Poodle

Poodles come in three different sizes (standard, miniature and toy), many colors and varied hair styles!

Originally from France, they are now popularly bred with other breeds to create “designer” dogs such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos.

Personality

Loves people; hates to be alone
Prefers people over other dogs
Very intelligent
Active and alert
Great watchdogs

Size

Three sizes: toy, miniature and standard
Standard: About 45 pounds; over 15 inches at the withers (shoulder)
Miniature: About 20 pounds; 10-15 inches at the withers
Toy: About 10 pounds; under 10 inches at the withers

Home Life

Adaptable to various environments
Great with children, perhaps with the exception of the toy variety because of their small size
Good companion to the elderly
Will become mischievous if left alone for long periods
Excellent family dogs, as they don’t tend to attach to just one person

Training

Learns quickly since they are highly intelligent
Enjoys doing tricks and are eager to please
Does well in dog events like obedience, agility, etc.
Sensitive; does not respond well to harsh training methods

Exercise

Loves to swim
Enjoys walking and playtime

Coat

Curly, dense and wooly
Needs daily grooming to avoid matting
Many colors, solid or multi-colored
Little shedding

Care

Teeth and ears need regular cleaning

Health

Poodles can be prone to hair loss, ear infections, bladder stones, allergies and diabetes

Lifespan

12-15 years

Rescue

If you want to rescue a Poodle or Poodle mix, check out adopt-a-poodle.adoptapet.com or Poo-Mix Rescue.

For more information about Poodles check out this great video by writer, pet trainer, expert and industry consultant Nikki Moustaki made exclusively for i Love Dogs.

PHOTO: John Leslie

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.