Quick Summary

•  Intelligent and adaptable companions with a water retriever ancestry, poodles form strong bonds with people. They require mental stimulation, grooming, and a consistent routine.
• Poodles have a distinctive look, with various sizes and coat colors. Standard poodles are larger and require more grooming, while miniature and toy poodles are popular for their intelligence and smaller size.
• Watch out for common health issues like epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy. 
• Address aggression promptly, train with their intelligence and affectionate nature, and maintain their physical fitness and oral health.

Most poodle owners were probably drawn in by their pristine appearance, allured by their majesty, or they simply found their weird little haircuts endearing. What many of them may not know is that caring for poodles involves a little more than just frequent trips to the dog groomer. Poodles sometimes have a reputation of being quite yappy and nervous, but that all comes from not knowing enough about handling them and giving them the appropriate training. Read on to get a handle on the ins and outs of raising these poofy poochies.

If you are already the proud owner of a Poodle, you are probably well aware of the dedication and effort required to take care of your beloved furry companion. But if you aren’t, this article is here to help you. It’s easy to become accustomed to a particular routine, which may cause you to unintentionally overlook certain aspects of care. Poodle care is a little different from general dog care, and if you went into this without too much of an introduction, you’re probably in the same boat I was in when I first got hold of a poodle. I certainly wish there were someone around to give me a couple good care tips about the poodle dog before I had to take one in. 

For one thing, there can be some care-related tasks that leave you uncertain about their frequency or the best approach to handling them. Whether you’re an experienced owner or contemplating bringing a Poodle into your home, it’s crucial to comprehend the magnitude of the responsibility and make adequate preparations.

Poodle Breed History

The poodle dog is highly regarded for its intelligence, which is a key characteristic cherished by both owners and breeders. However, they possess a high-strung nature, requiring appropriate training  to develop an even-tempered disposition and bring joy to their caregivers.

Information regarding the poodle and its ancestors is scarce and scattered. Some sources suggest an Asian origin for these dogs. The breed’s actual origins trace back to German hunting dogs, specifically a duck dog, that was specifically trained to retrieve ducks that their masters shot down from the water. That’s actually the reason poodle fur is curlier than that of any other dog breed — they were trained to retrieve things in the most frigid waters, and this caused them to develop fur that could trap the cold water before it could take warmth away from their skin.

Because they were a mostly aquatic dog breed, they eventually developed a preference for a variety of fetch in which they retrieved balls thrown into water when the practice of duck hunting died down. This cemented their trademark coat as a mainstay among their breed. But even disregarding its distinctive appearance, the poodle stands out as a very intelligent creature.

One remarkable trait of the poodle is its innate ability to form strong bonds with people, making it an exceptional companion and pet, even compared to the most sociable dog breeds.

Appearance

Poodles possess a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. The standard poodle boasts a square body measuring over fifteen inches, while toy and miniature poodles stand at under ten inches. Notable features of a poodle include dark, oval eyes that are well-spaced, ears that hang below eye level, and a straight muzzle of considerable length. Their muscular necks contribute to their regal and dignified demeanor.
Among the most popular poodle breeds today are miniature and toy poodles. Their small size and high intelligence make them highly sought-after. They are about the same size as poodle puppies, making them very convenient to care for as they only need puppy-sized gear for the rest of their lives. Also thanks to their size, miniature and toy poodles require less grooming compared to standard poodles.

What truly distinguishes poodles from other breeds is their distinctive fur. A poodle’s coat is available in a variety of colors such as black, white, brown, gray, silver, and red, and can be curly or corded. Poodle owners often opt to have their dogs’ tails docked to approximately half their original length. Regular professional grooming is essential to keep their fur in optimal condition.

Types of Poodles

Different Types of Poodles According to the American Kennel Club, Poodles come in three distinct sizes. These sizes are as follows:

Toy poodles

The toy poodle is specifically bred to be the toy dog variety of poodle, weighing between 5-9 pounds and stand a maximum of 10 inches at the shoulder. That’s about the size of a 1-month-old standard poodle puppy!

The toy poodle serves as excellent companions for their humans. They are prized for their compact size and delightful personalities, making them perfect for those seeking a loyal and affectionate dog that doesn’t need too much space. 

However, it’s important to note that toy poodles are more prone to patellar luxation, a condition involving the displacement of the kneecap. Careful attention and appropriate care should be provided to mitigate the risk of this condition. Toy poodles also enjoy the longest life expectancy among the Poodle sizes, with an average lifespan of 18 years.

Miniature Poodles

The miniature poodle, on the other hand, is simply a poodle that was bred to be smaller than average. They weigh around 14-17 pounds and stand between 11 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Like their standard-sized counterparts, they showcase remarkable intelligence, quick thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Miniature Poodles are known for their adaptability and can thrive in various living situations. Their average lifespan ranges from 13 to 15 years, making them the longest-lived among the three sizes.

Standard poodles

Falling into the medium-to-large breed category with weights of between 45 to 70 pounds and shoulder heights of between 18 to 24 inches, standard poodles have their own unique care considerations. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their high activity levels indoors, which means they don’t necessarily require a large yard for exercise. However, daily walks on a leash are essential to meet their exercise needs. 

Standard poodles have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia compared to their smaller counterparts. This is because larger breeds are generally more susceptible to joint-related issues and other diseases that larger breeds of dog are prone to. Regular monitoring, proper nutrition, and suitable exercise can help manage the risk and promote their overall joint health. Unfortunately, the standard poodle tends to have the shortest life expectancy among the poodle sizes, ranging from 12 to 15 years.

Essential Poodle Care Tips

Poodle Health Watch

As with any breed of dog, it is important to watch out for signs that their vital organs are not operating optimally. For poodles in particular, the organs that are most likely to develop problems as they age are their heart, liver, stomach, lungs, and kidneys. This is consistent with the problems faced by other dogs in their average size range.

Poodles are often affected by idiopathic epilepsy, a condition characterized by seizures, excessive drooling, and an elevated heart rate. The exact cause of epilepsy in poodles is unknown. To treat this condition, it is recommended to obtain anti-epileptic drugs, which can help prevent seizures.

Another common issue that poodles are prone to is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This condition occurs when the cells in the poodle’s retina start to deteriorate. Symptoms of PRA include blurred vision, poor color perception, and loss of peripheral vision.

Both PRA and idiopathic epilepsy are hereditary diseases that can affect any type of poodle. Fortunately, most cases of idiopathic epilepsy can be effectively managed with medication.

Dysplasia is another thing that many poodles tend to experience as they get older, particularly hip dysplasia. It is more common in standard poodles than in toy or miniature poodles. This is because they’re considered medium- to large-breed dogs and are thus more susceptible to the diseases that larger breeds of dog are prone to.

Aggression, Separation Anxiety, and Other Behavioral Issues

You may hear of some people being of the opinion that poodles are aggressive. While this does have a kernel of truth to it, particularly with miniature and toy poodles, the reality is that poodles can be some of the least confrontational dog breeds. However, they are very sensitive, and will develop a temperament based on the energy they receive on a daily basis. Any aggression they may develop, by and large, will stem from anxiety. This is perhaps most apparent if you have a poodle rescue.

Any signs of aggression should be addressed promptly to prevent any potential harm. Identifying and addressing any underlying concerns or anxieties that your poodle may have can often help prevent outwardly aggressive behavior.

Unfortunately, many owners of small dogs neglect proper training, leading to misbehavior and problematic tendencies.

If you excessively pamper your poodle without providing proper training, they may develop a belief that they are the dominant figure within the family, assuming the role of the alpha dog. It’s important to note that poodles were historically bred as hunting dogs in Germany and France during the 14th century. Their long hair and eyelashes require regular maintenance, particularly around the eyes, to prevent the occurrence of eye infections.

Tempering their temper

The principles for training out dog aggressiveness are generally the same across all dog breeds. Read more about how to train aggressive dogs to learn the essentials of tempering a dog’s temper. 

However, you should also keep in mind the reasons why a poodle might develop aggressiveness, and which of their inherent traits you can use in order to train it out of them. For example, poodles are not only naturally intelligent but also inherently possess a kind and affectionate nature. They thrive on receiving attention and quickly form strong bonds with their owners and families. 

Poodles tend to develop a deep attachment to their owners and family members, often displaying shyness or even anxiety when encountering strangers. Much like many other dog breeds, poodles have a high tendency to bark at unfamiliar individuals, making them excellent watchdogs.

They naturally seek out a stable temperament and a daily routine, and because of this, poodles are easily socialized. Any steps towards training out a poodle’s aggressiveness should take advantage of these inherent traits. 

Preventing Poodles From Turning Into Couch Potatoes

Similar to most dogs, Poodles thoroughly enjoy the company of their owners. However, they have a tendency to put on weight quite easily. To maintain their health, it is important to incorporate a regular exercise routine into their daily lives, especially if you do not have a spacious yard for them to roam freely. Taking them for walks or visiting a dog park on a consistent basis can help keep them active and fit.

Providing your Poodle with a nutritious diet is essential for their overall well-being. Opting for high-quality dog food that meets their specific nutritional requirements is vital for a happy and healthy life. Additionally, including nutritional supplements as recommended by a veterinarian can further support their health.

Engaging your Poodle in dog sports or activities can also contribute to their physical and mental well-being. Participating in these activities provides them with mental stimulation, exercise, and an outlet for their energy, all of which are beneficial for maintaining good health.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

Similar to other dogs, poodles are susceptible to experiencing bad breath. Professional groomers highly recommend brushing your dog’s teeth twice a day and scheduling regular deep cleanings at the veterinarian’s office.  Developing a good dental hygiene routine is crucial for maintaining your poodle’s oral health and preventing oral diseases.

If your poodle is a miniature, keep in mind that they are among the dog varieties that are considered to be most susceptible to oral disease. Getting frequent oral health checkups is essential for such dogs.

Remember, regular veterinary care, along with a balanced diet, exercise, and engaging activities, is crucial for ensuring the optimal health and happiness of your beloved Poodle.