People originally bred poodles as gundogs or water retrievers, with functioning hair clips or fashions. Their long hair kept their joints and vital organs warm when swimming in cold water, catching waterfowl, and their shaved regions prevented debris from depositing in their hair while searching.
Nowadays, Poodles are among the few popular breeds you could groom in various ways, depending on whether they are show dogs or pets. Poodle show clips today are nearly a work of art, requiring endless hours of cleaning and grooming weekly. Clips and fashions for pet poodles that don’t show dogs need much less maintenance since the styles are not as complicated, complicated, or comprehensive – Eye care for your mini Poodle is critical.
If you are getting a poodle for your family, whether toy poodles or a standard poodle, you must know what to expect! Prepare yourself as you learn all about caring for your new Poodle with these tips.
What to Know Before Owning a Poodle
Many consider poodles to be the smartest breed, making them a wonderful family pet. Here are the quick facts to know about them:
Types of Poodles
Poodles are medium-sized dog breeds of varying sizes, depending on the poodles.
There are three main poodle types, which are:
Standard poodles
These breeds stand at 18-20 inches tall, with males weighing 60-70 pounds and females weighing 40-50 pounds.
Compared to toy and miniature poodles, standard poodles are more reserved and are not as friendly or outgoing. However, they are the most energetic and require the most exercise!
Miniature poodles
These breeds are less than 15 inches tall and are one of the most friendly breeds as they grow attached to their owners. If you want a loving and affectionate poodle that follows you everywhere, miniature poodles are your best bet. These are also the most active dogs that love to run around.
Miniature poodles are an excellent option for children because of their size: not too big or small, and the high energy levels that can catch up with hyper children.
Toy poodles
These breeds grow only 10 inches tall, making them the smallest and cutest. However, they aren’t the best for children since they may not handle the smaller, more fragile toy poodle. The toy poodle will always stay by your side and make the best companions among all the different poodles.
All poodle types will have muscular and well-proportioned bodies, even athletic if you opt to give them a continental clip hairdo! Many pet owners choose the sporting clip for poodles, as it shows off their toned, square shape.
Coat Grooming Needs
Poodles are also famous for their curly coat and minimal shedding level. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require grooming.
When they are puppies, they only require minimal baths and brushing sessions. When they grow, their coats will need different coat maintenance, based on how you choose to groom them.
If you’d like to keep a shorter coat length, you won’t have to groom and maintain them as much. But one thing all pet owners should learn to do is to brush their Poodle’s hair regularly to prevent knots and mats.
You can bring your dog to a professional groomer or bathe and brush them on your own every 4-6 weeks. Try brushing your Poodle’s adult coat daily, or at least every few days.
As mentioned, poodles have different hairdos you can style them with. Every haircut is perfectly planned, from where the puffy areas are and how big those puffs become.
The usual poodle haircut is a poodle’s fashion statement, though the style wasn’t the priority back then! People designed the hairstyle to help with the Poodle’s speed and agility in the water, protecting them from the cold. Puffs around the Poodle’s body weren’t for aesthetics but strategically placed on joints to protect them (and their vital organs) from the cold waters.
If your Poodle joins competitions, he must have any of these hairdos:
- English Saddle The English Saddle Poodle is a delightfully stylish and graceful breed of poodle. They’re known for their impressive beauty and regal presence, making them a popular choice for show dogs. Despite their reputation as high-maintenance pooches, these poodles are actually quite easy to care for. The English Saddle Poodle has a unique and distinctive look , with a slightly longer body than regular poodles and a long, flowing coat. Their coats come in many colors and variations, ranging from deep black to bright white. The English Saddle Poodle requires regular grooming in order to keep their luxurious coat looking its best. Grooming should be done every four weeks or so, and will involve brushing, combing, bathing, and trim ming. If you are inexperienced in grooming your poodle, it is best to bring them to a professional groomer.
- Continental Clip The continental clip is the most popular clip for poodles and is often seen on show dogs. This type of grooming style gives the dog a very stylish, yet still natural look. The coat is left long on the legs, neck and head, creating a classic silhouette. The back of the body is then scissored short to create an even look all over. The hindquarters are clipped short, and the tail is lightly feathered. The continental clip requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This means brushing your poodle several times a week, as well as trimming and combing the coat every four weeks. Again, if you are not experienced with grooming your own poodle, it is best to bring them to a professional groomer. Owning an English Saddle Poodle is a great decision if you’re looking for a gorgeous, regal-looking pooch. With regular grooming, you’ll be able to maintain their glamorous look and enjoy their company for years to come.
- Modified Continental Clip The Modified Continental Clip is a popular grooming style for poodles. It presents an elegant, trimmed appearance that emphasizes the breed’s distinctive features. This clip offers a look of sophistication for your pup, without getting too wild or over-the-top. This clip begins with the basic body trim (commonly referred to as the continental clip). The topknot of hair is left long, while the sides and back are trimmed down. The tail is lightly feathered and the hindquarters are clipped short. This style requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This includes brushing your poodle several times a week, as well as trimming and combing the coat every four weeks. As with all grooming styles, if you are not experienced in grooming your own poodle, it is best to bring them to a professional groomer. Owning a poodle can be fun and rewarding. By following these grooming tips, your pup will look their best and you’ll both enjoy keeping them looking great. With the right care, you can have a happy, healthy pooch for many years.
Puppies would have a unique haircut known as the official Puppy Clip, requiring an even length of coat throughout your pup’s body.
You can find other types of poodle hairstyles, such as:
- Lion cut
The Lion cut is an increasingly popular style of grooming for poodles. It involves shaving your poodle’s coat in a way that creates the appearance of a lion’s mane. This not only gives your pup a unique look, but it also helps keep them cool in the summer months and helps to prevent mats and tangles in their fur. When having this style done, it is important to make sure that the groomer clips your pup’s coat close enough to the skin. This will prevent irritation and discomfort. - Dutch cut
The Dutch cut is a style of poodle grooming that originated in the Netherlands. It is similar to the traditional poodle cut, but with some distinct differences. The main difference is that the hair on the head and muzzle are kept much shorter than in the standard poodle cut. This gives the Dutch cut its signature look; it’s often referred to as a “tapered” or “Dutch cut “. Overall, owning a poodle requires commitment and dedication. You must be willing to keep up with regular grooming and hair maintenance. But with the right care, your pup can have a fashionable, long-lasting look that will make them stand out from the crowd. - Modern cut
The modern cut for poodles is a popular choice among owners, as it provides easy care and maintenance. Typically, this style features a longer top knot that can be decorated with bows and other accessories. The sides are clipped short, often with an even or graduated length. The rear legs may also be trimmed similarly, giving the poodle a square look from the backside. Besides its stylish look, the modern cut is also good for preventing mats and tangles. Owning a poodle can be a rewarding experience. With the right grooming style and maintenance, your pup can have an attractive, long-lasting look that makes them stand out from the rest. Whether you choose the Lion cut or the Modern cut, be sure to consult with a professional groomer to ensure your pup is properly groomed and cared for. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy many years of fun and companionship with your poodle. - Summer cut Poodles are a breed of dog that is known for their luxurious coats and distinctive style. Most Poodle owners prefer to keep their pup’s mop of curls trimmed in the popular ‘summer cut’. This is a short, easy-to-maintain trim that helps keep them cool in the warm summer months. The summer cut gives your pup a neat, refined look. It involves trimming the coat short but leaving enough for the natural curl to still show. The length of the cut depends on the desired look, from a close shave to an inch or two. This style is ideal for avoiding mats and tangles, as well as helping keep their fur clean and healthy during the summer months. With regular grooming and maintenance, your pup will look stylish and stay comfortable in the warm summer months.
- Cupcake cut
The Cupcake cut is one of the most popular hairstyles for poodles. It gives them a fun and playful look that’s perfect for any occasion. This cut features the top of the head being shaved close to the skin, while the back and sides are left long and styled into a tight curl. The end result is an incredibly cute poodle with plenty of volume and texture. The Cupcake cut requires regular maintenance and grooming to keep the curls in place. Be sure to brush your pup’s fur daily, as well as trimming it every two weeks or so to prevent mats and tangles. With the proper care and attention, your pup will look as sweet as a cupcake! - Teddy bear cut
The Teddy Bear cut is another adorable style of grooming for poodles. It involves clipping your pup’s coat so that it looks like a teddy bear. This style does require more upkeep than some other styles as it needs to be clipped every 4-6 weeks to maintain its appearance. Depending on the age and condition of your pup’s fur, they may need additional grooming while in this style. The Teddy Bear cut is a great option for those who want their pup to look like an adorable stuffed animal all the time! When styling your pup’s coat , the Teddy Bear cut should be done by a professional. This is because it’s important to use the correct tools and techniques for creating this look. If done incorrectly, it can cause your pup’s fur to become matted and tangled. To ensure that your pup has a great looking and healthy coat, visit your local groomer every few weeks to maintain the Teddy Bear cut. With regular grooming and maintenance, your pup will be looking like a cuddly teddy bear all year round! - Continental cut
The Continental cut is a unique and stylish way to groom your poodle. This particular style is a full body trim that leaves the coat in a neat, clipped pattern with longer fur on the chest, feet, and tail of the poodle. It gives the dog an elegant look that sets it apart from other breeds. The Continental cut requires more maintenance than most traditional poodle cuts, so it ‘s important to brush your pup daily and visit the groomer every two weeks for trims. With proper care and attention, your pup will be looking like a real Continental diva in no time! Owning a poodle is a great way to add some personality and fun into your life. With these different grooming styles, you can give your pup whatever look you want – from a cute teddy bear cut to a regal Continental style. All it takes is the right products, a little bit of patience, and lots of love! - German Trim
The German Trim is a popular style of poodle grooming that originated in Germany. It is characterized by a close-cut body, trimmed legs and tail, and an abundance of topknots. The German Trim has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique look, as well as its practicality for pet owners. One of the main benefits of a German Tr im is that it helps to keep your pup’s coat looking neat and tidy. It also prevents any tangles from forming, making brushing and maintenance much easier. If you’ve been looking for a unique style for your poodle, the German Trim could be perfect for you!
Grooming Summary:
Owning a poodle can be a rewarding experience. Poodles need regular grooming and maintenance to keep their luxurious coats looking healthy and stylish. The popular Lion cut and Modern cut are easy-to-maintain styles that provide your pup with a fashionable look, while the Summer cut is ideal for keeping them cool in the hotter months. The Continental and German Trims can provide a regal look, while still being easy to maintain. With the right products, care and attention, your pup will be looking like a real show-stopper in no time!
Their Health
Thanks to conscientious breeders and health testing, the Poodle is a healthy breed to ensure common medical conditions.
However, they are prone to specific health issues, with toy and miniature poodles being at risk of orthopedic problems. Standard poodles may have health risks for bloat.
There are other genetic health issues poodles may come across, such as:
- Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease, also known as Addisonian crisis or adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious medical condition in which the adrenal glands cannot produce enough of certain hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone.
This can lead to severe fatigue, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, dehydration and abdominal pain. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and even coma . It is important to have your poodle tested for this condition and take appropriate measures, as early detection can help manage the disease. - Epilepsy
Epilepsy is an incredibly serious neurological disorder that affects the brain, leading to seizures. For those who choose to own a poodle, it’s important to know that this breed can have an increased risk of developing epilepsy.
The exact cause of seizures in poodles is unknown, but genetics are believed to play a role. While all breeds of dogs can suffer from seizures, poodles should be monitored closely, and any changes in behaviour should be reported to your vet. - Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a major problem for many dogs, particularly poodles. This condition results in abnormal development of the hip joint, which can lead to pain and lameness. The hip joint becomes weak and unstable, making movement difficult and uncomfortable for the dog.
The exact cause of hip dysplasia is unknown, but genetics are thought to play an important role. Other factors, such as diet, exercise and environment, can also contribute to the development of this condition. It is important to have your poodle tested for hip dysplasia and managed accordingly by a veterinarian. - Thyroid issues
Thyroid issues are a common health concern for poodles, a breed of dog known for its intelligence and affectionate nature. The thyroid is a small organ in the neck that produces hormones essential to their metabolism, growth, and development.
Since the thyroid plays such an important role in the body’s functioning, any abnormalities can affect overall health and wellbeing. Common signs of thyroid issues include weight gain, hair loss, dry skin and intolerance to cold. If you suspect your poodle is suffering from a thyroid disorder, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. - Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common concern for poodle owners. It occurs when the dog’s body does not have enough glucose to produce energy and can be caused by too much exercise, skipping meals, stress or certain medical conditions. It is important for poodle owners to understand the signs of hypoglycemia, as this can quickly become a life-threatening condition.
Common symptoms include lethargy, weakness, confusion and seizures. If your poodle is displaying any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment. Owning a poodle comes with many rewards and benefits, but it is also important to understand the specific health risks associated with this breed.
Hip dysplasia, thyroid issues and hypoglycemia are all potential concerns that should be discussed with your veterinarian. With proper diet, exercise and preventative care, you can ensure your poodle remains healthy and happy for many years to come.
Poodles are also renowned for their long lifespan, which on average lies between 10-18 years.
Training a Poodle
When it comes to bringing a poodle into your home, it’s essential to know what lifestyle will best fit the needs of a Poodle. The Poodle is the second most intelligent breed globally; thus, it requires proper mental stimulation to be happy. Not talking about fetch or tug of war; it’s about engagement with your Poodle with training to complete challenging tasks.
When living with other working dogs like Labradors, your Poodle can pick up the other dog’s behavior and actions, learning quickly. They have excellent smelling skills and learn tricks quickly. That’s why you can find poodles working as service dogs, hunters, or even as circus performers.
Poodles are very trainable, picking up skills efficiently. They adore positive reinforcement and will excel in agility, obedience, and tracking. Puppies will benefit significantly from socialization classes early on to enforce excellent puppy behavior.
After all, they are known for their superior intelligence and pick up things quickly. That’s why it won’t require much effort for obedience training. Proper training of different commands will take mere weeks, as long as you follow the correct techniques and start doing so while they’re still puppies.
Poodles are aware of the tone of their owner’s voices, so if you need to reprimand him, you should be firm but not harsh. It does not take much to train your Poodle to avoid inappropriate behavior and reinforce good behavior.
You can enroll them in classes to have aid in training or opt for training videos online to do it yourself.
Besides agility classes and obedience training, make sure you conduct brain exercises for mental stimulation and hone their superior intelligence.
They’re protective
Visitors might not even get to the doorbell before your Poodle knows someone is present. They are alert all the time and will react quickly, being aware of their surroundings. That’s their instinctual intelligence kicking in!
They aren’t only protective, but they are loyal, too. Poodles love their owners and will be your loving companion for life. Once they get to know their owner, they become attached and stay by your side almost 24/7! Unfortunately, this means poodles are more prone to separation anxiety, so Poodles require early training to avoid feeling anxious when alone.
With loyalty and alertness also comes protectiveness towards a poodle’s human. Expect their barking level to heighten when triggered by strangers and visitors. But fortunately, they won’t bark randomly and without reason.
But they have a playful streak.
Standard Poodles love to play, with their poodle temperament is suitable for families with kids. Standard poodles are fun to tumble with and can be goofy.
The poodles are well-versed in interacting with people. They don’t freak out around strangers, even though they’re shy. Poodles will stay calm and handle it well, despite being uncomfortable.
Standard poodles are a soft and sensitive breed. They will flinch and show aggressive behavior if you startle them with a loud sound or touch them without warning. They are also shy when meeting strangers.
The higher the sensitivity of a Poodle’s personality, the less likely they will be good around small children.
Exercise Needs
Poodles are playful and have a moderate energy level. They are active poodles that people bred to work, though they also appreciate lazy days. Toy poodles, standard poodles, and miniature poodles love staying indoors with their family, staying at home.
However, they are extremely hyper, especially when they are young. Miniature and standard poodles are better with children than toy poodles since they have a more energetic attitude. Expect that restless attitude to last until they turn one-year-old, but don’t worry, this phase passes.
Make sure you give them daily exercise for their health and enjoyment, too! Take them out for daily walks, so they get sufficient exercise, or spend 10-15 minutes playing fetch and retrieval at home.
Beyond walks and mental stimulation, you’ll want to take this breed out to the pool! Remember, they are water dogs, so incorporate swimming as part of their regular exercise, so they get to let out their affinity for swimming.
That’s why poodles are fantastic family dogs because you get the fun, active dog for playtime, but a cuddly one as well that spends their days in peace.
Avoid Boredom
You can spend hours cuddling with your poodle, but responsible poodle owners know they need to give their pet physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and frustration. Remember, people bred this intelligent dog breed to work, so they need stimuli to prevent destructive behavior.
You can do this through sufficient exercise and training. If you are too busy, give Poodles lots of toys to play with throughout the day to appease their activity level. Play indoors with toys and pet games, making poodles feel happy while growing their affection with family.
Poodles shed little
You’ve probably heard that Poodles have hair rather than fur and are low shedders, which helps reduce allergens a dog’s coat may produce. Some people have claimed that poodles don’t shed at all and are hypoallergenic.
However, that is not the case.
No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, even if they produce less hair. Regular coat grooming goes a long way to help prevent issues before they happen.
With that in mind, poodles do not shed as much as other breeds, experiencing minimal hair loss. Because of this, less pet hair and dander go around the house, making it less likely for people with different allergies to suffer.
Standard Poodles can be a great fit for people with allergies. With a Poodle, your home will have fewer hair and dander issues. While not completely hypoallergenic, Poodles are the closest to it.
Environment
You must set up your Poodle’s environment right before you bring him home. There are many issues to consider when setting up a safe and loving home for your dog. Fight the urge to purchase every toy you see. High-quality toys which are weight and age-appropriate for your pet are a good choice. Buying a premium quality bed provides a lot of value for your pet. A soft bed helps reduce anxiety. Put the bed in an area away from the noise and near the pack leader (usually a parent). When choosing a leash and collar, pay attention to the size and weight of your puppy.
Who are Poodles Best for?
Poodles are fantastic family dogs and are suitable for most households with their coat type and intelligence. But, there are some caveats.
Keep up with a Poodle’s grooming maintenance when you have a poodle, which can get expensive over time, especially when going to a professional groomer.
They are prone to separation anxiety and need room to play around daily to spend their energy level.
If you are always out and don’t have a family member who can exercise and train for the Poodle daily, this may not be the best dog breed for you.
But if you will set a time for grooming, training, and playtime, then you’ll love having a poodle around. You get opportunities to exercise, have fun with your pet’s mischievousness, and won’t have to worry about teaching them basic commands. They are obedient and will love companions willing to protect you at all costs.
Are You Adopting a Poodle?
You can invest in a poodle from reputable breeders. Just make sure that they are certified by the American Kennel Club and are known as responsible breeders. You wouldn’t want to purchase from puppy mills, with dogs and puppies raised in poor conditions.
Another option is to adopt a poodle. Yes, it’s possible to adopt!
According to the American Kennel Club, many rescue dogs come from owner surrenders, usually due to changes in lifestyle or the ‘wrong’ breed. So expect to find a few purebred or mixed poodle breeds up for adoption in your local community.
When you opt for adoption, it’s possible to choose older poodles, and they may show distrust or aggression due to being surrendered by their owners. However, they are most likely micro-chipped and spayed/neutered, with some training done. There are pros and cons to adoption, but personally, adoption is the way to go so you can give a wonderful dog a chance at a more loving home for life.