You’re interested in adding a dog to your family, but unsure of what breed will be the best fit. Choosing the right pet for you and your family is a difficult decision and requires careful consideration. If you’re hoping to bring an active, incredibly intelligent breed into your family, look no further than the Poodle. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
The Poodle’s Temperament
The elegant breed is the national dog of France and is best known for its high intelligence and stellar learning skills. The Standard and Miniature Poodles are members of the Non-Sporting Group, but all varieties are very active dogs who need a lot of stimulation. Poodles love to swim, play fetch, and can excel in dog sports.
An intelligent, people-oriented breed, the Poodle is highly adaptable and ready to listen to their owners.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
There are different sized Poodles for every lifestyle. The Standard Poodle stands over 15 inches tall, and weighs between 40–70 pounds. Miniature Poodles range from 10-15 inches , and weigh 10-15 pounds, and Toy Poodles are below 10 inches and weigh between 4-6 pounds. They each have a life expectancy of 10–18 years.
Their luxurious, long, curly coat comes in a variety of colors. Poodles shed minimally, making them a good choice if allergies are a concern. Poodles need a more intensive grooming regimen, especially if you don’t opt to keep their coat clipped in a short trim. Owners who want to keep their Poodle’s coat long will need to learn how to properly brush them daily to prevent matting.
How Much Training Does a Poodle Need?
Thanks to their intelligent, attentive nature, Poodles are easy to train. Poodles are eager to please their owners, and respond best to consistent, positive training routines. A Poodle would be best suited to a family with an active lifestyle. Their high energy levels require an environment where they can stay active and entertained.
Are Poodles Good for Families?
The Poodle’s energetic, friendly nature make them a solid choice for a family pet. Poodles love to be around other people and would be happiest in an active household. If you enjoy running or taking long walks, a Poodle might be the perfect companion to join you.
Poodles are good with kids, and easily adapt to different environments.
How Social Are Poodles?
Poodles are quite the sociable breed. They love their owners and are usually friendly with strangers. If socialization begins early in your Poodle’s life, they are more likely to be good with other dogs. Poodles are vigilant and will alert you if they feel something isn’t right. Poodles are also more likely to bark, so this is something to consider if you’re wanting a less vocal breed.
Every dog is different, even within the breed. Plan to talk to your breeder about whether a Poodle would be a good for you and your family. It can also be helpful to talk to people who already own a breed you’re interested in. Having the chance to familiarize yourself with a breed’s temperament and level of care can help you better understand what to expect from your potential pet.