Poodle

40-50 lbs
15-21"
Germany
Pudle, Barbone, Caniche

The Standard Poodle, which is one of the oldest known dog breeds, is a unique and popular dog that is very intelligent and easy to train. Amicable and playful, they are good with kids and other pets, especially if they are introduced at a young age. This alert and dignified dog has a dense and curly coat that can be rough and wiry, and can come in almost any color. They have great personalities but can be high maintenance. However, their loving and loyal temperaments are worth the extra grooming trouble! The Standard Poodle is quite agile and considered to be the most athletic of the three types (Standard, Miniature, and Toy).

purpose Purpose
Water Retrieving, Hunting
history Date of Origin
Ancient Times
ancestry Ancestry
Water Dog, Barbet

Poodle Health

Sketch of Poodle
Average Size
Male Poodle size stats
Height: 15-21 inches Weight: 60-70 lbs
Female Poodle size stats
Height: 15-21 inches Weight: 40-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Addison's Disease
  • Mitral Valve Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Cushing's Disease
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Corneal Dystrophy
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Blood Test
  • Heart
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Poodle Breed History

When it comes to dog breeds, everyone knows the Poodle. They are considered to be one of the oldest breeds ever developed. It is thought that they originated from Germany, but developed into the distinct breed that we know today in France. It took a combination of several European dogs, like the Spanish, Portuguese, and Hungarian water dogs, to create this incredible canine. It is also thought that the North African Barbet is among the list of ancestors of this breed. Another possibility is that these dogs were descendants of Asian herding dogs, and became the German Water dog while being brought around with the Ostrogoth and German Goth tribes. Yet another possible theory is that this dog breed has ancestors from the Asian steppes, dogs who, along with the Moors in the 8th century, ended up in Portugal after conquering the North African Berbers. There have also been some statues and drawings of similar looking dogs found in Roman artifacts and Egyptian tombs which date back to the first century B.C. Although the exact time is unknown, it is thought that the smaller versions of this breed, the Toy and Miniature, were created in the 1400s and 1900s respectively, and with the purpose of impressing the Parisian Bourgeoise. These smaller curly coated pups were not created by crossing Poodles with smaller dogs, however, but were instead made by breeding small varieties of the dog with each other. The Standard and Miniature dogs of this breed were used in the French culture for duck hunting and discovering truffles, respectively. The Toy Poodle was kept as a companion pet, mostly for wealthy merchants and nobility. It was the gypsies who began training this clever and agile canine to be circus dogs, often having specific coat shapes and colors and used to perform impressive tricks. In 1874 and 1887, the Kennel Club of England and the American Kennel Club first registered them. The Poodle Club of America was founded in 1931.

Poodle Breed Appearance

These dogs, with their dense, curly and wiry coats can be trimmed and manipulated into almost any fun shapes and designs. Typically seen cuts are the Continental, Saddle, and Sporting clips. These treasured and popular canines are elegant, well proportioned and squarely built. They have long muzzles and round skulls with a slight stop. Their ears will hang close to the head and are wideset. Their eyes will either be any dark shade, or dark amber color, depending on the coat color and will be oval-shaped. These regal dogs have level toplines and long, elegant necks. They have long legs and tails that are half of the original length, as they are usually docked. The coat can be of almost any color, such as black, white, brown, blue, cream, apricot, gray, cafe-au-lait and silver. Parti-colored Standard Poodles also exist and will have two-toned coats. The eye rims and noses will be either black or liver, again depending on what color coat the dog has.

Appearance of Poodle
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Poodle eyes
Brown
amber Poodle eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Poodle nose
Black
brown Poodle nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
sable Poodle coat
Sable
white Poodle coat
White
silver Poodle coat
Silver
blue Poodle coat
Blue
fawn Poodle coat
Fawn
cream Poodle coat
Cream
red Poodle coat
Red
black Poodle coat
Black
gray Poodle coat
Gray
brown Poodle coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Poodle curly coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Poodle Breed Maintenance

Although they do not shed, Standard Poodles can be quite high maintenance. They will need to be groomed every three to six weeks or more often, even if it is trimmed short, and it will most likely need to be done by a professional, unless you have the time and patience to do it yourself. You will need quality scissors, electric clippers and blades, a comb, pin and slicker brushes and nail clippers. Besides these major grooming sessions, they will still need to be brushed daily. They will also need to be bathed and the coat trimmed at regular intervals. Although rare, they can get tear stains. If so, they will need to be wiped around the face and eyes every day using a dampened washcloth with warm water or an alcohol-free pet wipe. The teeth should be brushed once or twice a week as well, although it would be best if done every day. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month, unless they wear down on their own. If using a Dremel, nail length should be checked every week.

Brushes for Poodle
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Scissors
Clipper
Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Poodle requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Poodle Temperament

These dogs are smart and loyal but can also be mischievous. Despite their dignified personalities, they are quite playful and love to please their owners. That, along with their intelligence, makes them easy to train. If these dogs are trained well and also get the proper amount of exercise, they can be very calm and cooperative pets. They will also be protective over their home and their families, and will make good watchdogs that will bark if anyone that they don’t know approaches the house. They may require some time to become friendly with strangers but will be affectionate with their family members. Although their cleverness often impresses people, this means that they can be difficult to deal with at times, as they can learn bad habits as well as good. They will do great with kids. They do well with other pets, especially if they have grown up with them. If your Standard Poodle is used to being the only pet in the house, however, they may need some time to adjust to a new addition.

Poodle Activity Requirements

Standard Poodles will do well in any type of home, whether it be an apartment or ranch house, as long as they get enough exercise and affection. It is also important to be careful with training, as they can just as easily learn bad habits as good ones and will not easily forget them. They are considered to be medium to high energy dogs who thrive on being busy and using their senses. They excel in agility, obedience trials, rally, tracking, conformation shows, and more. Spend a minimum of 60 minutes a day interacting with your dog to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. 1.5 to 3 cups of food divided into two separate meals per day would most likely be a good amount for these dogs.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Poodle Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Poodle Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Poodle at six months
Male Poodle size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 24.5 lbs
Female Poodle size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 21.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Poodle at 12 months
Male Poodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 32.5 lbs
Female Poodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 28.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Poodle at 18 months
Male Poodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
Female Poodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs

Top Poodle Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Poodle breeders of 2024.
Top Poodle breeder Light N' Lively Poodles
Light N' Lively Poodles
Staten Island, New York
Top Poodle breeder Ash's Mystical Poodles
Ash's Mystical Poodles
Pahrump, Nevada
Top Poodle breeder Pampers Poodles
Pampers Poodles
Conroe, Texas
Top Poodle breeder OZ Poodles
OZ Poodles
Palm Harbor, Florida
Top Poodle breeder Keri Poodles
Keri Poodles
Cleveland, Ohio
Top Poodle breeder Primrose Poodles
Primrose Poodles
Lagrange, Ohio
Top Poodle breeder Creekvue Toy Poodles
Creekvue Toy Poodles
Alva, Florida
Top Poodle breeder Theory Standard Poodles
Theory Standard Poodles
Richfield, Ohio
Top Poodle breeder Bear Cove Standard Poodles & Toy Fox Terriers
Bear Cove Standard Poodles & Toy Fox Terriers
Richmond, Kentucky
Top Poodle breeder Lakeridge Farm's Standard Poodles
Lakeridge Farm's Standard Poodles
Renton, Washington

Poodle Owner Experiences

Chyna
7 Months
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Very playful will fetch and return. Moody at times and wants to be left alone.
7 years ago
Floppy
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Bike ride
Hiking
Laser Chasing
Car ride
People watching
I love my little mini poodle, but he can be pretty aggressive with other dogs and sometimes male humans will rub him the wrong way and he will bare his teeth if he is touched in sensitive spots (belly, back legs, sanitary area). He's a rescue mini poodle and loves to greet people. He has short legs so I think he could be a runt in the litter. He's pretty low energy so a walk around the neighborhood daily is enough exercise to keep him entertained. He is very protective, so he will bark or growl at incoming mailmen or other doggies.
7 years ago
7 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Find it
Mine was a miniature poodle, and was a lap dog. She took time to warm up to strangers but she's very smart.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
I walked a toy poodle who was the sweetest little thing! The moment I got in the house, he crawled into my lap and just wanted to cuddle. He did the same when I brought him back home. On his walk, he was very nervous. Loud noises made him jump, but he was very sweet and calm.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
I have walked both mini and standard poodles and they are generally nice dogs. Both sizes I found to be great with people but can snap at other dogs. The mini was more prone to barking at other dogs or animals. The standard poodles can be very affectionate and enjoy being pet and going for walks. They can be a little stubborn. Considerable effort should be made to socialize them so they are better with other dogs. They are very intelligent so obedience training is key for a well behaved poodle.
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
petting
The poodles that I have walked have had an interesting temper as they have never been hostile but they do not seem as inviting or friendly. They like to keep a pretty quick pace while walking them, and do not pull or run but are pretty well mannered. They do not mind being pet, but do not have an overly friendly vibe to them. They do not really choose to interact with other dogs or people.
6 years, 11 months ago
17 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I've been walking Micah for a while now and he's super sweet and he just is like the Energizer Bunny has so much energy for a senior dog and he's so loving and so affectionate such a joy to be around
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
sitting
Poodles are very smart and very aware of their surroundings. At times they can be very stubborn if not trained at a young age. They have very soft fur and need continual grooming to keep the shape. Warm with most other dogs.
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The poodle I walked was a labradoodle mix. He was very affectionate and trusting during our initial walk and seemed to remember me for our following encounters. He had high energy but was very obedient and could in control of his excitement when reminded with certain commands. He was also very aware of my presence, and would often attend to my behaviors in situations before reacting. This Doodle was very interested in humans as well as other dogs. He was sometimes a little verbal when seeing other dogs across the street, but was very curious and calm when taking the introductory sniff. He had a lot of energy and probably could have walked all day with me if I let him. As soon as we were in an open field of grass at the park it seemed he was ready for a game of fetch or some other sort of play. He was very responsive, however, to still being on a leash and new when to keep walking instead of refusing to follow commands "walk nice." He was very smart and picked up on almost all of my commands that could have been familiar or foreign to him. This behavior gave me the sense he was very trainable and could probably learn rapidly. He did not need to be crated while his owners were away, however, there were numerous chew toys and dog puzzles out for him to keep his playful personality busy while they were away. All together this mature poodle mix was beautifully leash-trained and very trusting and affectionate toward human companions.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Explore the woods
People watching
Play
Jumping
Eating Snacks
This poodle I have walked in the past was extremely energetic and excitable, some may even say hyper. She was around 1 year old and definitely had the energy of a young pup! She is a miniature poodle, so she is quite small. She always greets me at the door, excited to see a friend! She loved to give kisses and love! At times she would resist putting on the harness but once it was on she was so happy. On walks, she absolutely loves to run. She enjoys the sunshine and fresh air of the outdoors. She likes to chase squirrels, birds, and lizards. She is well-behaved and walks very well on a leash. She really enjoys her walks; however, she can be startled by loud noises like a garbage truck or a loud motorcycle. She is interested in other people and is just curious overall. She has not really shown aggression towards other animals, people, or myself. She is vocal in that she excitedly whines when I first get to the house, and sometimes she barks as I'm locking the door before we head out (she doesn't want to wait, she wants to explore!) This pup also really loved treats. She is a sweet girl and follows you around the house as if you were her owner. She had many toys to play with. Overall, this little girl was an energetic sweet pup and a pleasure to walk.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
The poodle I walked was named Rainer. Rainer is a standard poodle. He is very intelligent. I had heard that poodles were the most sophisticated breeds of dog, but Rainer exceeded all of my expectations. While we were walking outside, I told him to sit a couple of times, he did so on the very first commands. Rainer was very well-behaved. When I arrived at the apartment, Rainer was inside of a large cage. His tail was wagging, so I could tell that he was excited to get out. He did not lunge at the gate or bark in excitement like most other dogs. He just stood and wagged his tail. I unlocked the gate and Rainer briskly stepped outside and immediately went to the door. While I was putting on his leash, he kept very still and was super patient. During the walk, he did not pull on the leash very much, and when I tugged his leash, he immediately followed my directions. As we were walking, people stared, probably because I was wearing the bright green wag t-shirt but also because Rainer is such a beautiful dog! He was catching eyes everywhere we went. In addition to his intelligence, Rainer was also very friendly. During our walk, we passed by two smaller breeds of dogs. I do not remember the breeds exactly, but one might have been a Maltese mix. Rainer did not bark aggressively or lunge towards either of them. He sniffed each one as they passed and seemed excited to socialize. He was also friendly towards other humans. He never growled at a person or even growl during the entire walk. I felt like I had been around Rainer for months before this first experience because he was so friendly and listened to all of my commands, despite it being our very first interaction together. Rainer also had great energy. I had been scheduled for a thirty-minute walk, but Rainer could have easily gone for sixty minutes. We walked a little over a mile in those 30 minutes. He walked very briskly, and I was definitely power-walking to keep up with him. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. His gait was springy, effortless, and light. His coat was dense and curly as you would expect of a standard poodle. His coat was also white. Rainer was very curious, as well. He was constantly sniffing the ground and hardly was ever just walking. Very true to the adventurous spirit of the poodle! All in all a great experience!
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This poodle was a poodle mix. The first time I met him he was in his kennel and didn't want to come out. He stayed in the back of his kennel and growled a little when I approached. I put a treat in the kennel and he ate it. So next I put one outside the kennel door and he just looked at it at first. Then he came out, grabbed it and hurried back in the kennel. I tried this again, hoping he would come out. I talked to him the whole time and asked him if he wanted to go for a walk. He just seemed hesitant about coming out. Afterall I was a stranger in his house. I am always amazed at how most dogs are so friendly, even though I am a stranger and have come into their house! This dog was not like that. But, after a few treats, he decided it was ok and he came out and we went for a walk! He was then friendly and even let me pick him up to cross a busy street.
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Meet Charger the Schnoodle! Charger was super affectionate and decided pretty quickly that I was a cool person because he wanted nothing but to sit on my lap while his mom talked to me! It is so cold and windy in DC so Charger wore his Christmas sweater and got to visit the North Pole! I told him his choice in sweater transported us to the NP because it sure does feel like it out there! Brrrr!
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
I have walked a few Poodles through Wag and interacted with several outside of the service. For the most part, the standard size is very friendly and outgoing. They require regular walking to contain their energy. In the past, I have encountered slightly aggressive poodles. They were not a fan of other dogs and would bark or pull hard. We had to go across the street for safety. Always remember to read the notes in the Wag app about your particular Poodle’s personality. This is definitely something to be aware of. I have found that poodles are very common pets for families with small children. They seem to appreciate having that kind of relationship with owners. I typically recommend choosing to walk Poodles on Wag. They have big smiles all the time too!
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
When it comes to the Poodle don’t be fooled by their appearances. They aren’t just there to look pretty. Underneath that fancy bouffant is a very well developed poodle brain, which they use to accomplish several different tricks, memorize where balls are located throughout the home, and to talk with their human companions via superb communication skills, usually a succession of loud barks and body movements to show directions. I walked a gray miniature poodle a few times named Maisy and she was one smart cookie. Maisy loved to play and she loved to bark. She would bark to notify me that it was time to pay fetch and she would bark and motion to me with her entire body where a ball was located (usually wedged in a crack or sofa) to help her get it out. Maisy was a serious dog. It was either time to seriously play ball or seriously walk around the block and in each activity she maintained utter focus. I liked that! I felt like we were always on a mission. I remember telling the owner that if she were a human being she would be that Type A student, who got straight As, and would probably become a doctor one day. Maisy wasn’t a fan of other dogs on our walks and would growl under her breath if they got too close. She showed a little affection but only on her terms. Overall, Poodles are very smart and would do well with someone who loves to train and teach their dog new tricks. I think they would thrive in mentally stimulating environments.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Goblin was so smart, but on our walks he paid no attention to me. Mostly because he was paying attention to everything around him. He loved sniffing a trail to the end, and he was very hyper about going on walks. He was an explorer and a companion. He was definitely happy and loving.
6 years, 11 months ago
8 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
treats
Walk
Running
Sniffing
The poodles that I have experience with were all mixes, I believe with cocker spaniels. They are larger dogs, and very very energetic. They like to sniff around, and if you're not careful, will eat things off of the street, no matter how dirty and gross it is. They have a ton of energy, and will try to take off running, so keep a good grip on the leash. They're super sweet, and loving, and will give you lots of kisses. The 8 month old puppy that I walked, was such a sweet baby. She started barking so sadly when I left, and it broke my heart. I just wanted to go back in and give her hugs and cuddles and just comfort her. They're very friendly, and Ive had no problems with them encountering other people or dogs, and love meeting everyone.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
What a smart dog. I feel very regal walking the large poodle. I have found this breed to be good at listening. At least the large breed. The smaller poodle is a different story. The large poodle seems to be willing to calmly get on the leash and is ready to walk. He does not seem to be too easily distracted. Is ready to walk and when done is just fine with that. The smaller poodle seems very excitable. Very jumpy and harder to get the leash on. Once out walking is easily distracted by just about anything. Not a bad dog by any means. Just the same breed and 2 different outcomes, I much prefer walking the larger breed. Maybe because of the regal feeling. They walk with that high head and proud stature.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walk
The poodle I walked was calm and curious when I entered the home coming right up to smell me and receive some affection. He obeyed commands to sit and allowed me to clip him to the leash with patience. During the walk he was calm walked at a normal pace on my left with no pulling with the exception of when he found a spot that he wanted to smell that was off the path. On the one occasion we had to run to cross the street I saw a playful side as he grabbed the leash and jumped a pulled on the leash to play a little tug of war. Overall I would say they are highly trainable dogs who are affectionate and calm, but love play and attention like most other dogs.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
jump
Run
This in particular was a golden doodle. This energetic dog was such a joy to walk! He pranced down the sidewalk with such joy and pride. He wanted to stop and greet everyone we passed. With a beautiful personality and even more beautiful coat, this breed ranks high on my list of top breeds I would love to not only walk, but also own as my own pup possibly later down the road.
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
wrestling
Playing with toys
The mini poodle I walk more frequently is very smart to understand words and commands, but choses which ones to obey. He is in the constant search for food on the walk, and is friendly to other dogs. Doesn't pull or try to attack other animals such as lizards or cats. The only trouble I have is to make sure that he doesn't eat bones and crumbs from the street. His energy is good enough to walk quickly but not to run, so it's perfect for people who can't run long distances. But even after a long walk, if asked if he wants to walk again, he would agree.
6 years, 11 months ago
7 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Eating Snacks
Jumping
toys
I was really excited to walk this poodle since it was one of my first walks and he was so cute. I got there and at first he barked at me since he had never met me but when his mom made him sit he let me pet him. I found out he was a puppy and he was a bit shy at first. Once I pet him and gave him a few treats we were on our way! Once he was comfortable with me which happened very quickly he was one of the most friendly and energetic pups ever! He just wanted to keep jumping and running circles around me. We ran into another big puppy and all they wanted to do was run around and jump on each other like crazy! It was so funny. He wouldn’t listen to me when I told him to do anything unless I brought out the treats. He loved treats more than anything. He would immediately listen after that. He was quite well trained and groomed when I walked him. He was very loving and funny. He never pulled me and was an easy walk as well! I loved the big guy!
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Running
My experience was walking with a very tiny and adorable toy Poodle! He was tiny but very feisty, very spicy and very salty. He had such an arrogant personality for his mini frame, I had to laugh. He refused to walk and made me carry him for the entire hour duration of our walk. Also, it was bitter cold so the sly fox knew it was warmer in my arms. He did not protest when I held him, only when I tried to get him to walk. Cheeky !! We walked almost 2 miles in that hour and even though we took many turns and twists, he still figured out the way back somehow!! Yes, he ran--not walked- on the way back to his home. Poodles are known to be extremely intelligent no matter what size. But being so smart has its drawbacks, especially when you are smarter than your owner or handler. They can get into mischief and need to be told their place from a young age because of this. They have very soft, fluffy curly fur that is almost humanlike. They need to be groomed often at a professional, unless you are a hairdresser and can do it yourself. Poodles have that tear thing going on that needs to be wiped every so often from their eyes or it turns into a stain on their fur. Poodles have a good amount of energy and need a lot of exercise...even the mini toy ones! The little guy I handled was about the size of my shoe but he ran very fast when he wanted to! Do not underestimate their activity level as they can be destructive if not taken care of. The poodle I walked was not very vocal at all, so they would make good pets if you are living around other people. You don't want to be THAT GUY that has an annoying yapping dog, right? Poodles are stereotypically portrayed as having aristocratic, rich owners and perhaps there is some truth to that. If you do not have the time for this breed, you better have the money to spend on groomers, trainers and walker because it is required for their needs! Poodles are loyal to their families and can make great family pets but think twice if you are considering one and it will not match your schedule. Maybe get a yorkie or lab instead!
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Play
Tug-of-war
Walk
Every poodle is different, and there's so much variety between them! They are all super fun though. I've walked wily and rambunctious poodles and I've walked docile mellow ones. All of them have been super friendly and loving! They're super soft and fun to pet and snuggle and they often have really charming smiles. They have a lot of energy and most of the poodles that I've walked have wanted to move and a fast pace and keep going, going, going! Sometimes they can have a bit of a princess personality, and they think that they are the rulers of the castle, but they work it so well that it just seems fitting! Poodles are silly and a lot of fun and great dogs to have around!
6 years, 11 months ago
7 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
petting
Walk
companionship
The first two Poodles I worked with I happened to meet as a pair (the statistics provided are indicative of the breed in general, informed by just these two dogs). One was quite young and the other was noticeably the senior dog. It is important to note initially how well they worked together, aside from the fact that they liked each other already and lived together. Poodles are famously, highly intelligent and social (the two traits tend to go together, especially in dogs). The dynamic of these two pups in question served well to highlight how such Poodles could be considered so highly. Their age did not affect their relationship beyond a few readily noticeable instances: when I entered the apartment, the younger Poodle was jumping up and down, quite eager to greet me; the older dog looked very much like he was waiting his turn; the younger Poodle stopped jumping immediately upon my request, and then I was approached by the older dog, who proved he was not just waiting in an automatic fashion, but rather that in his mature age, coupled with that famous intelligence, he was simply as interested to see what I was about as I was to understand him. This juxtaposition of the two age groups with each other, along with the mature sense of understanding already present in both dogs showed me the potential range of growth that any Poodle’s disposition might exhibit with time and custom. It was incredibly windy that day, with both myself and the dogs experiencing a tremendous pushback from the gusts; it is important to note that such agitation did not perturb the dogs or interfere with our communication. This definitely speaks to that famous Poodle intelligence, which comes with a highly perceptive understanding and good sense of judgement to mediate their circumstances. I believe the stoic reservation they showed me speaks to all Poodles at large, because I know for a fact it would have been very difficult to have my commands respected by many other types of dogs under similar weather conditions. They trusted me immediately and that sustained for the whole walk; the younger dog loved to inspect all the corners while the older dog was more reserved and only indicated with his nose when we, coincidentally, encountered other Poodles. In that sense, Poodles are no different than other dogs: they are fascinated, truly transfixed, by their own kind, and age played a key role in deciding, among the dogs at least, where to go and when, forming packs based on some noticeable incarnation of respect.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Run
The Poodle I have in mind as I write this was the third that I have worked with. Poodles are well known for their high intelligence and compatibility with most types of owners and family settings. This is important to keep in mind as I describe how I met this particular dog. We were more than happy to walk with each other, even though he was very apprehensive at first, as indicated by his growling and low stance. Every time I encounter a new K-9 client I make sure to take my time, establishing myself as a force for good in their day. This allowed me to rely on a standard of behavior for myself, against which I could check the overall comfortability of this particular Poodle. It was easy to tell he did not know or like me at first. I made sure to take it easy, a time frame dictated by how comfortable he was (we spent 15 minutes getting a feel for each other and building the trust that would follow). I got down to his eye level and paced myself accordingly. He really did not trust me at all in the beginning but I believe all animals are innocent and deserving of the greatest respect/patience. It is often found that a dog’s paranoia is seemingly paradoxically justified and yet unfounded. What I witnessed before we left was truly gratifying and exactly why I love this job: this Poodle was full of trepidation and mistrust, moving from room to room and shaking with uncertainty; the image of anxiety. The turn around in his demeanor was truly glorious, and it speaks to the overall intelligence of Poodles that he could comprehend with such relative ease the efforts I was making to secure his sense of safety: I got down on the floor, mimicked his movements, showed him the leash, refrained from any eye contact so that I could allow him to feel a sense of dominance over me. I kept the tone of my voice at a delightful pitch and even allowed him to sniff my hands, lick that clip at the end of the leash, etc. When he laid down in front of me I rubbed my hand on his back and was able to get near his collar without any sign of anxiety. Once the collar was clipped by the leash, he ran to the door and jumped alongside me for the length of the hallway. From that point on the walk was a dream and I was truly honored to have gained his trust. At first I was just a total stranger in his home but for the entirety of the walk we looked like two good friends out and about in the city. The intensity of his initial skepticism has its grounds in that classic high-intelligence for which Poodles are known. He really was a magnificent dog; very fun loving as well as receptive to vocal and physical changes in direction. He posed absolutely no problems on the walk itself, frequently welcoming my presence and affection. He really was noticeably happy, far from the nervousness of our initial meeting. He actually didn’t want to stop playing when time was up and I tried to leave. Needless to say, he was young and I was grateful for the opportunity to teach him briefly about connecting with new people. Even at young ages, Poodles are learn and trust quite quickly.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
walking as a team
Sprinting
rolling in mud
Lab and Poodle mixes often show a balance in terms of appearance, but it is not uncommon to see one that is more visibly representative over one breed or the other. This next experience I have in mind, my third overall, was with a Labradoodle that was more Poodle in appearance, but more Lab in terms of personality. More mature dogs, especially famously intelligent breeds like Labs and Poodles, will take care to watch their steps and only pursue certain scent trails. This young male was still very courageous in the sense that he sprinted through puddles and I had to use steady leash control to direct him away from glass and other dangerous garbage when he was using his nose to lead us to the park. This highlights a noticeable trend I have seen in Labradoodles: they are as vigorous and independent in youth as they are reserved and ponderous in maturity. When we played catch, he showed that he was so young, he had yet to understand the return aspect, and in that way highlighted the lust for life this breed exhibits from such an early age. There is a considerable drop in visible activity with age, though they lose none of their good nature and cheekiness.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Belly rubs
investigating
sitting on laps
playful licking
Jumping
The fourth Labradoodle experience that I am writing on was my first in which the Poodle half of the equation was visibly smaller, that is, half of the mix breed I now have in mind was of the Toy Poodle variety. This is important to note for its potential affect on the overall disposition of the young Labradoodle now in question. This soft haired, low in stature mixed breed was a joy to walk with, and very playful in a more social way, as opposed to the more independent and individualistic playfulness I have seen in the larger mixes. In this way, he was a classic puppy: he fought hard to eat everything he saw, he understood his name very well (a slight foreshadowing of how smart and developed his intelligence and sense of self would be one day), and above all, he had a great respect for our companionship, both waiting for me to move first and understanding when we had to reserve our movements on the busy city streets. He liked to jump, mostly to say hello, and he did not tug at the leash like some young purebred Labs, highlighting his overall dominant Poodle predilections.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Belly rubs
Tracking
licking
cooperative walking
following orders
My fifth experience with the Labradoodle breed was also one in which the dog in question seemed to be more Poodle than Lab. The question of Nature vs. Nurture is always brought up in some context, whether directly or as a passing fancy. I personally believe the impact of one cannot be felt without some correlative influence from the other. I bring this is up because the Lab/Poodle mix I am not reflecting on was extremely young while also showcasing an obvious maturity, often associated with this particular mix. This mixed breed puppy was very small, owing its size to its Toy Poodle heritage. Nevertheless, he was a social and respectful of my vocal commands and presence as any full grown Lab. Though we had just met, he showed no trepidation when I knelt to greet him and when I paused to rest briefly on a bench, he immediately hopped up and sat right on my lap, indicating his mixed breed's pension for credulity and affability. He had all the sense of a mature adult and promised in most his actions a fully blossomed sense for both autonomy and loyalty. My general reflections on this experience are mainly meant to illustrate how reliable and trustworthy Labradoodles can be from such an early age. Though he lived in the city, his apartment and his family was huge, so he was more inclined to trust me immediately as well as understand the natural balance of living in tandem with human needs.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
gauging objects at a distance
kicking up snow
searching for the origin of sounds
walking as a unit
digging
This last Labrador and Poodle mix on which I reflect was the only representative of the breed that I have worked with who was fully matured at the time of our appointment. Like all 'doodles across the age spectrum who I have worked with professionally, this one was well adjusted to city life and seemed comfortable living with any sized family, given the social proclivities the mixed breed is known for. What was foreshadowed in the younger Labradoodles I have met was fully blossomed in this particular one. She was incredibly patient, sentient of traffic laws and flows, sensitive to other dogs her shape/size/breed, and she was not easily confounded or subject to stress. She was scared of a half dilapidated snowman we crossed paths with and my reassuring commentary was all she needed to return to her casual stride by my side, further speaking to the mixed breed's characteristic intelligence and sense for loyalty. I have seen first hand that their smarts are both intuitive and practical; they are prone to playfulness and exhibit an overpowering vigor which tapers out as they age, though they rarely seem aloof or disinterested (breaking a negative stereotype falsely applied to their Poodle ancestors), making them perfect companions for all types of owners. I believe all animals are genuine and innocent, but this is especially visible and reliable in the Labradoodle.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Scenting
One of the most common dog breeds I walk is the "Goldendoodle." These lovable mops are affectionate and excitable, and very good at dancing on their hind legs when they see you. It is lucky that they run small, because they do have a tendency to want to jump and love on strangers. The ones I have walked are friendly towards other dogs, but can be timid during confrontation. The downside to their big personalities is that they can be stubborn. I have had to carry them more than once as they flop down dramatically end-of-walk and refuse to go home.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
The Poodle is a very regal and intelligent breed. The poodle that I walked had a very specific walking route that he liked to stick to and would not do anything else, and would not even budge if you tried to walk in a direction that did not follow his plan. This rigid schedule seemed to go with the behavior of the poodle. The dog that I walked never grabbed a toy or tried to play with me, but was much more concerned with taking his walk, eating his treat, and laying on his owners bed. That is not to say that the dog isn’t loving, as he was very affectionate with me, but does not show it as much as other dog breeds may. They also sit as if they are the kings of the world, which make for adorable pictures. All in all, my experience is that they are very well behaved, no-nonsense dogs.
6 years, 11 months ago
Thor
12 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This our 4th poodle in our 50 years together. We also had one litter of 4. The Poodle is a highly intelligent, easily trainable, high energy dog. Our 4 poodles and their puppies live to 15+ years. They love to chase almost anything (birds, balls, squirrels, people, etc.), are very protective and love the water. They all need sufficient exercise and grooming, the larger they are the more they need. They are one of the few dogs you can own that are non-allergenic; this is because they have hair, not fur. They need to be socialized with people, vehicles, and other dogs; if you do this, they will be wonderful with all shapes and sizes of people and other dogs (or cats, if they are so trained. All our dogs have been very healthy until the end was near. Poodles are probably of Germanic origin! “Poodle” comes from the German “pudel” (plays in the water); to the French, they are “caniche” (duck dog). They are an ancient breed, the most ancient evidence of the poodle is a woodcut of Charlemagne with his poodle war dog a s his companion. They have served as battle dogs, bird/duck retrievers, and pets to Emperors and scientists. The smaller they are the more hyper; the standard (23"+/-,40 to 60 lbs) is the least hyper; the teacup is the most hyper because historically anything less than the standard have been “bred down” from the standard. They think they are a wonderful lap dog, even the standards and their bigger cousins, the “Royals”. Poodles are probably of Germanic origin! “Poodle” comes from the German “pudel” (plays in the water); to the French, they are “caniche” (duck dog). They are an ancient breed, the most ancient evidence of the poodle is a woodcut of Charlemagne with his poodle war dog a s his companion. They have served as battle dogs, bird/duck retrievers, and pets to Emperors and scientists. The smaller they are the more hyper; the standard (23"+/-,40 to 60 lbs) is the least hyper; the teacup is the most hyper because historically anything less than the standard have been “bred down” from the standard. They think they are a wonderful lap dog, even the standards and their bigger cousins, the “Royals”.
6 years, 7 months ago
masha
6 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Go to Park
Bath time
Eating Snacks
She so loveable, playful, smart
6 years, 2 months ago
Lillie
2 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Park
Go on Vacation
Walk
Groom
Play keep away
Fetch
cuddle
Bath time
I have been an owner for over fifteen years now and I’m sure amazed by how great they remember things and they are very loving and loyal...!
5 years, 11 months ago
Owen
8 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing ball with him!
I’ve always had poodles, black to be exact! I have an 8yr old miniature male black poodle who is the best, calm, fun, with the best personality ever. He’s very good with people. The groomers love him. He’s very loyal and the most in tune with my feelings that i’ve ever seen. I’m a huge animal lover and will do anything for ankmals. They are God’s sweet gift for us to make life better!
5 years, 9 months ago
Victor
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dock Diving
Fetch
Flyball
lure coursing
Poodles come in three sizes, which is inaccurately displayed on this page. A toy poodle, miniature poodle and standard poodle. Victor is a Standard Poodle. Poodles fur, like human hair, never stops growing and needs constant maintenance. I groom Victor at home with daily brushing and weekly bathing. He is dried with a velocity drier. Poodles are incredibly smart and easily bored, so they need constant mental stimulation. Proper socialization during their impressionable months is vastly important.
5 years, 7 months ago
Freedom
8 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Tag
My dog is a miniature poodle, and has been the most affectionate dog I've ever known since birth. He is praised by strangers for his manners and calmness, is quick to pick up tricks, and has never lashed out at a person or dog before. He is so affectionate that he will push his hand into your hands, hug you with his paws, or just jump into your lap and immediately fall asleep. He is absolutely the perfect dog, and I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. We brush him rarely, but his hair stays unmatted, and we simply take him to be shaved about 3 times a year. He rarely barks, and only when surprised by a knock at the door, or when he sees a bird on our back porch.
5 years, 5 months ago
Coffie
1 Year
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Coffie is a very obedient dog. He’s so smart and he understands everything I say to him. It even feels like he’s actually a little brother! He likes to be around people too. When we sleep he’ll come and cuddle with you or just sleep near the bed. He’s very active, runs A LOT!
4 years, 6 months ago
ruby
2 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
He can run much faster than I expected!
4 years, 1 month ago
Jake
18 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jake is a standard poodle. He loves to watch YouTube videos of canine agility championship competitions on our flat-screen TV. He will run around the room and try to copy whatever maneuvers are being accomplished on the tv. This is something he taught himself to do. He also loves to watch Russian circus poodles perform on tv and will stay engaged for long periods of time, copying their movements. Our house is small, so we turn these shows on for him on days when we can't get to the dog park. Otherwise, we usually spend about 45-60 minutes a day at the park letting him run off energy. This is in addition to 3 short (15 minute) walks around the neighborhood daily. Although our house is small, we live in a highly walkable neighborhood in Southern California, so the weather is usually nice and we have a lot of activity around us. This level of exercise allows Jake to be calm when we're in the house. He is loving and affectionate and very playful with the kids. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body and will take a lot of handling from children without getting annoyed.
4 years, 1 month ago
Yoshi
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chasing ducks
Cuddling
Playing fetch with children
Jogging
Beautiful and intelligent. Learned very quickly common commands and easily housebroken. He is very energetic and needs a lot of exercise or he becomes destructive. He has to be groomed every 8 weeks. And I brush him daily , with weekly baths.
2 years, 9 months ago
Mercedes
10 Months
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
grooming
Tug-of-war
training
Biking
Tricks
Service dog
Fetch
Happy go lucky, loves other dogs, goofy and elegant
10 months, 1 week ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd