Dog Breed
Poodle
Germany / France
At a Glance
SizeSmall to Large (varies by variety: Toy, Miniature, Standard)
Lifespan12–15 years
EnergyHigh
GroomingHigh
SociabilityHigh
Good withFamilies, allergy-sensitive owners
About the breed
Despite its strong association with France, the Poodle originated in Germany as a water retriever, its name deriving from the German 'Pudel', meaning to splash. The breed comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature and Toy — all sharing the same elegant proportions and distinctive curly, low-shedding coat.
Poodles are highly intelligent and among the most trainable of breeds, excelling in obedience, agility and as assistance dogs. Their dense, hypoallergenic coat requires regular professional grooming and clipping to prevent matting. Active and sociable, Poodles thrive on companionship and stimulation, and bore easily if under-exercised.
Characteristics
- Low-shedding curly coat
- Available in three sizes
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Needs frequent grooming
- Originally a water retriever
- Suited to allergy sufferers



