Breed Spotlight: Standard Poodle

Coat type and colors

Poodle coats are long and curly that come in a wide variety of colors, often with white and black mask-like markings around the eyes and mouth. Some of the official colors for poodles are:³

• White
• Silver
• Beige
• Red
• Gray
• Cream
• Brown
• Blue
• Black
• Apricot

Shedding and grooming

Poodles are very high-maintenance dogs. A poodle’s curly hair is prone to matting at the root without daily brushings and regular trims.³ Many pet parents keep their poodle’s coat short because they want to avoid matting, so be prepared by investing in a good set of grooming tools like shears, brushes, and nail trimmers if you want to do it at home. Otherwise, you’ll have to bring your pup to the groomer for regular trims.

Are poodles hypoallergenic?

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, poodles are considered by many to be hypoallergenic dogs because they don’t shed as much as many other dogs. A poodle’s coat is a single layer of curly and long hair, so they don’t shed like double-coated breeds that release the oils and dandruff that cause allergies. Whether it's the standard, miniature, or toy variety of poodle, this breed can be a great option for allergy sufferers who want an athletic dog as a companion.

Ears

Similar to other dogs with long coats, poodle ears are covered with fur that prevents regular airflow into the air canal, so pet parents should get their poodles comfortable with having their ears handled. Regular cleanings with veterinarian-recommended ear cleaners can help you avoid costly ear infections caused by debris, bacteria, and fungi.⁴

Drooling level

Poodles aren’t known for drooling. If your poodle is drooling excessively, they may simply be excited about their meal! If no food is in sight, excessive drooling may be a symptom of periodontal disease or related dental issues.

Behavior

The poodle is valued for their loyalty, loving nature, and intelligence. This breed is very protective of their family and it may take a while for them to warm up to strangers. Poodles are eager to please and, when combined with their smarts, they make excellent show or sporting dogs. However, this may not be a good animal to have for busy pet parents because a poodle needs frequent attention or it may result in behavior problems.

Trainability

Originally bred to fetch waterfowl for 20th century European hunters, pet parents should find their poodle easy to train. Once you get basic commands down, then you can move on to fun activities. Poodles, like other water retrievers, enjoy playing fetch or solving puzzles.

Exercise needs

Pet parents should expect to spend up to an hour a day exercising their poodle to keep their bodies and minds healthy. This can look like a combination of walks, retrieval games, or playing with kids in the backyard. As long as you spend the time, your poodle will reward you with loads of affection.

Good with kids?

Poodles are great family pets because of how easy they are to train and their desire to please. If you’re looking for a beautiful dog that your kids will love, then you’ve found the right breed.

Good with other pets?

Most poodles get along well with other pets, however early socialization with other animals is recommended so your pup sees the other pets as part of the pack. Sometimes poodles become territorial of their pet parents, which can cause tension between the pets in the home if a new furry family member is introduced. Make sure to take the time to play with your poodle so your pup knows they are loved and there is no reason to fuss when a new pet is taken home.

Barking level

Poodles can be very vocal dogs, known for barking when strangers approach that pass by, at squirrels on the window, or your friendly elderly neighbor. Early training and socialization (and a healthy dose of patience) are needed to train your poodle when barking is appropriate.

Poodle: A History

Even though this popular dog is associated with the French, poodles were bred for duck hunters in Germany.³ Their beautiful coats were designed to repel water, like other water retriever dogs, while their intelligent puppies were bred to make a trustworthy hunting partner.

Today, poodles are associated with luxury and wealth because the French nobles adopted the dog as a show dog.³ As a result, poodles can be found in three varieties: a miniature poodle, a toy poodle, and the standard poodle. Miniature poodles are under 15 inches while toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall.³ All these poodles are active animals with muscular builds and witty personalities.