Poodles are one of the most popular and recognisable dog breeds in the world, known for their distinctive curly coats, intelligence, and elegant demeanor. Whether you’re considering adding a Poodle to your family or simply want to learn more about this fascinating breed, this blog post covers everything you need to know.
Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Despite the size differences, all Poodles share the same breed standards and characteristics. The size of the parents do not automatically guarantee the size the pup will grow to. Although the size of the parents is an indicator, it can happen that puppies grow up to be slightly bigger or smaller than both their parents. In Australia, dogs are measured to the shoulder and Poodle varieties are classified as follows:
Toy poodle size – Less than 28cm
Mini Poodle size – 28cm to 38cm
Standard – 38cm Plus
Poodles will have reached most of their height by 12 months with the majority of growth occurring in the first 7 months. Toys and Minis will fill out after that however Standard Poodles will continue growing, reaching their full height by 18 to 24 months.
Although sometimes renowned as being a pretty "handbag dog", Poodles are actually one of the most intelligent dog breeds worldwide. Highly social and affectionate, they form strong bonds with their families and enjoy the company of people and other pets. Their playful and energetic nature makes them great companions for children, while their sensitivity to human emotions makes them particularly loving and loyal pets. Poodles thrive on social interaction and can become anxious if left alone for long periods so this is something to consider if you're not home most of the time. Their alertness also makes them excellent watchdogs, always ready to notify their owners of any unusual activity.
Owing to their high intelligence and eagerness to please, Poodles are exceptionally easy to train. They quickly grasp commands and excel in obedience training. Poodles are versatile learners, capable of mastering a wide range of activities beyond basic obedience, including agility, tricks, and even service work. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and play, work particularly well with them. Consistency in training and a regular routine are key to reinforcing good behavior, although it's important to keep training sessions engaging to prevent boredom and manage any occasional stubbornness.
No matter what size poodle you’re interested in, you’ll notice they come in a lot of different colours and variations. What colour or colour combination a poodle has depends on the genetics inherited. These are the most common solid colours in poodle coats and can appear in all sorts of combinations: Black, Blue, Silver, Grey, White, Cream, Apricot, Tan, Red/Ruby and Brown.
One big question commonly asked about Poodles coats, are they hypoallergic? Although no dog is COMPLETELY hypoallergenic, the Poodles gorgeous curly coat barely sheds which is why they are considered one of the best dogs for people sensitive or allergic to dog hair. Of course each individuals reaction will vary and people with severe allergies should spend time around Poodles before bringing one home. Regular grooming and maintenance of their coats can further minimise potential allergens
As with all non shedding dog breeds it is important to make sure the poodles coat is groomed regularly. Overall, poodles require to be fully groomed every 3-6 weeks and brushed 2-3 times a week to make sure their hair doesn’t become matted. Although a little Rasta dog might sound cool, the forming of dreads and matted hair can cause uncomfortable pulling sensations as well as skin and bacterial infections.
Your pup will be used to being fed three times a day, and this can be changed when they are about 6 months old (if 3 feeds is difficult to manage then you can leave dry food out for 2 of the feeds). Poodles can be picky eaters so it is sometimes hard to find something they will enjoy. However, they also need to realise that the world does not revolve around them! They will not starve so don't let them trick you into roast chicken every day!
A good quality dry food has all the nutrition that they will need and chicken necks are excellent for their teeth. Frozen necks in the hot summer days are a special treat.
Please don't let your dog get fat. Obesity can increase the risk of many health problems including joint issues and heart disease. Show your love with exercise, structure, boundaries and affection but not food. Dogs overeating is not usually a problem with dry food, but as with humans every dog is different and depending on their character it might not be possible for you to keep out dry food all day. If that’s the case, you might want to regulate his portions and feed your Poodle at regular meal times instead, to make sure your dog doesn’t become overweight.
Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks are great for Poodles, but they also thrive on more vigorous activities like running, playing fetch, and agility training. Standard Poodles, being the largest, generally need more exercise compared to Miniature and Toy Poodles, but all Poodles benefit from mental stimulation alongside physical activity. Incorporating activities like puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play can help keep their intelligent minds engaged, particularly if daily walking is not an option. Poodles also have a natural love for water, so swimming can be an excellent way to provide both exercise and enjoyment. Regular physical and mental exercise helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors, and keeps them fit and well-balanced.
The cost of a Poodle puppy in Australia can vary significantly based on factors such as the dog's size, color, lineage, and breeder reputation. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1500 and $5000 for a purebred Poodle puppy. Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles tend to be more expensive, often falling on the higher end of this range. Additionally, ongoing costs such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and other supplies should be considered when budgeting for a Poodle. These expenses can add up to a substantial amount annually, making it important to prepare for the long-term financial commitment of owning a Poodle (or any dog).
While Poodles are often praised for their intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic coats, they may not be the ideal choice for every potential dog owner. One primary consideration is their grooming needs; Poodles require regular, often costly, grooming to maintain their distinctive curly coats, which can be time-consuming and/or expensive. Additionally, their high intelligence and energy levels mean they need ample mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and associated destructive behaviors. Poodles can also be prone to separation anxiety, making them less suitable for households where they would be left alone for long periods. Finally, like all breeds, Poodles can be susceptible to certain health issues. It's important to consider these factors when adopting or purchasing ANY breed of dog.
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