The most popular variants are the two smallest, commonly referred to as Poodles, but the Large Poodle also has its loyal admirers. This dog is a concentration of beauty, gentleness, and intelligence, and has captivated both pet dog lovers and working dog enthusiasts.
Read on to discover the history, character, and breed standards, as well as many tips on how to take care of your Giant Poodle.
History of the Large Poodle
France and Germany both claim the origin of the Poodle breed. France insists that the Poodle derives from a French water retriever breed called the Barbet, with which the modern Poodle shares many physical characteristics.
Germany, however, contends that the Barbet itself derived from an Asian breed imported into Germany in ancient times, and that the name (Pudel in German and Poodle in English) comes from the German term 'Pudein,' meaning "to splash."
We may never know its true origin, but what we do know is that this canine breed has a long and varied history, much of it among the courts of nobles and kings.
Queen Anne of England was a lover of the breed, as were the nobles at the court of Louis XVI.
In Spain, the Poodle also achieved great success and soon spread throughout Europe as a favorite of wealthy ladies of the time, but also as a hunting and water retriever dog for hunting enthusiasts, a task in which it excelled due to its physical attributes and strong versatility that made it easy to train.
However, it was not until 1836 that breed standards were established, and since then, the Poodle, in all its variants, has never ceased to be loved all over the world.
Character of the Large Poodle
The Giant Poodle differs from the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles only in size: its physical appearance and character remain unchanged. However, due to its larger size, this dog is perceived as more suitable for outdoor activities and seems to have a slightly more reserved temperament.
This magnificent dog has an elegant appearance combined with sharp intelligence and a playful, lively personality, appealing to owners of all ages.
The Large Poodle has a gentle soul, a keen desire to learn, and is also an excellent babysitter.
When properly socialized, it gets along well with other dogs and pets, and is friendly and approachable even with strangers.
It is not particularly possessive and definitely not the right choice for those looking for a guard or defense dog.
While its hunting and retrieving days are now just a memory, this dog still loves swimming and the outdoor life and needs plenty of exercise.
It doesn't like being alone for long periods and requires a lot of interaction with the family, which it easily achieves thanks to the sweetness and adorable temperament that characterize both itself and its medium and small-sized cousins.
Physical Characteristics of Poodles
For a Large Poodle to be considered purebred, it must have specific characteristics and meet the breed standards set by the FCI and consequently by ENCI.
Let's see in detail how to recognize and classify a Giant Poodle without mistakes.
Note: These are the standards set by FCI and ENCI and therefore valid for Europe. Size, color, or coat standards admitted by AKC or other federations, such as the Canadian one, may differ. For more information, check the standards of the country you are interested in.
The photos on this site may represent both FCI and AKC standards or those of other federations.
FCI Group Classification
Group 9
2A Poodles
Without working trial
Size and Height of the Large Poodle
Size and height of the large Poodle
For your Giant Poodle to be classified as such, it should meet the following dimensions:
Height at the withers: 45-60 cm (with a maximum excess of 2 cm)
Ideal weight: 20/32 kg
The female Large Poodle is generally a bit smaller and lighter than the male.
Type of Coat and Fur
The coat of Giant Poodles is soft and abundant, with dense and consistent curls. There are two varieties:
Curly-coated Poodle, with uniform curls
Corded Poodle, with hair forming cords that must measure at least 20 cm in length.
The coat is continuously growing, and the dog lacks an undercoat, which is why this breed is considered hypoallergenic.
Colors of the Large Poodle
This beautiful breed not only comes in 4 sizes but also offers a splendid variety of colors in its coat, which can be either solid or multicolored.
There are also specific and recognizable patterns, although they are not very common.
Solid-colored Coat
The officially recognized colors are shades of white, fawn (or reddish fawn, a tone that includes variants such as apricot), brown, gray, and black.
Multicolored Coat
Multicolored coats can include simple color spots or reproduce specific shades and patterns:
Classic Particolor Poodle: The base is pure white. Spots can be brown, apricot, black, gray, red, or brindle, a spotted pattern with tiger-striped of various colors. They should look harmonious and not exceed 50% of the total body surface.
Brindle Poodle (or sand, or sable): A rare variant, dark background color with tiger-striped spots in different shades of fawn. This coat changes over time: the puppy is born very dark, but the fur gradually lightens with adulthood, sometimes becoming light with dark stripes.
Mismark Poodle: A fairly common variety, all solid colors are allowed in the background, while spots should be few and located in particular areas, such as chest, throat, tail tip, and feet.
Tuxedo Poodle: As the name suggests, the Large Tuxedo Poodle must have spots positioned in a way that resembles a tuxedo. The base color must be white, the legs must be partly white, and a white blaze on the head is accepted.
Phantom Poodle (or Black and Tan, or Fawn Poodle): This variant requires the tan markings to be well highlighted and located at specific points, such as above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, under the tail, and on the feet, with variants like gray/cream markings, black/brown, gray, apricot and cream, brown/apricot, and red/apricot.
Other colors have been popular with the public but are not recognized by the FCI in Europe: for example, blue (a variation of black), café au lait, and silver beige.
Head
Should be well-proportioned and slightly longer than ⅖ of the withers, not excessively fine but not too heavy either, with well-defined bone structure. The eyes are generally dark and the nose black, but lighter tones are accepted in some color variants.
Body
Well-proportioned, with a harmonious and sleek appearance, slightly longer than the height at the withers, with long and well-structured limbs.
Tail
Inserted rather high and has a beautiful plume. Tail docking is banned in almost all of Europe, but in some countries, the laws are not always applied, and some individuals may have a docked tail.
How Long Does the Large Poodle Live?
Giant Poodles have an average lifespan of 14-16 years. However, Poodles are among some of the oldest living dog breeds in the world.
They are generally very long-lived, and with proper care and nutrition, they can significantly exceed the average lifespan indicated for this breed.
Health Issues in Giant Poodles
Like all pure breeds, Giant Poodles are prone to certain health issues, both hereditary and non-hereditary. The most common include:
Ear Infections (Otitis): Often caused by bacterial or fungal infections, Poodles are particularly susceptible due to their large, floppy ears which can retain moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi growth.
Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative condition affecting the retina of the eye, which can lead to blindness. It's genetic, so careful selection of breeding parents can reduce the risk of developing it.
Cataracts: Occurs when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, limiting vision. It can be hereditary or develop with age, and in some cases, can be surgically corrected.
Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and lameness. It is a hereditary condition, so parent selection is important to reduce risk.
Testicular Retention or Cryptorchidism: Occurs when one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. This condition can increase the risk of testicular tumors and usually requires surgery. It is not exclusive to the breed, but Giant Poodles are particularly affected, as this study explains.
Gastric Torsion: Also known as bloat, it's an emergency condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, blocking blood flow. Requires immediate medical intervention.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums often caused by plaque and tartar. Good oral hygiene and regular veterinary checks can help prevent it.
Skin Allergies: Poodles can suffer from skin allergies caused by environmental, dietary, or parasitic factors. These allergies can cause itching, redness, and hair loss.
Heart Issues: Some Poodles may develop heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
Respiratory Problems: These can include chronic bronchitis or other lung diseases. Poodles can be sensitive to respiratory problems due to their physical structure.
Tracheal Collapse: This condition occurs when the trachea, which carries air to the lungs, weakens and collapses, causing breathing difficulties and coughing. Though it more commonly affects small Poodles, the condition can also occur in larger dogs.
How much does the Large Poodle grow?
Here is an indicative growth chart for the Giant Poodle:
Age
Female Poodle (kg)
Male Poodle (kg)
2 Months
4,99 – 7,26
7,26 – 9,07
3 Months
7,26 – 9,07
9,53 – 11,34
4 Months
8,62 – 10,43
12,70 – 14,97
5 Months
9,98 – 12,25
14,97 – 18,14
6 Months
11,79 – 14,51
18,14 – 21,77
7 Months
13,61 – 15,42
21,32 – 23,59
8 Mesi
14,97 – 16,33
22,68 – 24,49
9 Months
15,88 – 17,24
24,04 – 25,40
10 Months
16,33 – 17,69
24,95 – 26,31
11 Months
17,24 – 18,14
25,85 – 26,76
12 Months
18,14 – 19,05
26,31 – 27,22
18 Months
19,05 – 20,41
27,22 – 29,48
24 Months
20,41 – 22,68
27,22 – 31,75
Diet of the Large Poodle
Nutrition plays a significant role in promoting the longevity of the Large Poodle, which must be fed correctly based on age, overall health status, and level of physical activity.
In the first three or four weeks, puppies will feed almost exclusively on mother's milk, or, in the absence of the mother, a specific formula of artificial milk for puppy dogs.
Starting from the first month of age, you can begin to feed the puppy with solid and moist foods, administered 3 or 4 times a day.
Regarding the diet of an adult Large Poodle, it's important to provide all the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy, and in the recommended amounts to avoid diseases related to overweight and poor nutrition.
The kibble must be of good quality, and ensure a good amount of healthy proteins.
If you prefer to opt for a diet based on fresh food, make sure to include all the nutrients your Giant Poodle needs.
How Much Should a Dog Eat? And How Many Times a Day?
Grooming of the Large Poodle
The Giant Poodle is classified as a high-maintenance dog. With its continuously growing coat, it needs not only frequent brushing but also bimonthly haircuts.
Due to its coat, DIY grooming of the Giant Poodle can be challenging, and the outcome also depends on thetype of Poodle haircut you choose.
While it can be difficult, it's not impossible, requiring just a bit of patience and the right products.
Before you start, arm yourself with the necessary products for proper coat maintenance:
Long-haired dog brush
Gentle shampoo for long-haired dogs (or whitening shampoo for white coats, or specific for dark coats)
Detangling conditioner (you can also opt for a whitening conditioner)
Leave-in detangler to facilitate brushing (and perhaps a dry shampoo for use between washes)
Electric nail file or dog nail clippers
Eye wipes or eye stain remover
Moistening ear wipes, or an earwax dissolving cleaner for the ear canal
Finger tooth wipes, if your dog is reluctant to have its teeth cleaned with a brush
Grooming kit with a blow dryer, or you might try a drying brush, which is very practical
Light dog trimmer for touch-ups, if you decide to do some trimming yourself
Then, make sure to read our guide made just for it:
You'll find our step-by-step guide with all the right information for perfect grooming from A to Z.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Large Poodle Healthy
The thick coat of the Giant Poodle creates an ideal environment for annoying and dangerous blood-sucking parasites, so make sure to carry out antiparasitic prophylaxis in the summer season.
When necessary, check your dog's feces and administer a dewormer (under veterinary supervision).
Since Poodles tend to have dental issues, remember to perform regular cleanings to avoid bad breath and tooth decay. Read here to learn how!
Nail trimming should be regular, to avoid discomfort to the dog and the possibility of breaking them while running.
Ear cleaning should be performed frequently to avoid bad odors or common diseases due also to increased hair accumulation.
Periodically checking the state of the anal glands will avoid bad odors and the risk of painful infections.
As the Poodle has a continuously growing coat, frequent grooming is necessary to avoid skin diseases, and especially to prevent the dog from suffering when you have to brush excessively knotted hair.
Who is Suitable for and Who Isn't for the Giant Poodle
The Giant Poodle, known for its intelligence, elegance, and balanced temperament, is an excellent choice for many but not suitable for everyone.
This breed adapts well to active families who can dedicate time to physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Large Poodles are social dogs that love interacting with people and are generally good with children, making them ideal companions for families.
Their friendly nature also makes them suitable for life in a home with other pets, provided they have been properly socialized.
Giant Poodles are intelligent and responsive dogs that respond well to training. This makes them a good choice for first-time dog owners, provided they are willing to invest time in training and socialization.
Moreover, their adaptable nature makes them suitable for both city and country life, provided they have enough space to move around.
However, the Giant Poodle might not be the best choice for very busy people or those who cannot dedicate sufficient time to physical exercise and social interaction.
These dogs require regular physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.
Coat care is another aspect to consider. Giant Poodles need regular grooming to maintain their curly coats in good condition.
This can take time and money, so they are not ideal for those who do not want to commit to such intensive coat care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Large Poodle
Other Articles That Might Interest You
Why Choose a Poodle? 13 Reasons That Make It Popular
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Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section.
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