Breed Description: The Poodle is a squarely built and well proportioned dog breed that comes in three distinct sizes, Standard (large), Miniature (medium), and Toy (small). First developed by Europeans as gun dogs for retrieving from water, they are one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds of dog and make wonderful family pets.
Group: Non-Sporting, Toy
Purpose of Breed: Gun dogs, water retrievers
Country of Origin: Europe
Average Size: Standard Poodles range from 21 inches to 27 inches; Miniature Poodles are no more than 15 inches tall and Toy Poodles are no more than 10 inches tall. "Royal", "Tea Cup" and "Tiny Toy" are not recognized or registrable varieties of poodle.
Color(s): Any solid color.
Coat Type: Coats are either curly (most common) or corded, and have a naturally harsh texture.
Grooming: Poodles are minimal shedders. The curly coat of this breed is easy to groom and keep clean. Dogs not maintaining the poodle clip will still need to be trimmed periodically to maintain a healthy and manageable coat. This breed requires standard care for pads and nails. Ears and eyes should be examined regularly.
Exercise Needs: Poodles are active dogs that enjoy running, swimming and playing. Their exercise requirements depend somewhat on their size, but all poodles require adequate physical and mental challenges to maintain their health. Poodles should be kept on a lead while walking and ideally, be provided with a fenced yard.
Temperament: This is one of the most intelligent and obedient of all of the dog breeds. Poodles are energetic, trainable, and although they are somewhat suspicious of strangers, they get along well with all manner of people and companion animals.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to hip dysplasia, PRA, Von Willebrand's Disease, thyroid problems. Patellar Luxation, Legg-Perthe's Disease, Addison's disease and skin problems. .
Life Expectancy: Averages 10-13 years
Trivia: Poodles are clipped for a purpose that is not just merely decorative. It is a clip that is meant to allow for easier swimming, and to protect the joints and vital organs while the dog retrieves in cold water.
More Information: Poodle club of America, Inc.
Does anyone know what Poodle breed my dog is? I've been told he's a miniature Poodle purebred, but he seems way too big. What do you think?
Jennifer from Riverside, CA
Your dog looks a lot like my mom's dog, a bischon frise. Maybe yours is a mix.
The picture looks like my miniature apricot poodle, Pookie, who had his papers to prove he was purebred. He weighed 11 pounds. How much does your dog weigh? The AKC standard fo a miniature poodle is based on height at the shoulders, and for miniatures, it is more than 10" up to 15".
There's a variety of sizes in these dogs. I used to groom dogs and I have seen that many times. Looks like a poodle to me.
I agree with bichon frise. The tails are not docked. They can be from 8 pouinds to 34 it seems. They are wonderful, joyful, loving dogs. You are so lucky to have one. I have a puppymill rescue, Candie who is a bichon.
Definitely looks like a Bichon Frise.I have one and he is 22 lbs, long and lean. Same face. The tails are on the longer side and curl up.
We have a cream colored cockapoo and he looks almost just like her!
Definately a toy or minature poodle. Like my baby boy.
Definitely a poodle. I have 5 miniature and 4 toys. It looks like mine. Do you have papers for it?
I had a bischon frise that looked almost exactly like that, either that or a poodle.
Kiara (Ki-ki) is 10 months old and a Blue Standard Poodle. We got her about a month ago from a friend as a gift!
I was in a reminiscent mood yesterday and pulled out all of the photo albums. This photo in particular gave me oodles of forgotten giggles and I just have to share the giggles with you.
Skipper is my 9 year old Poodle. We adopted Skipper 4 months ago. His owner passed away and the son wanted to find him a good home.
I just bought a Toy Poodle that is 3 months old. It is afraid to come to me or my boyfriend or anyone. Once you get it, it will let you hold it and it will love it, but other than that it will run from you!
By Sarah
I want to let my dog have one litter of puppies. She is 12 inches to the shoulder. What size would be the safest, as I've only found 14 inch miniatures to stud? Would this be safe as my dog is petite? The studs I've seen seem a lot bigger and broader although they are miniature poodles too. Thanks for your time?
By polly
Rudy is a 2 year old standard Poodle. We rescued Rudy from a puppy mill in Oregon when he was just a couple of months old. He likes to chase, hide and seek, play ball, and play with his other dog buds. He is a very loving and affectionate dog.
