The Poodle comes in three sizes. They are a highly intelligent breed with a coat considered hypoallergenic.

Physical Characteristics

• Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy
• Coat: Curly, long hair
• Wide ears hang close to the head
• Oval eyes; eye color matches the coat
• Height: Toy, up to 10 inches; miniature, 10-15 inches; standard, 15 inches or taller
• Weight: Toy, 6-9 pounds; miniature, 15-17 pounds; standard, 45-70 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament

• Very active, smart, good-natured, sensitive, lively, dignified, fast learner
• Interaction with people: Standard variety is good with children; Toy variety does best with older, gentler children. Both wary of strangers
• Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs and pets
• Level of attention needed: Needs lots of human interaction
• Training: Easily trained
• Protection: Toy variety good watchdog

At Home

• OK in apartments
• All sizes need yard
• Needs daily walks
• Loves to run, swim and retrieve
• The Standard variety needs more activity than smaller versions

Grooming

• Non-shedder; considered hypoallergenic
• Needs extensive grooming and regular baths
• Clip coat every six to eight weeks; it will cord if left to grow naturally
• Check ears frequently for mites; pull out ear hair if necessary

Brief History

• The country of origin is controversial since the poodle was found throughout Europe
• Origin dates back to 1500s
• The barbet is considered the earliest version of the poodle
• The word "poodle" comes from the German pudel or pudelin (to splash in the water)
• Known in France as "chien canard" (duck dog) for its duck-hunting skills
• High intelligence, inherent showmanship and trainability led the French to use poodles as circus performers
• A favorite of French aristocracy; by 1800s was the national dog of France

Fido's Facts

• There’s only one poodle breed; the terms of standard, miniature and toy describe size only
• Popularity in France led to the term "French poodle"
• They're great swimmers - the coat adapts easily to water
• Puffs of fur around the legs were introduced in France during the breed's circus performing days
• Bouffant coat style began in early 1900s
• The toy and miniature varieties were bred down from the original, standard-sized dog; bred to be truffle hunters, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet
• The custom of styling the coat was created to enhance its swimming ability