Last Updated: 04/09/2025

Poodle Breed Guide

Wanting to know more about one of the most popular and intelligent dog breeds? Take a look at our comprehensive Poodle breed guide.

Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read

Dignified, athletic and intelligent, the Poodle is a breed recognisable for its signature, dense curled coat and popular the world round for its trainable and affectionate nature. Originating as a water retrieval dog over 400 years ago, minature and toy poodles were then bred as companion pets for those requiring a more compact pet to fit an urban lifestyle. Poodles are often recommended as a breed for pet parents with allergies as they shed far less fur and dander than other dog breeds.

All about Poodles

What to look for

Age-appropriate and specific size diet

Tailored kibble size and shape

Omega 3 fatty acids for skin and coat health

Vet picks

Best food for Poodle puppies

It's best to feed your young poodle a premium quality puppy food designed to suit the health needs of their size; for Toy and Miniature Poodles a good quality small breed puppy food and for Standard Poodle puppies, a large breed puppy food. Toy and Miniature Poodles reach their adult size and weight at around 10-12 months of age, so should continue to be fed a premium puppy food until this age. Standard Poodles, as medium to large breed dogs, may not reach their adult size and weight until around 15-18 months of age. For more information, take a look at What is the Best Puppy Food? and for answers to all your puppy feeding questions, check out Everything You Need to Know about Feeding Your Puppy.

Bring home a puppy is an exciting time, though it can be overwhelming with so many things to learn about puppy care, behaviour and training. Take a look at our New Puppy Guide to help you prepare for those first few weeks and months with your new family member. For tips on combating some of those problematic (but entirely normal) puppy behaviours, like inappropriate chewing, take a look at our Puppy Training Guide.

With their intelligence and social nature, puppy preschools offer a safe environment to introduce your Poodle puppy to new people, smells, sounds, environments and other dogs. Puppy preschool also introduces the techniques used in positive obedience training. For more information, take a look at the Importance of Socialisation.

What to look for

Balanced energy and protein levels ideal for puppy growth

Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets

DHA for healthy brain and eye development

Vet picks

Flea & worming

Keeping your Poodle protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.

Learn more

Best flea and worming treatments for Poodles

As Poodles require frequent grooming oral flea and worming treatments are ideal as they will not wash off with bathing. To keep things simple, you could opt for an all in one monthly chewable or tablet, or opt for an annual heartworm injection supplemented by monthly worming and oral flea and tick treatments.

What to look for

Oral chews and tablets to avoid reduced effectiveness from bathing

All in one products for simplicity

Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose

white poodle wearing red collar with head on human hand

Health

Although Poodles are generally quite healthy, like any purebreed they can have a predisposition to a few health conditions. Some common health conditions to look out for include eye diseases, Thyroid and Cushing's disease and some hereditary joint conditions. Standard poodles can be prone to bloat due to their deep chested-nature. Regular veterinary check ups, dental care and coat maintenance can help ensure a long lifespan.

Best products for joint health in Poodles

Two orthopedic problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes and luxating patellas (wobbly kneecaps), are more likely to occur in Toy and Miniature Poodles than in Standards. The Standard variety can be prone to Hip Dysplasia. It is important to keep your Poodle at an ideal body weight and consider a joint supplement for joint health and a diet with joint support ingredients if applicable.

What to look for

Joint support supplements based on marine sources of omega fatty acids such as green lipped mussel powder or fish oil

Diets that contain joint care ingredients

Mobility support aids such as ramps, stairs and support slings if required

Best products for managing dental health in Poodles

Poodles are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths leading to tooth overcrowding. This overcrowding can lead to further teeth malpositions increasing plaque retention and making tartar build up more likely.

The consequences extend beyond bad breath and oral discomfort; bacteria from advanced periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious systemic health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Diligent dental care, including regular at-home brushing, providing dental chews, and scheduling professional veterinary cleanings are critical components of a Poodle's overall health and longevity.

What to look for

Veterinary dental or oral care diets

Toothbrushes and pet-specific toothpastes to enable regular toothbrushing at home

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) tick of approval on dental care products

standard white poodle walking with black collar and lead

Training and activity

Poodles are intelligent and energetic dogs that thrive on both mental and physical activity. Regular training is essential for them, not just to teach obedience but also to keep their sharp minds engaged. They excel in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, and even scent work. Daily walks, playtime, and puzzle toys help meet their activity needs and prevent boredom-related behaviors. With their eagerness to please and quick learning ability, poodles respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent routines.

Best Toys for Poodles

With their playful and intelligent nature, the best toys for Poodles are those that challenge their minds and keep them active. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are great for mental stimulation, while interactive toys like tug ropes and fetch balls help burn off energy. Choosing a variety of toys that combine physical and mental engagement is ideal and rotating toys can also improve engagement with them.

What to look for

Fetch toys to burn off some energy

Puzzle toys for mental stimulation

Chew and tug toys

Vet picks

Fetch toys

Puzzle toys

Soft and Plush Toys

Snuffle mats

Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Poodles

Daily walks are also an essential part of caring for a Poodle. The key is to prioritise their comfort and safety when out walking. Keep plenty of high value training treats on you when out and about to help reinforce good behaviour.

What to look for

Choose a lead and collar or harness based on what you and your Poodle prefer

Collar with an ID tag for identification

Bite sized, high value treats and a treat pouch for training on the go

Vet picks

No pull harnesses

Dual clip leads

Head collars

Treat pouches

Training treats

white poodle with fluffy groomed ears on pink background

Poodle Grooming

With their signature look, a poodle coat takes a special type of care to keep it looking it's best. Rest assured that it is not necessary for your Poodle's coat to be clipped in the well-known 'Lion Clip'. A lamb-clip (where the coat is kept at the same length all over) is often easier and cheaper to maintain.

Bathing is important to keep the coat looking in top condition, however bathing too frequently can strip the coat of it's natural oils and cause it to become dry, flaky and irritated. Ear care is also important, as the ear canals are often hairy, and along with the beautiful floppy ears, this can predispose poodles to ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning at the same time as coat grooming will help to minimise any infections.

What to look for

Gentle ear cleaners to for use after bathing and swimming

Grooming tools appreciate for their coat

Shampoos and conditioners that support a healthy skin barrier

grey poodle on bed with pink tongue licking nose

Sleep and home

Poodles need a comfortable and quiet space to rest, as quality sleep is important for their health and well-being. On average, adult poodles sleep around 12–14 hours a day, while puppies and older dogs may need even more. Providing a cozy bed in a calm area of the home helps them feel secure and relaxed. Since poodles are social dogs, they often prefer sleeping near their family rather than in isolated spaces.

Best beds for Poodles

A comfortable and supportive bed is best for your Poodle to ensure they get a restful sleep.

What to look for

Cosy and plush beds for comfort

Durable, machine washable covers

Size will depend on what size Poodle you have

Poodle Breed Guide

All about Poodles

In this article

Nutrition

What to look for