Poodle Dog Breed Information

Elegant. Proud. Clever. The Poodle is an impressive dog, as the many best-in-show winners from this dog breed can attest. But behind the blue ribbons, impressive hairdos, and regal attitude, you’ll find an affectionate family dog with an ancient history and many talents.

Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home.

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Poodles are regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. They’re highly trainable and well suited for just about any task you put them to — and you will want to give them tasks to do. Bored Poodles can get destructive if they aren’t physically and mentally stimulated. But active owners who can meet their dog’s needs will find a loving, smart, trainable, and loyal family companion.

See below for complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Poodles!

Poodle Dog Breed Pictures
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Poodle Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – DogTime

Poodle Dog Breed Picture
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Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
5
Good For Novice Owners
5
Sensitivity Level
4
Tolerates Being Alone
1
Tolerates Cold Weather
3
Tolerates Hot Weather
4
All Around Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
5
Kid-Friendly
5
Dog Friendly
4
Friendly Toward Strangers
4
Health And Grooming Needs
Amount Of Shedding
1
Drooling Potential
1
Easy To Groom
1
General Health
2
Potential For Weight Gain
4
Size
4
Trainability
Easy To Train
5
Intelligence
5
Potential For Mouthiness
4
Prey Drive
2
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
2
Wanderlust Potential
3
Physical Needs
Energy Level
4
Intensity
3
Exercise Needs
4
Potential For Playfulness
5
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:
Companion Dogs
Height:
From 10 to over 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight:
6 to 70 pounds
Life Span:
12 to 15 years

More About This Breed
Although today's Poodles seem to epitomize a life of leisure and luxury, make no mistake: These are real dogs bred to do real jobs. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters.

In fact, the English name poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning duck dog.

Even the elaborate coat styling that the breed's known for once had a practical purpose: trimmed areas lightened the weight of the dog's coat and wouldn't snag on underwater debris, while long hair around the joints and vital organs protected the dog from the cold water.

There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever.

Highlights
If you spoil your Poodle and don't train him, he's likely to conclude that he's the alpha dog of the family. This is especially common among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more likely to be coddled and untrained. Teach your dog good canine manners, and then insist that he use them; it shows him that you're the leader of the pack.
Because of their intelligence and playful nature, obedience training is essential to keep your Poodle's mind active. A Poodle who is thinking and learning isn't bored, and therefore won't find destructive ways to occupy himself.
The Poodle coat needs a lot of upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy. Most Poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every three to six weeks. If you want to save money on grooming expenses, you can learn to do it yourself, but it takes time and effort.

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Poodle Dog Breed Facts and Characteristics