Poodles Breed Information Puppies and Breeders Australia

Poodles are popular, intelligent and elegant dogs with a curly, non-shedding coat and a temperament that can make them a great companion and family pet. They were originally bred in Europe as a water retriever and in Germany were known as ‘Pudelin’ which means ‘to splash’. Poodles are generally classified into three different types according to size -the ‘Toy’, the ‘Miniature’, and the ‘Standard’ Poodle.

Toy Poodles are very tiny, up to about 28cm (11inches) at the shoulder. Sometimes they are called ‘Teacup Poodles’ but according to the Poodle Club of Victoria this is not a true registered name but a marketing ploy. The Club also states that these tiny dogs are fragile and may have health problems which contribute to their small size.

The Miniature Poodle ranges from 28 to 38cms (11-15 inches) in height and is sturdier than the Toy. These dogs make a great family pet and can live quite happily in a flat or apartment.

Standard Poodles are quite large, usually ranging from 38 to 69cms (15-27 inches), but they have no upper height limit according to the Breeding Standard. Sometimes they are referred to as Royal Standards, but again the Poodle Club suggests this is a marketing gimmick. 

Buying a Poodle:

Choosing a Poodle depends on whether you want a pet or a show animal. Some Poodles that do not meet the Breed Standard for shows or registered breeding can make great pets. For people living in a flat or apartment, the Toy or Miniature may be suitable. However the Toy can be a fragile dog, and may not suit a ‘rough and tumble’ family existence.

General Features

• Intelligent, companionable and energetic.
• Even temperament.
• Non-shedding coat makes them a good option for those with allergies.
• Adaptability and versatility.
• Range of colours and sizes.
• Require regular grooming and clipping since they do not shed.

As well as being pets and show dogs, poodles can make great therapy pets and may even be used in hunting.

Training

Like all pet dogs, Poodles need proper training to channel their energy, develop their temperament and to teach what is expected of them. An untrained dog may display nuisance behaviours such as excessive barking, chewing objects, digging up the garden and running away. A reputable and ethical breeder should be willing to assist you should you experience any of these problems. A dog obedience club should also be able to help with training of your Poodle.

Grooming a Poodle

Like all dogs, Poodles benefit from a good regular brushing, as well as flea removal if necessary. Since poodles do not shed their coats they require regular clipping. This can be something you can learn to do yourself or get done by a professional groomer.

Possible genetic health problems

• Hip dysplasia.
• Eye diseases such as cataracts.
• Epileptic seizures.
• Standard Poodle -gastric bloat, skin disorders and auto-immune diseases.
• Miniature -problems of the knees, hips and thyroid.
• Toy -disease of the hip joint, loose knee caps.

The Poodle Club of Victoria recommends only buying a puppy from a breeder who is willing to supply a health guarantee, to test breeding stock for known hereditary diseases and who breeds with the aim of decreasing these problems.