The decision to get a Poodle is something you shouldn’t take lightly. Preferences will vary from person to person, but if there’s one thing everyone will consider, it’s the breed. Should you get purebred Poodles or mixed breeds?
Poodles have been around for centuries now, but Poodle mixed breed dogs only popped up in the mid-20th century, when breeders wanted to experiment with breeding Poodles and other dogs to get the best of both purebred parents’ traits. Sure, Poodle mix-breeds are adorable, but does the purebred have more benefits?
Poodle Breed Basics
Poodles are ideal for many families as they have an energetic and friendly temperament. Furthermore, Poodles are intelligent and easy to train. However, Poodles are prone to separation anxiety and require a lot of regular care and attention.
There are three kinds of Poodle breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes, which are:
- Standard Poodles are the largest among other Poodle varieties, measuring over 15 inches at the shoulder. Standard Poodles are 22-27 inches on average.
- Miniature Poodles are in the middle of the bunch, measuring between 10-15 inches.
- The Toy Poodle is an adorable teddy bear, measuring less than ten inches!
While their sizes vary, these Poodles share similar features and personality traits many people love. Regardless of the Poodle variety you get, expect it to be athletic, intelligent, and eager to please!
You can learn more about these Poodle varieties from this YouTube video:
What Does Purebred Mean?
Based on the Oxford English Dictionary, purebred refers to “a domesticated animal, bred from parents of the same breed.”
With that definition in mind, purebred Poodles must have purebred parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and the like!
The Benefits of Getting a Purebred
There are numerous benefits owners can reap from getting a purebred, such as:
Predictability
Because you’re getting a purebred, you can easily predict what it will look and act like when they mature. You’re more likely to know what you’ll get, even if individual dogs are different.
You won’t have to wonder about the purebred’s size, temperament, grooming, and medical needs. You have more of an idea of what genetic diseases a Poodle would have, how to care for their curly coats, how much daily exercise they need, their level of energy, and the like.
Compare that to getting a Poodle mix breed, which you won’t know the appearance and temperament until you live with one. For example, if you get a Golden Retriever Poodle mix, there’s the possibility of it having long hair OR short hair, different intelligence levels, and overall appearance. That may not matter for some, but other owners would like to feel sure of the dog they will get and that the dog can thrive in the owner’s lifestyle.
When talking about temperament, there’s a chance you’ll experience training difficulty with a mixed breed as opposed to a purebred. We know Poodles for their intelligence and ease of training, but when getting a mixed breed, there’s a chance of it inheriting the other parent breed’s stubbornness, which leads to issues with daily training.
You also won’t know how your dog would react to certain situations or when surrounded by children and other animals. Parent breeds would have different behaviors and tendencies, and you wouldn’t know how your Doodle breed will grow to act!
Compete in Dog Shows
If you plan to have your Poodle compete in shows, I recommend getting a purebred. Major kennel clubs do not recognize most mixed breeds, such as the doodle breed!
Health
You receive more assurance that the purebred suits people with allergies. Some mixed breed dogs would have a long fur coat, which tends to shed more. Since we consider the purebred a hypoallergenic dog breed, you won’t have much of a problem with woolly coats or a different hair type causing pet allergies.
Moreover, people with a mixed breed won’t know their dog’s genetic diseases. While the potential health issues may lessen due to hybrid vigor, the risks are still there, and you have two different parent breeds to consider. A purebred or mixed-breed dog needs to undergo disease testing to determine any possible genetic issues.
No official studies show mixed breeds tend to live longer or stay healthier than purebreds! As long as you care for your Poodle well, it can live a healthy life with a long life span.
Here’s a helpful video showing you a comparison of purebred dogs vs. mixed breeds:
For those who would like a purebred, it’s essential to know that what you’re getting is genuinely purebred. There are different ways to tell if you have a purebred:
From the Breeder or Veterinarian
If your Poodle comes from a reputable breeder known to breed purebred dogs, then you have more assurance that you own a purebred.
When talking with a purebred Poodle breeder, make sure you ask for any licenses and certifications. Also, ask if you can see the puppies’ parents check their physical characteristics and overall health.
You can also find out through a veterinarian, who will run genetic tests. The vet can guide owners on the tests for Poodles and share the meaning of their results. Not only can these tests help determine whether you have a purebred, but they can also share vital information about your dog’s genetic health.
Through Genetic Testing
I mentioned genetic testing earlier through a veterinarian. Besides that, you can also use home genetic test kits, a convenient and easy choice for pet owners. There are different DNA and health test kits you can use to discover your dog’s genetics and confirm if it’s purebred.
These genetic tests can show if your family pet carries certain genetic diseases.
Poodle’s Physical Appearance
It’s challenging to check if a Poodle is purebred based on appearance alone, particularly if you have an untrained eye, but it’s worth a shot!
There are specific physical Poodle traits you can use to identify a purebred from a mixed breed. The Poodle Club of America also has a poodle breed standard, specifying what purebred Poodles appear.
Height
I mentioned the different measurements of different Poodle varieties, such as the Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. If your Poodle doesn’t fall in any of the abovementioned categories, it may not be purebred.
There are such Poodle breeds as the Moyen Poodle, Royal Poodle, and Teacup Poodles, all of which the American Kennel Club does not recognize. However, the European dog clubs recognize the Moyen Poodle, which falls between the Standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle.
Poodle Coat
Purebred Poodles would have a curly and non-shedding coat that grows continuously, coming in various colors. The curly coats can also come in a particolored pattern!
Poodles also don’t have a fur coat type, but one made of hair. Here are the different colors a Poodle’s fluffy coat can come in as they grow older:
- Black
- White
- Red
- Gray
- Blue
- Brown
- Silver
- Apricot
- Cream
- Café au lait
- And more!
Note that there are no multi-colored purebred Poodles unless they are particolored Poodles. However, particolored Poodles can’t join AKC conformation events.
Regardless of the Poodle coat color, the coat itself must be reasonably dense, curly, and wiry. Because of that, this designer breed requires a lot of grooming and quality dog food to maintain excellent coat health.
Body Structure
Based on the poodle breed standard, purebred Poodles have sturdy bodies with a straight topline and excellent bone structure. Moreover, purebred Poodles have shoulders broader than the hips, with the tails straight and high on the rumps. Their femur and tibia have equal lengths.
Poodles would also have pretty snug skin without much sagging. The topline shouldn’t slop or roach from the highest point of their shoulder blades to the tail base. Moreover, they have deep chests and are moderately wide, with ribs standing out. Their loins must be broad, muscular, and shorter.
As for the head, the purebred should have a gently round head with a muzzle of proportional length. Poodles would also have flat cheekbones and muscles.
The feet are unique features in purebred Poodles, as they are small and delicate. Your Poodle’s forelegs must be parallel and straight when viewed from the front, with the hindquarters balancing out the forequarters. The hind legs must be parallel and straight when seen from behind.
Color Markings
Besides learning about the intelligent dog breed’s coat color, you can also look at the markings. Investigate the Poodle’s nose, eyes, eye rims, and lips.
Poodles of a specific coat color must have these markings:
- Brown or café au lait Poodles should have liver-colored noses, lips, eye-rims with dark toenails, and amber eyes.
- Black, blue, silver, gray, white, apricot, and cream Poodles must have black noses, lips, and eye-rims. These Poodles should have very dark eyes with black or self-colored toenails.
- Apricot Poodles can also have liver-colored lips, noses, and eye-rims. These Poodles can also have amber eyes.
With that in mind, note that this is merely a guide and not the most accurate method to tell if you own a purebred.
Color Markings
Besides learning about the intelligent dog breed’s coat color, you can also look at the markings. Investigate the Poodle’s nose, eyes, eye rims, and lips.
Poodles of a specific coat color must have these markings:
- Brown or café au lait Poodles should have liver-colored noses, lips, eye-rims with dark toenails, and amber eyes.
- Black, blue, silver, gray, white, apricot, and cream Poodles must have black noses, lips, and eye-rims. These Poodles should have very dark eyes with black or self-colored toenails.
- Apricot Poodles can also have liver-colored lips, noses, and eye-rims. These Poodles can also have amber eyes.
With that in mind, note that this is merely a guide and not the most accurate method to tell if you own a purebred.
Temperament
Based on the Poodle breed standard, purebred Poodles would carry themselves proudly. Purebred Poodles are highly active with a high energy level, love mental stimulation, and require plenty of exercise.
Purebred Poodles would have an air of distinction and dignity. They shouldn’t be too shy or aggressive. These dogs are calm indoors after meeting their daily exercise requirements. However, purebred Poodles love attention and are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for hours. That’s what makes these Poodles’ active companions perfect for a family with allergies.
Ultimately, I can’t tell you whether purebred dog breeds are better than mixed breed dogs. Now that you have more information, choose the right Poodle based on your needs and preferences and research breeders carefully.