Poodle
貴婦犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Poodle comes in three sizes — Toy, Miniature and Standard — that share the same proud carriage, curly low-shedding coat and quick intelligence. PocketPaw uses one key for all three, so the size ranges here span from Toy to Standard. Poodles are active, easily trained water retrievers at heart, and every size needs regular professional clipping.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 23–66cm |
| Weight | 2–32kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–18years |
| Breed group | AKC: non-sporting FCI: 9 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Curly coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition of small breeds) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if a young dog shows hind-leg lameness.
Kidney disease
Kidney conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about routine blood and urine checks.
Addison's disease
Addison's disease (an adrenal condition) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has recurring vague illness, vomiting or lethargy.
Sebaceous adenitis
Sebaceous adenitis (an inflammatory skin condition) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if you notice scaling or hair loss.
Immune-mediated conditions
Immune-mediated conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has unexplained illness.
Behaviour
Very smart and very active
The AKC says Poodles of any size are very active dogs that need good daily exercise, love swimming, and are extremely intelligent and easily trained; the CKC notes the Standard needs lots of exercise and suits a house better than a high-rise.
Grooming is a commitment
The coat does not shed much but grows continuously, so most pet owners keep a simple sporting clip and book regular grooming; without it the coat mats.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Poodle (Standard)
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Poodle Standard (Non Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Poodle Standard
Breed characteristics (size medium, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Poodle (standard no. 172, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club advises prospective owners to have a fenced area or be prepared to walk the dog on a leash regularly, and warns that Poodles need regular clipping and grooming — a handy owner can learn to do it, otherwise budget for a professional groomer.”
— The Poodle Club of America (public breed information) via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Poodle (Standard) — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Poodle Standard — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Poodle Standard — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Poodle — FCI standard no. 172 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]FCI-Standard No. 172 — Poodle (Caniche), 05.04.2024 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [8]Poodle (Toy) — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [9]Poodle (Miniature) — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [10]The Poodle Club of America — About the Poodle — The Poodle Club of America (public breed information) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.