A light-coloured curly-coated Poodle sitting on a red bench.

A light-coloured curly-coated Poodle sitting on a red bench.

Laliv g, Bell Poodle Dog 2021.jpg, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bell_Poodle_Dog_2021.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. No source-file edits; display resizing/cropping only.

Laliv g · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image source

Breed or variety record

Poodle

dog breed

Part of Dog

Explore the Poodle in The Ark Is Earth's educational archive.

Summary

The Poodle began as a water dog used for wildfowling and retrieving. Its athletic build and quick learning made it useful in the field, while its friendly, joyful, and loyal character helped it become a popular companion. Poodles are also successful in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. FCI recognizes standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes within the breed.

Quick facts

  • Size: FCI recognizes four sizes; the AKC Standard Poodle profile lists dogs over 15 inches tall, with standard males at 60–70 pounds and females at 40–50 pounds.
  • Coat: The dense curly coat comes in several solid colours, including black, white, brown, grey, and fawn shades.
  • Lifespan: The AKC lists a typical life expectancy of 10–18 years.
  • Working style: Loyal, joyful, and highly trainable, Poodles enjoy retrieving, learning tricks, and active games.

Sources

Species context

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)