Poodle
Brains, elegance, barely any shedding.
The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that comes in Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes. Behind the fancy coat is an athletic water dog that learns almost anything and barely sheds.
Great points
- Among the smartest of all breeds
- Low-shedding, allergy-friendlier coat
- Athletic and great at dog sports
- Comes in three sizes for any home
Things to consider
- Coat needs professional grooming every few weeks
- Needs lots of mental stimulation
- Can be vocal and sensitive
- Grooming costs add up
The story
Originally a German water retriever, the word pudel means to splash, and the famous pom-pom clip was a practical cut to protect the joints in cold water. Today its sharp mind and low-shedding coat make it a favourite and the base of countless doodle crosses.
Training
Poodles are eager, sensitive and exceptionally quick to learn, so they shine in obedience and agility. Keep training positive, as harsh handling backfires.
Grooming
The dense curly coat barely sheds but mats easily, so brush often and book a professional groom every four to six weeks.
Food & diet
From 1.5 to 3 cups a day depending on the size variety, split into two meals.
Exercise
Active and athletic. Daily walks plus games and training, and many Poodles love to swim.
Health to watch
Hip dysplasia, Addison's disease, bloat and eye disorders. Standards in particular should be tested before breeding.
Fun fact. The Poodle is often ranked the second most intelligent dog breed, just behind the Border Collie.
