Frequently Asked Questions about the Poodle: 23 answers to know everything about the breed
Frequently Asked Questions about the Poodle: 23 answers to know everything about the breed
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 8, 2023
Have you just adopted your first Poodle and there are questions you don't know the answer to?
Do you need a quick and immediate answer to an important query about your furry friend?
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to which we've provided short and concise answers.
For more information, you can read the detailed articles on Poodles on our website, canipiccoli.it.
But to start, let's see if we can satisfy your curiosity with these frequently asked questions about Poodles with 23 answers to know everything about the breed.
Does the Poodle shed hair?
No, it doesn't shed! This breed does not have an undercoat and does not moult, so it is considered hypoallergenic.
With the Poodle, you won't have to worry about brushing clothes and sofas, it absolutely doesn't shed hair, not even during the change of seasons.
How is the Poodle measured?
The height at the withers of a Poodle is measured by having the dog stand on all fours and using a rigid meter to calculate the distance from the withers to the ground.
The starting point of the measurement is where the dog's neck ends and its back begins. Simply calculate the straight-line distance from that point to the ground, while the dog remains standing with its legs straight.
Is the Poodle suitable as a first dog?
The Poodle is perfect as a first dog! It has a very good nature, is extremely intelligent, and is easily trained.
It's perfect for families with children and less active elderly people, but more athletic owners can also enjoy many adventures by choosing the Medium Poodle and the Standard Poodle instead of the Toy Poodle and the Miniature Poodle.
What are the sizes of the Poodle?
There are 4 different sizes:
Toy Poodle: height at the withers 23-28 cm, ideal weight 3-5 kg.
Miniature Poodle: height at the withers 28 – 35 cm, ideal weight 7-8 kg.
Medium Poodle (or moyen poodle): height 35-45 cm, ideal weight 12/14 kg.
Standard Poodle: height 45-60 cm (with a maximum excess of 2 cm), ideal weight 22/24 kg.
The Mini Toy breed does not exist; it is actually a Poodle that is undersized or has growth issues. A height under 23 cm is not accepted by the FCI and ENCI.
Where did the Poodle originate?
It is said that this breed originated in France, but it seems to have been present in Germany in earlier times.
In fact, it appears that the name Poodle comes from the German archaic word "Pudel," which means "to splash about."
Why does the Poodle shed hair?
If a Poodle begins to shed hair, there is definitely a problem. It could be due to dermatitis, food allergies, hair parasites, and other diseases.
If this occurs, the dog should be taken to the vet. Hair loss can be a symptom of very serious illnesses, such as the feared Cushing's disease.
Why does the Poodle smell?
In this case, too, there must be an underlying issue. Poodles should not smell bad, and dogs do not suffer from bad breath, so it could be a dental problem or a disease.
Excluding the usual dog odors or dirtiness, a smelly Poodle should be taken to the vet as it could be suffering from a serious condition like leishmaniasis or a skin disease.
Why does the Poodle scratch itself?
The most likely causes of compulsive scratching in Poodles are the presence of parasites, a skin disease, and food allergies.
In the first two cases, the diagnosis should be simple (presence of fleas or signs of scratches on the skin or other manifestations of the disease), but for allergies, a specific approach with the vet will need to be followed.
The most common causes of compulsive scratching in Poodles include the presence of parasites, skin diseases, and food allergies.
In the case of parasites or visible skin conditions, diagnosis should be relatively straightforward. However, identifying and managing allergies may require a more detailed investigation and management plan with a veterinarian.
Why is the Poodle called that?
The name Poodle comes from the French word "Caniche," which itself is derived from "canard," meaning duck.
This is because the Poodle was used for hunting and retrieving in water, specifically for small water game and, indeed, ducks.
Why does the Poodle vomit?
If by vomiting you mean regurgitated food, which the dog generally tries to re-eat, it's not a concern. Nor is it a concern if the vomit is white foam, as vomiting can have dietary causes.
Yellow vomit generally also has dietary causes (food not suitable for dog consumption, or too fatty, or overfeeding, or prolonged fasting).
However, if the dog vomits blood, it could be a sign of internal bleeding. If the vomit is brown, it might indicate an intestinal blockage with regurgitation of feces, while if it contains blue, green, or other strange-colored pieces, it could be poisoning.
If any of these conditions occur, the Poodle should be taken to the vet immediately.
To learn more about dog poisoning, read here!
Why does the Poodle tremble?
Dogs tremble for various reasons, including the most common ones like cold and fear. But they can also tremble from excitement or to tell us they need to go outside for a toilet break.
However, caution is needed when the trembling is accompanied by general malaise, or when it is continuous or occurs even when the dog is relaxed. We might be dealing with an illness or a neurological problem.
The 4 sizes are all essentially the same, with the only difference being their dimensions. In terms of temperament, coat management, and health issues, they are similar across all sizes.
Factors to consider when making a choice might include the need to frequently travel with the Poodle, the level of outdoor physical activity you plan to engage in with him, and possibly the size of your living space.
When does a Poodle become an adult?
Officially, a Poodle becomes an adult between the ages of 1 and 2 years. However, if by adult you mean when they stop growing, small dogs reach their final size around 8-12 months of age.
For larger Poodles, it takes a bit more time, as it does for all large breed dogs. In this case, the dog may stop growing around 18-24 months.
When does a Poodle become curly?
A Poodle's coat does not stabilize until about 6 months of age. For this reason, in the past, the first grooming was typically done around 6 months.
Today, the tendency is to groom a Poodle for the first time around 3 months, but the coat might still be smooth, so if the puppy doesn't come back transformed after the first haircut, there's no need to panic. The surprise will come next time.
When does a Poodle change its teeth?
A Poodle starts losing its milk teeth around 4 months, completing its adult dentition by about 7 months.
You probably won't notice anything because the puppy tends to swallow its teeth, but you will almost certainly notice that it compulsively chews on rubber toys.
When does a Poodle go into heat?
Small Poodle breeds experience their first heat around 6-10 months of age, while for larger breeds, this can significantly delay up to 9-18 months.
As for the annual intervals, the heat cycle occurs regularly about every 6 months, more rarely every 4 or 8 months.
When does a Poodle lose its teeth?
A Poodle starts to lose its teeth around ten years of age. The timing can vary depending on the health of the dog and its oral hygiene. Keeping them clean can delay the onset of tooth loss.
The teeth that fall out in old age continue to do so until about 15-16 years of age. Some geriatric dogs lose all or nearly all of their teeth.
To learn how to brush your dog's teeth, read here.
Can a Poodle stay home alone?
It can, but the Poodle greatly suffers from loneliness and really struggles with being alone at home for many hours.
If the dog must be left alone for long periods, it might be worth considering a second adoption. Poodles also tend to get along very well with cats.
Does the truffle Poodle exist?
In reality, all dogs can be trained as truffle dogs, and the Poodle is no exception; in fact, it's an excellent candidate!
Of course, for true lovers of the precious tuber, a Lagotto Romagnolo might be more suitable, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, your Poodle can also become a talented truffle seeker.
What is the average age of a Poodle?
Poodles are extremely long-lived. If kept healthy, properly fed, and adequately exercised, they can live up to 15-16 years.
However, many Poodles have reached beyond 20 years. Larger sizes have a slightly shorter life expectancy but still live very long lives.
Why does the Poodle have red eyes?
Those unsightly red or brown stains under the eyes are due to various factors. The scientific term is Epiphora, commonly referred to as red tearing.
It can be caused by the blockage of tear ducts, bacteria, food allergies, or a yeast called Malassezia. It's an unpleasant condition to see but can be treated.
To learn more about red tearing, read here.
What is the Japanese Poodle?
It's better to clarify "what it isn’t"! If by "Japanese Poodle" you mean a dog that was born in Japan, then that's fine, but there is no breed called the Japanese Poodle.
Those cute Asian Poodles you see in TikTok videos are groomed with a cut called the "Teddy Bear" or Korean style, which gives the dog's head a round, teddy bear shape.
They are also styled with fashionable accessories and clothes that make them resemble characters from Japanese manga. But you can create the styling with a Poodle that is entirely Made in Italy!
How much exercise does a Poodle need?
Ideally, at least a couple of 30-minute walks per day, but obviously, the amount of exercise can vary based on the size, age, health status, and the current season.
For the Poodle, it might be better, for example, to have 3 walks of 20 minutes each rather than one single 60-minute walk, but the important thing is to take them out daily. They need to be distracted and socialize.
Obviously, if you have a lot of free time, your faithful four-legged friend will be happy to spend many hours outdoors. The Poodle is an active dog, and walking does not tire them out.
