Poodles come in several recognized size varieties and share many physical traits.
| Variety | Height at shoulder | Weight | Key Looks & Coat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Poodle | More than ~15 inches (≈ 38 cm) | ~ 40-70 lbs (≈ 18-32 kg) | Curly, dense coat; long muzzle; stylish, proud posture. Coat often clipped or trimmed for show/comfort. |
| Miniature Poodle | ~ 10-15 in (≈ 25-38 cm) | ~ 10-20 lbs (≈ 5-9 kg) | Similar build scaled down; energetic; often used as companion dogs. |
| Toy Poodle | Up to ~ 10 in (≈ 25 cm) | ~ 4-7 lbs (≈ 2-3 kg) | Very small, delicate; similar features, highly companion-oriented. Grooming & handling require care. |
Coat: dense, curly or tightly waved. There’s a woolly undercoat plus a top coat. Many solid colours are recognized: black, white, grey, apricot, cream, brown, silver etc.
They are often considered "low – shedding" (less free hair falling out) which makes them more tolerable for people with mild allergies. But note: less shedding doesn’t mean “no allergens”. Grooming is needed to maintain the coat.
Poodles are highly intelligent, often ranked among the smartest of dog breeds. They learn quickly, respond well to training.
They are lively, energetic, and need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Boredom can lead to mischief.
Generally friendly and affectionate with their family. They can do well with children and other pets if socialized early.
They are alert dogs; good watchdogs in that they notice new things, but not aggressive by nature. Barking can sometimes be a trait if not managed.
Lifespan ≈ 10-18 years, depending on size, health care, genetics. Typically, smaller varieties live longer.
