Poodle

Where the breed comes from

Despite its fancy reputation, the Poodle began as a water retriever in Germany. Its name comes from the German word for splashing in water. The famous show clip, with pom-poms on the joints, started as a practical cut to help the dog swim while keeping joints warm.

The breed became so popular in France that it is often called the national dog there.

Personality and family life

Poodles are smart, athletic and people-focused. They learn quickly, excel in obedience and agility, and often have a playful sense of humour. Standards are calm, sturdy family dogs; miniatures and toys suit smaller homes but still need activity.

Daily care: exercise, grooming, training

The curly coat keeps growing and sheds little, so it needs brushing several times a week and a professional clip about every four to six weeks. Daily walks plus training games keep their busy minds happy.

Is this breed right for you?

Great for families and individuals who want a clever, sporty dog with a low-shedding coat and who enjoy training. Less suited to people who do not want regular grooming costs, or to owners who want a dog that is happy to be left alone often.

Fun facts

Poodles are often listed among the most intelligent breeds. Poodle crosses such as Labradoodles and Cavapoos became very popular, but their coats and temperaments vary much more than in purebred Poodles. Standard Poodles still take part in water retrieving tests, a nod to their original job.

A day in the life

A typical day with a Standard Poodle might include a brisk morning walk, a short training session to learn a new trick, a game of fetch or a swim, and a relaxed evening on the sofa. Miniatures and toys need the same mental work in smaller doses. Brushing a little each day keeps mats from forming between grooming visits.

Health and good to know

Health tests to ask about include hips, eyes and, in standards, conditions such as Addison's disease. Their low-shedding coat makes them popular with allergy sufferers, though no dog is fully allergy free.

Every pet is an individual, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about diet, vaccines and health checks for your own animal.

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