Poodle

Canis lupus

Last updated: February 17, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© AntonMaltsev/Shutterstock.com

Intelligent, alert and active!


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Poodle Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Poodle Conservation Status

Poodle Locations

Poodle Locations

Poodle Facts

Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Poodle
Slogan
Intelligent, alert and active!
Group
Gun Dog

Poodle Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Black
  • White
  • Cream
  • Silver
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
16 years
Weight
70lbs

Poodle as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$700 to $1200
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
45-70 lbs
Female weight
45-60 lbs

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Poodles are known to be impressive dogs and are very clever and elegant.

They have beautiful hairdos and are the best show dogs for their elegant appearance and innate performance ability. Poodles make very affectionate family dogs and are known to be very talented.

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These dogs are usually purebred, but you can always find them in rescue shelters, often mixed with other breeds like the Maltese. In fact, Maltese dogs are fairly similar to the poodle, making them a helpful alternative. These dogs are very intelligent and are also easy to train, ensuring that they are well-behaved for their owners. They need to be kept busy and too much free time can leave them with destructive behavior.

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The different types of poodles are primarily separated into three categories – standard, miniature, and toy. Unofficially, there is also the teacup breed, which is rather small and isn’t even as big as the incredibly tiny toy poodle.

History and Origin

The Poodle is an older breed of dog that traces its roots to the 1400s in lands around Germany. It is assumed that their main purpose was to help hunt ducks, which requires good intelligence and awareness to bite gently while fetching felled birds. The French were the next to continue developing the early Poodle into was called the Caniche, literally translated to “duck dog”. As a breed, they quickly became a favorite pooch of the nobility around Europe.



As the Poodle became more and more beloved, breeders developed the Toy and Miniature Poodle versions. The Standard Poodle continued to be used for hunting, while the Mini was used to hunt truffles and the Toy was a lap dog to the rich.

The Poodle was registered by The Kennel Club in England in the 1870s and by the American Kennel Club in the 1880s. After the second world war, they became very popular in America.

Health and Entertainment for your Poodle

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The Different Types of Poodles and Poodle Mixes

Poodle crossbreeds run the gamut. Also called “oodles,” there are more than 40 poodle crossbreeds, including:

  • MaltipoosMaltipoos are loving, playful, and intelligent small-breed dog. They are a hybrid breed that is a cross between a Maltese and either a Poodle or a Miniature Poodle. Depending on how strong the Maltese genes are, Maltipoos may be hypoallergenic dogs, like poodles. The breed is good with children and loves spending time with the members of their family. A Maltipoo may have a curly or scruffy coat. White, cream, and silver are the most common coat colors, though they can also be blue, gray, black, or brown.
  • Sheepadoodle – Read more about the Sheepadoodle.
  • Havapoo – Read more about the Havapoo.
  • Bernedoodle – Read more about the Bernedoodle.
  • SchnoodlesSchnoodles are a hybrid dog that is made by crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Since Poodles come in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), and Schnauzers also come in three sizes (Miniature, Standard, and Giant), there is a lot of variation in the size of this breed. This breed is loving and loyal. They are also very intelligent and may inherit the suspiciousness of their Schnauzer parent. The appearance of a Schnoodle can vary based on the specific genes they inherit, and they may have a silky and wavy coat, a straight coat, or a curly coat. They can also be a variety of colors including black, black with white, gray, silver, apricot, or sable.
  • Irish Doodle – Read more about the Irish Doodle.
  • Saint Berdoodle – Read more about the Saint Berdoodle.
  • Labradoodle – The Labradoodle breed was created in 1989 by a man named Wally Conron. He originally crossbred the two dogs to create a service dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to the standard Labrador retrievers that are used as guide dogs. Today, they are highly sought after around the world as family pets. While all dogs are different, Labradoodles are generally easy to train dogs. However, they are an intelligent breed, so be prepared for independence and some stubbornness while training.
  • Cavapoo – Read more about the Cavapoo.
  • Peekapoo – Read more about the Peekapoo.
  • Bordoodle – Read more about the Bordoodle.
  • Pugapoo – Read more about the Pugapoo.
  • Cockapoo – Read more about the Cockapoo.
  • Poogle – Read more about the Poogle.
  • Doxiepoo – Read more about the Doxiepoo.
  • Corgipoo – Read more about the Corgipoo.
  • Toy Poodle – Read more about the Toy Poodle.
  • Yorkie Poo – For Yorkie Poos, both parent breeds are among the most popular in the United States. When you combined them together, you get the Yorkie poo, a very affectionate and energetic mix. It does not have any agreed-upon standards, but it is generally characterized by a small, petite body and very expressive face. The soft fur can be either curly or straight with a wide variety of different colors and markings, including black, white, cream, chocolate, apricot, and gray.
  • Chipoo – Read more about the Chipoo.
  • AusiedoodleAusiedoodles are a fluffy-haired bundle of cuteness. Born from extremely intelligent animals, the Aussiedoodle is extremely intelligent. It’s also a fairy cooperative dog, making training almost easy. The Aussiedoodle is fun and will keep the family entertained and active. This is a great pet for an active family with a nice yard or nearby dog park.
  • Huskydoodle – Read more about the Huskydoodle.
  • Newfypoo – Read more about the Newfypoo.
  • Great Danoodle – Read more about the Great Danoodle.
  • Shepadoodle – Read more about the Shepadoodle.
  • Australian Labradoodle – Read more about the Australian Labradoodle.
  • WestiepooWestiepoos are social, intelligent dogs that are full of curiosity. They are the result of breeding a West Highland White terrier with a miniature poodle. These dogs date back to the 1970s. They are believed to have originated in the United States. These small, playful dogs are popular with families. They are loyal and protective of their loved ones.
  • Giant Schnoodle – Read more about the Giant Schnoodle.
  • Boxerdoodle – Read more about the Boxerdoodle.
  • Bassetoodle – Read more about the Bassetoodle.
  • Springerdoodle – Read more about the Springerdoodle.
  • Eskipoo – Read more about the Eskipoo.
  • Dalmadoodle – Read more about the Dalmadoodle.
  • Weimardoodle – The Weimardoodle is a combination of a Weimaraner and a Poodle. Both the Weimaraner and Poodle are friendly, athletic, and intelligent breeds, but they do differ physically. When you combine them together, you will usually get a dog with a slim physique, a long and narrow muzzle, flapping ears, and a long, furry tail. The most common colors are black, white, cream, gray, brown, fawn, and a combination of black and white.
  • Siberpoo – Read more about the Siberpoo.
  • Mini Labradoodle – Read more about the Mini Labradoodle.
  • Whoodle – Read more about the Whoodle.
  • Poochon – Read more about the Poochon.
  • Pyredoodle – Read more about the Pyredoodle.
  • Airedoodle – Read more about the Airedoodle.
  • Bichpoo – Read more about the Bichpoo.
  • GoldendoodleGoldendoodles are medium-sized and often have a shaggy, low-shedding coat. Since they are a mix of two dogs, they have the sweet and pleasing nature of the golden retriever and the intelligence level of a poodle. Though they may come at a high price from a breeder, they may also be found in shelters with a low adoption fee.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Pros!Cons!
Poodles are brilliant dogs, and if you are looking for a dog that is smart and affectionate at the same time, this one would be a great choice.Grooming has to be fairly regular with poodles which means that you as an owner would have to see that you take out regular time for your poodle.
These dogs are easy to train and joyfully complete all tasks assigned to them.Poodles are very prone to a lot of health problems and can fall sick very easily.
These dogs shed very little so in the long run, you wouldn’t have to worry about creating a lot of mess and cleaning up after it.These dogs can develop destructive behavior if their mental and physical health is not taken care of.
Three poodles sitting side-by-side

Poodles are brilliant dogs, and if you are looking for a dog that is smart and affectionate at the same time, this one would be a great choice.

©Chendongshan/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

Toy poodles are about 10 inches tall while the miniature ones are 11 to 15 inches tall and the standard ones are about 15 to 22 inches long. Female poodles weigh about 45 to 60 pounds. Even though the males have the same minimum size, they can become a little heavier than the females when they are fully grown, reaching up to 70 pounds. The variations in size depend on the type of poodle that the owner gets, considering how small the teacup and the toy poodle can be at their full size.

MaleFemale
Height15-22 inches Tall15-22 inches Tall
Weight45 to 70 lbs., fully grown45-60 lbs., fully grown
poodle

The size of a poodle depends on the type, but the standard poodle can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and be 15 to 22 inches tall.

©Dulova Olga/Shutterstock.com

Common Health Issues

These dogs are prone to a lot of health issues, even when pet owners chose to purchase purebred puppies from a breeder. One of the most common issues that they face is bloating, which happens as the result of the accumulation of gas in their stomach.

Addison’s disease is another common condition, impacting the hormones of the dog. Even though standard poodles are the most publicized for it, all variations are susceptible. The condition occurs when there’s damage to the adrenal glands, making it impossible for their small bodies to create enough aldosterone and cortisol. Thyroid disorders are also common in this breed.
Hip dysplasia can occur in poodles as well, causing substantial pain in malformed hip muscles. These dogs tend to be at risk for epilepsy, though it is more common as the dog gets older.

Therefore, some of the most common health problems that they suffer from are:

  • Bloating
  • Addison’s disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
Woman giving a miniature poodle a pill

One of the most common issues that poodles face is bloating, which happens as the result of the accumulation of gas in their stomach.

©Varvara Serebrova/Shutterstock.com

Temperament

These dogs are known to be extremely intelligent and loyal. They are faithful and are very easy to train. Besides, they make great family dogs and can quickly pick up commands.

Standard Poodles are known to be very energetic. However, they are also known to be slightly more reserved than the miniature and the toy poodles. Out of the three variations of this dog breed, miniature poodles are known to be the most active.

Miniature poodles are also the most playful and best suited for children. Toy and Miniature poodles are known to be a tad bit more mischievous than the standard poodles.

poodle

Standard Poodles are known to be very energetic. However, they are also known to be slightly more reserved than the miniature and the toy poodles.

©nieriss/Shutterstock.com

How to Take Care of One

Like any other pet, these dogs also have their own set of special needs. Therefore, before buying a poodle, you should be able to figure out how to take care of these dogs. Here are some things that you should know:

The Best Dog Food for Them

These dogs can be fed muscle meat that usually comes from turkey, beef, and ducks, Other meat sources could include sheep, bison, and moose. They could also be given organ meat. The meat should be cooked first because this breed has not been raised to eat raw sources. Steaming and boiling are the easiest ways to cook food without adding any extra oils to their digestive system.

While adults can be fed about one to two times per day, puppies should be fed about 4-5 times per day since their stomachs are smaller and cannot digest a lot of food in one go. Have a look at the list we compiled of all the best food for Poodles for all life stages.

Since Poodles are susceptible to endocrine/adrenal problems like Thyroid disease and Addison’s, be deliberate about the ingredients in their food. At A-Z Animals, we recommend Royal Canin Poodle Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food.

Most importantly, this food has pyridoxine hydrochloride, a source of Vitamin B6, which is necessary for ideal hormone regulation. The glucosamine and chondroitin will protect your Poodle’s joints, plus, there are fatty acids and an optimum level of protein just for poodles.

Follow the link below to get Royal Canin for Poodles on Chewy and Amazon.

Best Overall
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Contains EPA and DHA fatty acids
  • Specially formulated for Poodles
  • Shape of kibble makes it easy to pick up
  • Antioxidants support healthy aging
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs require a lot of grooming. You would need to brush their hair every day. A proper grooming session would need to take place every three to six weeks, though some people groom their dogs much more frequently to maintain a certain aesthetic.

However, the hair strands that are tangled together and are very difficult to brush out and straighten should be cut out with scissions – very carefully. For pet owners that are unsure of how to perform this maintenance themselves, a high-quality groomer is a necessity.

It is important to bathe your dog regularly, especially if it is dirty after playing outside for too long. You should be able to find a suitable shampoo for your poodle online or in a dog shop, depending on the particular needs.

You would also need to brush your dog’s teeth and cut its nails. However, all of this would have to be done with sensitivity lest you might end up hurting your dog.

Poodle in a bow tie

A proper grooming session would need to take place every three to six weeks, though some people groom their dogs much more frequently to maintain a certain aesthetic.

©iStock.com/Nynke Van Holten

Training

These dogs are very easy to train. They are intelligent dogs and can pick u commands very easily. You can start with teaching your dog their name and can slowly introduce other simple commands like sitting, standing, and coming when they are called. These dogs are eager to please and show off, but they need an adequate trainer.

Most poodles follow your commands and complete the tasks assigned to them. They are energetic and you would love assigning tasks to them.

Types of Service Dogs

A Medical Service Dog can remind its handler to take medication, alert medical providers of necessary medical attention, and more

©iStock.com/Laura Fay

Exercise

These dogs need about an hour of exercise every day. A good walk usually does wonders for them. You can also engage them in a game of rousing and that would definitely fulfill their daily exercise needs. With access to a plentiful area to play, this physical activity can reduce the risk of chewing and scratching.

Puppies

Puppies are brought up and taken care of the same way. However, as compared to feeding the adults about 1-2 times a day, you will need to feed the puppies about 4-5 times a day because they have small stomachs and they can’t usually digest a lot of food in one go.

Standard Poodle Puppy in Basket

You should feed poodle puppies about 4-5 times a day because they have small stomachs and can’t usually digest much food in one go.

©Jennifer Stidham/Shutterstock.com

With Children

These dogs make great family dogs. However, only miniature poodles are great with children. They are very playful and energetic and are considered to be great around the kids of the family. Other breeds may be less patient, requiring more training to be considered a family dog.

smartest dog breeds - Poodle

Poodles make great family pets.

©Anna_Bondarenko/Shutterstock.com

Similar Dogs

Though poodles can be a beautiful addition to the household, they aren’t for everyone. Here are a few dogs that are similar to poodles that may work better for some pet owners.

  • Afghan Hound: Though it is considered to be a hound breed, this dog offers a similar size and weight, but with long and straight hair instead. It still requires a lot of work to keep as aesthetically pleasing. They aren’t quite as playful as the poodle, but they are much quieter. If owners can handle their desire to chase anything that catches their interest, the Afghan Hound could be a good option.
  • American Water Spaniel: The American Water Spaniel is just as happy with apartment living as a poodle, and they aren’t meant for certain travel. They require about half of the food that a poodle does, but they are just as easy to train.

Famous Examples

Several famous celebrities are known to own a poodle, though teacup poodles are the most popular pets among the variations. These include Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Katharine Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe.

Poodles have appeared in several movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Secret Life of Pets collection of animated films.

Do Poodles Shed Cover image

Poodles have appeared in many movies and are a favorite pet choice of celebrities.

©Natallia Yaumenenka/Shutterstock.com

Here are some of the popular names for these dogs:

  • Charlie
  • Bella
  • Coco
  • Oliver
  • Max

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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If you have kids or existing dogs select:

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Should they be Hypoallergenic?

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What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

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About the Author

Heather Ross is a secondary English teacher and mother of 2 humans, 2 tuxedo cats, and a golden doodle. In between taking the kids to soccer practice and grading papers, she enjoys reading and writing about all the animals!

Poodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does a poodle cost to own?

Poodles usually cost about $700 to $1200. The maintenance usually costs around $1500 per year, though it isn’t unusual for purebred dogs like Maltese and Golden Retrievers to be expensive.

Is a poodle good with kids?

Only the miniature poodle is considered to be great with children.

How long does a poodle live?

Poodles usually live for around 12 to 15 years.

Are poodles good pets?

Yes, poodles make great family pets. They are very loyal in nature.

Do poodles bark a lot?

Poodles don’t usually bark a lot. However, they can sometimes have bouts of barking when they are around strangers or when these dogs are excited.

Are poodles aggressive?

No, these dogs are not usually aggressive. However, they have mental and physical needs. If these needs are not met, it can initiate destructive behaviors in these dogs.

Are poodles smart?

Yes, poodles are known to very intelligent and smart.

Do poodles smell?

No, poodles are not usually smelly dogs.

Are Poodles herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Poodles are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the order Carnivora.

What genus do Poodles belong to?

Poodles belong to the genus Canis.

What type of covering do Poodles have?

Poodles are covered in Hair.

What is an interesting fact about Poodles?

Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active!

What is the scientific name for the Poodle?

The scientific name for the Poodle is Canis lupus.

What's the difference between poodles and goldendoodles?

Poodles are one of the parent dog breeds of the goldendoodle. Read all about their differences and similarities here!

What's the difference between poodles and labradoodles?

The main difference between a Poodle and a Labradoodle is their parents.

Unlike Poodles, Labradoodles are mixed breeds. They are products of crossing between Labradors and Poodles. For this reason, Poodles are expensive and require a lot of time and attention.

Read about other differences here.

 

What's the difference between poodles and Bichon Frises?

The poodle comes in more colors than the Bichon Frise. Additionally, the Bichon Frise was bred to hunt rats, while the poodle was bred as a gun and performance dog.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Petssync, Available here: https://petssync.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-poodle/
  2. Canna-Pet, Available here: https://canna-pet.com/poodle-temperament-personality/
  3. Galavanting Poodles, Available here: https://galavantingpoodles.com/poodle-blog/2018/2/27/what-to-feed-the-dogs-a-quick-guide-to-raw-feeding-poodles
  4. The Poodle Information Center, Available here: http://www.allpoodleinfo.com/home-cooking-for-poodle
  5. WikiHow, Available here: https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-a-Poodle
  6. Borrow My Doggie, Available here: https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/doggypedia/guide-to-dog-breeds/poodle-information-guide
  7. The Cesar's Way, Available here: https://www.cesarsway.com/10-best-dog-breeds-for-families/
  8. The American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-poodles/

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