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Poodle
Non-Sporting breed from Germany, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Poodle
The Poodle is a large, curly-coated breed known for its intelligence, athleticism, and alert, confident demeanor. It is loyal and eager to please, making it highly trainable. The coat is curly and low-shedding, but requires extensive grooming. While individual temperaments vary, the breed is generally well-suited to families with children and other dogs, and can adapt to apartment living with sufficient exercise. Energy level is high, so daily physical and mental stimulation is important. Estimated adult weight ranges from 20 to 32 kg, height from 45 to 61 cm, and lifespan from 10 to 18 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
Quick facts
Poodle at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupNon-Sporting
OriginGermany, France
Lifespan10–18 years
Male weight20–32 kilogram
Female weight20–32 kilogram
Male height45–61 centimetre
Female height45–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Poodle's origins are traced to Germany, where it was developed as a water retrieving dog. The breed's name is derived from the German word 'pudelin,' meaning 'to splash in the water.' Later, the breed was standardized and refined in France, where it became a popular companion dog. It is considered one of the oldest hunting dogs and is recognized globally for its intelligence and versatility. The breed is classified in the Non-Sporting Group, though recognition status varies by registry. No specific dates or historical events are available from the supplied facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
20–32 kilogramAdult weight45–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesCurlyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentathleticalertconfidentloyaleager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Poodle-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 5
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Poodle puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight20–32 kilogramAdult female weight20–32 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Poodle?
The Poodle is a large breed. Estimated adult weight is 20–32 kg for both males and females, and height is 45–61 cm. Estimated lifespan is 10–18 years. These are modelled estimates and individual dogs may vary.
What is the Poodle's temperament like?
The breed is described as intelligent, athletic, alert, confident, loyal, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may differ; not every Poodle will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Poodle need?
The Poodle has a high energy level (score 4 out of 5). It requires regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and well-behaved.
What are the grooming requirements for a Poodle?
Grooming needs are very high (score 5 out of 5). The curly coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting. Shedding is minimal (score 1 out of 5).
Is a Poodle good for families and other pets?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for dog compatibility, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament varies.
Can a Poodle live in an apartment?
Yes, the breed scores 4 out of 5 for apartment suitability, indicating it can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Where did the Poodle originate?
The Poodle originated in Germany as a water retriever, with the name coming from the German 'pudelin' meaning 'to splash.' It was later refined and popularized in France. The breed is classified in the Non-Sporting Group, but recognition status varies by registry.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.