Poodle — Breed Profile
"Elegant, intelligent, surprisingly athletic"
Bougie, too fabulous for you
At a Glance
Breed Traits
Best For
Active families, individuals seeking an intelligent trainable companion, people with allergies, competitive dog sports enthusiasts, multi-pet households
Not Ideal For
Sedentary owners, people with limited grooming budget or time, those seeking a low-maintenance dog, apartment dwellers with noise restrictions
Health Considerations
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison's disease, sebaceous adenitis, bloat
Estimated annual vet cost: $1,000-$1,500
Breed History
Originated as a water dog in Germany (Pudelhund) and France (Caniche). Developed to retrieve waterfowl. The distinctive curly coat provided protection in cold water. Bred down into multiple size varieties over centuries. Became popular as a companion dog while maintaining athleticism.
Fun Facts
- Poodles have a hypoallergenic low-shedding coat that sheds minimally
- The breed name comes from German 'Pudelhund' meaning splash dog
- Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds and excel in obedience training
- Smaller varieties of Poodles tend to live longer than larger Standard Poodles
- The elaborate show clip (Poodle cut) was originally designed to maximize swimming efficiency while protecting joints
Famous Poodles
Winston (owned by Elvis Presley), various show champions