This article also relates to: Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle
Believed to have originated in Germany and been introduced to France by German soldiers, the Poodle has traditionally been bred in three sizes, including Miniature, Toy and Standard, with Standard being the oldest variation, used early on as a faithful water retriever. Utilised as a working, military dog since the 17th century, the Poodle possesses a strong hunting instinct and is notoriously intelligent, versatile and active. A popular entertainer in the early French circus, the Poodle was progressively clipped and fashioned for aesthetic suitability in the show ring and was favoured in the royal courts of Europe, appearing to Louis XVI as his pampered companions.
All three varieties of Poodle are proportionately framed, with dark ovular eyes inset back into the head, a dense, woollen and non-shedding coat that was initially clipped because it became heavy when wet, a deep-chested body that boasts a large lung capacity for stamina when hunting, and a black nose. The Poodle is common in a number of block colour variations, including black, brown, silver beige, blue (grey), apricot, white, sable and brindle. Attributed the label 'utility breed' by the Kennel Club, the Poodle shares its sporting and working category with the Bulldog, Akita and Dalmatian.
Contrary to popular belief, the Poodle is not known for possessing an aggressive, highly-strung temperament, but rather is a gentle, vigilant and obedient breed, recognised as one of the most trainable. Alert to threat and change, the Poodle makes a great guard dog and is protective of its owners and family. Whilst there are discrepencies across gender, the average Poodle will weigh between 20-32 kg, and has a long life expectancy of 12-16 years when cared for accordingly.
Whilst being a generally healthy and long-lived breed, the Poodle is commonly subject to a number of genetic diseases, including optical disorders, ear infections resulting from hair growing inside the ear canal, as well as various skin allergies and intolerances. There are many documented cases of cancer in the breed, epilepsy, thyroid and renal disease, which are a relative cause for concern. Addison's disease, characterised by deficiency in the adrenal cortex, can cause fatal chemical imbalances in Poodles. Additionally, the breed is susceptible to von Willebrand's disease, a common bleeding disorder.
From United Kingdom
All Poodles like all dogs are a joy to have in your life, Merlin is a Miniature Poodle X Toy Poodle. He has a wonderful nature and is always into mischief. All Poodles need a considerable amount of grooming, if you can't do this is can be very expensive having them groomed regularly at a groomers, so please consider this if your thinking about having a Poodle join your family. Like all breeds Poodles have their health issues, research the breed before dashing out to get a Poodle, it'll save tears later on I can assure you.
From Somerset, United Kingdom
Wonderful intelligent friends! I am fortunate to have the three sizes and all were unwanted by previous owners. The standard girl is the most placid, but also has a playful nature and loves people and other dogs. The little ones are a little more feisty and definitely yappy! Love their walks...
Hard work for grooming, learn to do it yourself (properly at a local college) and it will save you a fortune.. Prone to hereditary disease so research important.
From Dorset, United Kingdom
Toy Poodles are great house dogs. No shedding and very affectionate. Blondie loves people - but can be quite greedy - not a normal toy trait but there always has to be one!
From East Sussex, United Kingdom
We have always had poodles in my family and I myself had 2 in my life. They are the most intelligent, obedient, loving and fun dogs in the world and I love my baby Nera, I would recommend poodles to anyone who is looking for a faithful long term term companion. They do not shed their coat either, which is always a bonus!
From Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Standard poodles are not for the faint hearted! They are incredibly intelligent and need exercising both in mind and body. In return you will get total devotion and more fun than you could ever shake a stick at!!
From United Kingdom
I have two standards and for me there is no other dog like them for their intelligence and intuition. Worth the work of grooming and regular clipping.
From Shropshire, United Kingdom
Generally long lived, loyal, affectionate, intelligent and playful. Do not shed and so less likely to aggravate allergies/ asthma. Brave and protective of their family. Better company than most humans!
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
Hi, I have a cavapoo- Heidi which is a lovely cross breed of a cavalier King Charles spaniel with a miniature poodle. She is bouncy lots of energy, affectionate, intelligent and a lovely companion.
She has lots of energy needs walking every day to be calm but she is a sensitive dog, learns quickly and hates to be left alone .
From Wiltshire, United Kingdom
My poodle is a standard poodle. He is a fantastic companion and has his say in most things. Chester 'decides' when to have cuddles and mouthes when he wants this. I know when he does this its time for just me and him :)
From Durham, United Kingdom
Hi I totally recommend this breed its my 3rd one although I also now have a cockapoo too! I love poodles quirky personalities and energy. I
find although they're loving and like cuddles are also quite independent and not needy unlike my cockapoo!!!! Who I also love dearly......
From North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Our poodle was rescued from a puppy farm. He was at the RSPCA for 2yrs. Everyone including the handlers were expecting him to take many weeks even months to settle in a home as all he had known was a filthy barn, breeding then the RSPCA.
We gradually got to know him then took him home. As soon as he walked through the door he relaxed, made a firm friendship with our son and is so happy.
He is a wonderful friend, so good with children, quiet and cuddly. Walking outside is taking a long time to get him to go out but he will get there.
Love him to pieces.
From lincolnshire, United Kingdom
i have six rescued poodles, three standard and three little ones , they are all wonderful , all clever and happy ,they bring me so much love and joy daily ,l couldnt imagine life without my very best friends
From Suffolk, United Kingdom
My little Madame is the cleverest dog ever. She has worked me out totally, and hopefully vice versa, as she is not an easy handful. Very loving, a bit fussy with who she likes but never aggressive unless the person looks threatening or gives her a fright when she will bark at them. She talks a lot, in terms of grumbles and growls, loves to play but only with me or my things, never with toys unfortunately. She is extremely fussy with her food as she would prefer to eat with me, but luckily, likes the Nature's Menu Country Hunter Turkey or Beef. Hates the Duck! Absolutely reliable on an off-lead walk, stays close to me always, although she will leave me to play with another nice little dog, but not for too long. She needs to look after me always.................
From United Kingdom
Our standard poodle Erik is such a character he makes us laugh every day and bring us so much love and joy , we had two but sadly lost our beloved Winnie to bloat last October , we miss her dreadfully .
We will definitely be looking for another standard to join our family over the next eighteen months. Fabulous breed xx
From Conwy, United Kingdom
Bruce is my 5 year old hearing assistance dog, trained by the "Hearing Dog Society" to alert me to sounds such as smoke alarms, cooker timer, door bell ect.
He is also an affectionate trustworthy companion with a great sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. His coat needs a thorough brush and comb at least twice a week.
As the coat does not shed it will get matted and uncomfortable without regular brushing. I find our grooming sessions soothing for both Bruce and myself. Although time consumming, it is important to set aside a period of time when we are relaxed, calm and unhurried.
A highly intelligent breed they thrive when working playing or in training. They can be sensitive and need secure, loving home environments. There can also be health issues so research thoroughly.
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
I had my first one has a child and have been in love with them since. Over the years there has always been a dog in our household but because of money never another poodle till bobbie 12yrs ago. They are so loving an loyal a great protector am seem to really latch on to one certain member of the family although they love and protect all of them. You must make sure when deciding to have a poodle though the additional costs of grooming has they don't shed they need doing regularly bobbie is every 5wks in summer. It will be a life changing life enriching choice if you take one into your family
From Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
We have a Toy Poodle and we would never look back. We had a labrador previously who we loved for 14 years but a poodle is a whole new level of love.
Extremely intelligent, loyal who loves nothing more than cuddling up on your lap.
Only problem we have is saying no to him. No-one can resist those poodle eyes.
Cheap to feed but expensive to groom if you don't learn to do it yourself. I clip Marley every 4 weeks to keep him in a teddybear clip. If I had to go to a groomer I would have spent around £650 over the past year so you definitely need to consider grooming costs if considering getting a TP.
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
I HAD MY TOY POODLE SID 7 YEARS AGO AS AN 8 WEEK OLD PUPPY AND CANNOT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT HIM. I WAS WIDOWED 11 YEARS AGO AND NO-ONE COULD TAKE THE PLACE OF MY DEAR LATE HUSBAND THEN ALONG CAME SID. HE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. WE GO WALKIES AND FETCH TWICE A DAY AND I HAVE MADE COUNTLESS DOG WALKING PALS AND DISCOVERED WOODS AND RIVERS ETC I DIDNT KNOW EXISTED TILL I HAD A DOG. HE IS LOYAL AND LOVING - LOVES ALL DOGS AND ALL PEOPLE - IS SUPER FRIENDLY AND WOULD NEVER BE UNKIND TO ANOTHER ANIMAL OR PERSON. HE IS A FUSS POT WITH FOOD BUT I MAKE SURE I NEVER BUY IN BULK AS HE GOES OFF THINGS RATHER QUICKLY. LOVES TO CHASE SQUIRRELS AND BIRDS BUT IS EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD WITH RECALL AND BALL RETURN! WE HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE TOGETHER