Poodle Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Caniche

Common Misspellings:  Poddles, Standardpoodles, Standard-Poodles, Standard-Poddles, Miniaturepoodles, Minaturepoodles, Minature-Poodles, Toypoodles, Toy-Poodles, Toy Poddles, Teacup Poodles, Teacup-Poodles, Tea Cup Poodles, Teacuppoodles, Teacup Poddles

Learn all about Poodle Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Poodle dog breed. You'll find solid information about Poodle dog history, Poodle life expectancy Poodle dog appearance, Poodle temperament and personality, Poodle health problems, Poodle puppy care, training Poodle puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Poodle dog breeder.

The Poodle is perhaps one of the most easily recognized breeds of dog in the world. Known for his unique coat (and the styles in which he is clipped), superior intelligence and for the ease in which he learns new tricks, it’s no wonder why this dog has captivated people for centuries. While commonly mistaken to be a silly dog, due to the frou-frou styles in which his coat is often trimmed, few who have had the luxury of meeting a Poodle mistake him for a frivolous pet for long.

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Poodle Facts

The Poodle Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Germany

Poodle Height: Standard Poodles stand over 15 inches tall at the shoulder, Miniature Poodles are those who are between 10-15 inches in height, and the Toy Poodle is any individual who is 10 inches or less at the shoulder

Poodle Weight: Standards commonly weigh between 45 and 65 pounds, while the Miniature Poodle weighs 10-18 pounds and the Toy Poodle should weigh no more than 6 pounds, when fully grown.

Poodle Color Variations: Apricot Poodles
Black Poodles
White Poodles
Red Poodles
Chocolate Poodles
Silver Poodles
Shaded Poodles

Poodle Size Variations: Standard, Miniature and Toy

Poodle Exercise Needs: Demanding

Poodle Grooming Demands: Demanding

Poodle Trainability: Easy

Poodle Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Average Poodle Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: With caution - see below.

Breed Group: Sporting

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Poodle Dog History

Believed to have originated in Germany, prior to the 15th century, the Poodle was originally known as the Pudel, or by the name "Canis Familiaris Aquatius." It is believed that the Poodle developed as a water spaniel dog and was later mixed with Russian dogs to create the basis of the breed. He would first become standardized in France, where they would adopt him as the national dog, but the name "Poodle" is, in fact, an English term, taken from the German term pudel or pudelin, which meant for one to splash in the water. This was one of the things that Poodles do best.

Well known for his skills in the water, the Poodle was one of the ultimate water retrievers and a very popular duck hunting dog in his time. Despite many believing the dogs are cut in frivolous styles, according to some strange dog-related fashion trends, the original Poodle cuts were designed to lighten the dog's overall body weight, grant him buoyancy, and protect him from debris in the water, while still giving protection to the dog’s joints from the cold waters they retrieved game from.

The smaller variety of Poodles would come to be, relatively soon after the Standard Poodle was recognized, although the smaller varieties were more favored as pets and truffle-hunting dogs. Smaller and more lightly built, they would do less damage to the delicate truffles than their larger counterparts, and so the Miniature poodles were employed for the purpose of scenting out and then digging up the edible fungus; in fact, many claim that terriers were crossed with the Poodle, specifically in the hopes of breeding a better truffle-hunting dog. The smallest of the three varieties of Poodle, the Toy Poodle or Petit Barbet, as he would later be called, was created solely for the purpose of being a pampered little puppy for the royal courts of the day. Interesting to note is that the breeding of these smaller dogs was never documented, so it remains a mystery as to whether or not the smaller versions were simply bred-down versions of the Standard Poodle, or if they were 3 separate and unique breeds with a common ancestor - the world may never know.

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Poodle Dog Appearance

Regardless of which size variation you choose, the Poodle is a very square, compact, and sturdily-built dog. Designed as a water-based retriever, he is muscular without being bulky and streamlined without being frail. The overall appearance of this dog is very balanced and geometrical; attesting to his great athletic ability.

The eyes of the Poodle are intelligent and dark in color, somewhat oval in shape and set far apart on his head, coupled with a gently tapering muzzle to give these dogs a delicate and beautiful profile that is unique to the breed. While the dog’s straight topline is often hidden by their abundant coat, they are very elegant and straight-backed, with a short loin, well sprung ribs and strong hips, which taper off to tiny, yet efficient paws.

Poodles are only found in solid colors, such as black, grey, brown, silver, café-au-lait, apricot, cream and white. Any parti-colored dog is considered mismarked, which is disqualifiable and unregisterable.

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Poodle Grooming

The Princess of Primp, the Poodle is perhaps one of the most elaborately clipped dogs in the world. Whether clipped or unclipped, they possess a curly coat that will grow in tight ringlets if left unattended. Of course, most people will tell you half the fun of having a poodle is the coiffed appearance of this pampered pooch. What few realize, however, is that there is more than one way to powder-puff your Poodle:

The Puppy Clip: If under a year in age, the Poodle is often shown in what is known as the "puppy clip." In this clip, the face, throat, feet, and the base of the Poodle's tail are shaved and the rest of the coat is left long, save for a pompon on the end of the dog's tail.

The English Saddle: Clipping the face, throat, forelegs, feet and base of the tail, the Poodle is left with puffs of hair on the forelegs and a pompon on his tail. A short blanketing of hair is left over the hindquarters, save for a curved shaved area on each flank and two bands shaved into each hind leg. The rest of the coat may be left long.

The Continental: When clipping a Poodle in a "Continental" style, the face, throat, feet, and the base of the Poodle's tail are shaved, as are the hindquarters. Optional pompons may be left on the hips, but the legs are always shaved with puffs on the front legs and bracelets on the hind and the dog sports a pompon on the end of his tail, as well.

Sporting: The Poodle that is clipped in a "Sporting" style has his face, throat, feet and the base of his tail shaved, but the top of his head is scissor-cut into a simple cap. The remainder of the body is either clipped or scissor-cut to a length of no more than an inch, following the lines of the dog's body. As always, the Poodle's tail sports a pompon at the end.

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Poodle Exercise Needs

A high-spirited and active dog, the Poodle is one who likes to stay busy. While he does not require a home in the country, he is still perfectly at home in those surroundings and, if confined to city life, will undoubtedly drag his owner out for numerous walks or trips to the dog park on a daily basis. Due to their intelligence and activity levels, they are ideal animals for obedience events and canine obstacle courses.

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Poodle Temperament

The Poodle is a very proud and noble dog and is well-known for carrying himself thusly. Very active and intelligent, they are keen canines who tend to consider themselves top dog. While they can get along well with children and other pets that they are raised with, they are originally bred as hunting dogs, so should be watched with birds and smaller animals. On the whole, however, the Poodle is a very attentive animal who seeks to please his human and keep everyone happy.

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Poodle Training

The Poodle is an incredibly intelligent breed and one that desires to please his owner. For these reasons, he is generally very easy to train and receptive to the praises that he receives for good behavior. It is said that the Poodle is the quickest breed to catch on to verbal commands and that he is capable of understanding short sentence commands.

Obedience classes are highly recommended if you are inexperienced with training dogs - not only does it teach your dog basic commands and obedience, but it also teaches you how better to understand your new Poodle puppy, and what methods he bests responds to. In no time, you two are sure to be teaching one another new tricks.

Poodle Health

Like any breed of dog, the Poodle is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Poodle puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Poodles include:

Toy and Miniature Poodles:
Progressive retinal atrophy
Legg-Calve'-Perthes
Patella Sub-luxation
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism

Miniature Poodles are also subject to:
Hip dysplasia

The Standard Poodle:
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Hip dysplasia
Von-Willebrand's Disease
Addison's Disease
Sebaceous Adenitis

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Is the Poodle Right For You?

The Poodle is a very intelligent and alert individual that requires a great deal of care and attention. Not only does his coat require regular trips to the groomer and a daily brushing, but he is a very social individual who prefers to think of himself as a "people" and entitled to the same privileges and attention. If you don't mind a lot of exercise and you have the time (or money) to take him to the groomer's regularly, you may find that this wonderfully intelligent dog is the perfect pet for you.

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Poodle Prices

Average Poodle Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Poodle dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Poodle puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Poodle dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Poodle puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Poodle breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Poodle prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Poodle puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Poodle Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Poodle puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Poodle Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Poodle breeders. We actively screen Poodle breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Poodle breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Poodle puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Poodle puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Poodle dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Poodle Resources:

• Poodle Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Poodle Breed Profile
• Poodle Pictures
• Poodle Videos

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