remember, a bored dog will usually become a mischievous dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.

Children Suitability

They love their families and being with people. They are not suitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. They are very playful, so with older children and those used to being around dogs, they will play endless games running around the garden with them. They are likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so do not get this breed if you work full-time.

Guard/Watch Dogs

They make for great watchdogs, in fact, one of the best breeds, they will alert to every little thing going on. They can be a little untrusting of strangers, and you will need to make sure they are socialised early on to combat this.

Cats and Small Animals

They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. They are hunters, so the instinctive need to chase neighbours’ cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Make sure your outside area is well enclosed, and they can’t escape when giving chase.

Intelligence -Easy to Train:

They are very intelligent and easy to train. Try to keep training both interesting and fun for the best results. Identifying their motivation and reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food. They are so intelligent, this is not a breed you can just ignore, you will need to make sure they have challenging games to play, like hide and seek – they love it.

Maintenace

Poodles do not need to be clipped like they are in the show ring; they can be clipped to look like normal dogs. They shed very little and are the main reason they are crossed with so many other breeds. They will need a groomers every few months, you could learn to do this yourself to save on costs.

Frequency: Every 4-8 weeks.
Popular Clips:
- Puppy Cut (also called Teddy Bear cut): Short, even trim across the body for low maintenance.
- Lamb Cut: Short body coat with slightly longer legs.
- Continental and English Saddle Clips: Classic show dog trims require more upkeep.
Tip: Consult a professional groomer to ensure precision and appropriate style selection for your dog’s lifestyle.

Health

Poodles are generally healthy dogs, but the following are common diseases that the breed can suffer from. Pet Insurance is always good to have, just make sure you research.

Hip Dysplasia

Cause: Genetic malformation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and discomfort.
Symptoms: Limping, stiffness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to exercise.
Management: Weight control, moderate exercise, joint supplements, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Cause: Genetic eye disease causing progressive blindness.
Symptoms: Night blindness, dilated pupils, clumsiness, eventually leading to total blindness.
Management: Regular veterinary eye exams, genetic testing before breeding; no cure, but lifestyle adaptations help manage blindness.

Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Cause: Adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient hormones.
Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, shaking, gastrointestinal issues.
Management: Lifelong medication, regular veterinary monitoring, and stress management to ensure good quality of life.

These three conditions are particularly common and impactful for poodles, so early detection and proactive veterinary care are critical for keeping your poodle healthy.

Is this the right dog for you?

Can’t decide or need some more time or breeds to think about it?

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Top Female Poodle Names:

Bella, Daisy, Coco, Luna, Sophie, Lucy, Chloe, Rosie, Gigi, Stella

Top Male Poodle Names:

Teddy, Max, Charlie, Ollie, Milo, Beau, Louie, Winston, Toby, Cooper

Classic & Elegant Names:

Princess, Duchess, Prince, Pearl, Paris, Bentley, Sebastian, Oliver, Ruby, Louis

Cute & Fun Names:

Noodle, Biscuit, Fifi, Muffin, Peanut, Pixie, Poppy, Cupcake, Sugar, Mochi

Inspired by Coat Colours:

Snowy (White), Ebony (Black), Mocha (Brown), Cinnamon (Apricot/Red), Shadow (Black/Silver), Pepper (Gray/Silver), Cotton (White), Midnight (Black), Hazel (Brown/Apricot)

These names highlight the adorable, sophisticated, and playful nature of poodles.