Origin
Germany / France
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
20–30 kg
Height
45–62 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Apricot · Black · Blue · Brown · Cream · Silver · White · Red
Poodle
About This Breed
The Poodle is a breed of medium-sized water dog that originates from Europe. Despite their fancy appearance, Poodles are athletic and agile dogs that are also deemed highly intelligent. They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are known for their distinctive curly, low-shedding coats. Poodles are highly trainable, making them top performers in competitive dog sports. They are friendly, playful dogs that make excellent family pets.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Poodle
Origin
| Origin | Germany / France |
| Group | Non-sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 20–30 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Height | 45–62 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Apricot · Black · Blue · Brown · Cream · Silver · White · Red |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Intelligent · Active · Faithful · Trainable · Instinctual |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Standard Poodles are athletic and intelligent water dogs originally bred to hunt waterfowl. They have a soft, curly coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, silver, brown, and parti-color (white with solid color patches). As medium-to-large dogs, a Standard Poodle’s size is 18–24 inches tall at the shoulder and 40–70 pounds. Standards are the largest of the three types of Poodles, which also includes Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles. Caring for a Standard Poodle Poodles are generally a good-natured breed that makes a wonderful family dog.
Care Guide
Poodles are generally a good-natured breed that makes a wonderful family dog. They have a curly coat that has a long growth cycle, making them prone to matting. Regular and consistent grooming—both at home and by a professional groomer—will help keep their coat healthy and prevent tangles. Along with grooming, Standard Poodles also require regular exercise and training to keep their mind and body happy.