14 Surprising Facts About Poodles
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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Poodles are well-known in almost all circles and beloved by many. But how much do most people know about poodles? Could you list 14 facts about them off the top of your head? Well, after you finish this article, you’ll be able to!
Poodles are unique and wonderful pets with a lot of depth that may shock you. Will these facts take you by surprise? Read on to find out!
14 Surprising Poodle Facts
- Poodles are the 7th most popular dog in America.
- Poodles are among the 13 most trainable breeds.
- A poodle has broken a Guinness World Record.
- Around 8.6% of standard poodles are believed to have hypoadrenocorticism.
- Standard poodles have an average of seven puppies per litter.
- While dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, it is even more common in poodles.
- Miniature poodles are among the top five most long-lived dogs.
- Poodles come in three different size variations.
- On average, poodles live to be 10–18 years old.
- Poodles originated from Germany.
- The poodle is the national dog of France.
- Over 400 years ago, the poodle started as a retrieving water dog.
- Adult show dog poodles must have one of two specific hairdos.
- Poodles need grooming every 3–6 weeks.
Notable Poodle Accomplishments
1. Poodles are the 7th most popular dog in America.
(American Kennel Club).
Each year, the American Kennel Club gathers statistics to determine the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and currently, the poodle is in 7th place overall. Ever since being recognized as an official breed in 1887, the poodle’s popularity has risen to the top ten. These statistics are based on annual registration numbers for the species, which is a good indicator of how many people own poodles.
2. Poodles are among the 13 most trainable breeds.
(American Kennel Club).
Poodles are incredibly clever creatures. Their intelligence, obedience, and hard-working attitude make them excellent candidates for training. For these reasons, the poodle was ranked among the top 13 breeds that are most easy to train. It sounds like the dogs are more than just pretty; they are pretty smart!
3. A poodle has broken a Guinness World Record.
(Modern Dog Magazine).
A standard Poodle named Sailor broke the Guinness World Record for dogs for the fastest 10 meters on a walking globe. The previous record had been around 25 seconds, so that was the number to beat. Sailor completed the task in an astonishing 33.22 seconds!
Sailor also beat a record by climbing a flight of stairs on his hind legs in only 18.19 seconds, but that record has since been broken.
Clearly, poodles can be incredibly talented dogs!
Poodle Health
4. Around 8.6% of standard poodles are believed to have hypoadrenocorticism.
(Universities Federation for Animal Welfare).
A survey discovered that around 8.6% of all standard poodles have hypoadrenocorticism, a condition where the dog has insufficient levels of adrenal hormones. While the root of this issue is not yet evident, it is believed that a genetic component may influence the condition.
The disease can lead to a series of metabolism issues, with possible symptoms being lethargy, weakness, depression, significant weight change, hypothermia, and more. It is a severe problem that can lead to discomfort and pain in dogs, and if you suspect your dog is suffering from hypoadrenocorticism, reach out to a veterinarian immediately.
5. Standard poodles have an average of seven puppies per litter.
(American Kennel Club).
The average litter of puppies for a standard poodle is seven, but that does not mean that the number cannot vary from time to time. In fact, the largest litter size ever recorded for a poodle was a total of 16 puppies!
The miniature poodle and toy poodle have different averages than the standard poodle. The miniature poodle has around five puppies per litter, while the toy poodle generally has about three per litter.
6. While dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, it is even more common in poodles.
(Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital).
According to Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, by the age of 2, 80% of all dogs will have experienced dental disease. Standard poodles are at a heightened risk for dental disease, meaning their chances of developing it are even higher.
When tartar builds up and infects the gums and roots of the teeth, the dental disease has set in. This is a severe condition for dogs, potentially damaging several areas of the body such as the kidneys, heart, joints, and liver. Dental disease may drastically reduce your dog’s life span by 1 to 3 years! Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog suffers from dental disease.
7. Miniature poodles are among the top five most long-lived dogs.
(The Veterinary Journal).
The Veterinary Journal collected records from various veterinary practices, owners, and pet insurance providers to collect their data to determine which dogs have the longest life spans. Out of over 5000 dogs, the Miniature poodle proved to be the most long-lived. These findings may indicate the differences that breeds play in longevity and could be an argument in favor of crossbreeding.
8. Poodles come in three size variations.
(American Kennel Club).
The three size variations include the standard poodle, the miniature poodle, and the toy poodle. The expected size of the standard poodle is 15 inches or taller at the shoulder, while the miniature poodle is 15 inches or lower. The toy poodle does not reach above 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
9. On average, poodles live to be 10–18 years old.
(Hill’s Pet).
The life expectancy of a poodle is, on average, 10–18 years. That means that the poodle can live to be about the average age of most dogs, or it can live a much longer life.
Poodle History
10. Poodles originated from Germany.
(American Kennel Club).
As surprising as it may be, poodles hail from Germany. The poodle’s humble origins began as a duck hunting breed. The German word “pudelin” means splashing in water, which the poodle would often do to retrieve fowl from the bodies of water.
11. The poodle is the national dog of France.
(American Kennel Club).
Although the poodle originally came from Germany, it is the national dog of France. The breed’s simple start as a duck hunting dog soon made way for glamour, as the French nobility were enamored with the dog’s lovely looks. From the French nobility, the poodle eventually spread all over Europe and to America, growing steadily in popularity.
12. Over 400 years ago, the poodle started as a retrieving water dog.
(American Kennel Club).
Centuries ago, the poodle found work as a duck hunting dog, retrieving game from the water. The poodle’s coat is designed for wet work and protects against the cold. The poodle is also an excellent swimmer, which is why it was put to work retrieving ducks.
Poodle Grooming
13. Adult show dog poodles must have one of two specific hairdos.
(American Kennel Club).
Regarding dog competitions, the rules can be incredibly strict, especially for show dogs. For poodles, there are two styles. The first is called the English Saddle, while the other is known as the Continental clip. The English Saddle and the Continental clip require that the tail’s face, throat, forelegs, feet, and base be shaved.
Puffs are left on the forelegs and the end of the tail in the English Saddle, and the hind is covered with short hair. The Continental clip offers the option that the hind quarters may or may not be decorated with pompoms.
14. Poodles need grooming every 3 – 6 weeks.
(Dog Time).
This may not come as a shock to you, but poodle coats require a lot of maintenance. Some pet owners may choose to handle their poodle’s grooming themselves, but many poodle parents prefer to have a professional care for their dog’s coat.
Regardless of how the care is maintained, poodles must undergo extensive grooming every 3 to 6 weeks to keep their coats healthy, clean, and gorgeous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poodles
Do you have more questions about poodles? Take a look at a few frequently asked questions to learn more.
What is the Poodle’s Temperament?
If you are thinking about adding a poodle to your family, you will undoubtedly want to know the breed’s temperament. It is an essential part of deciding whether a dog is the right fit for you.
As mentioned before, poodles are incredibly intelligent. Training them will be vital if you want to keep them mentally stimulated and away from causing mischief. This is doubly important with miniature and toy poodles since they will start to act like they are the boss if they are not taught to know better!
Poodles are playful, friendly, and energetic. They love playing with children and make for great family pups. (Veterinarians.org)
What Are Common Poodle Colors?
There are plenty of colors for poodle coats.
- Black
- White
- Silver
- Brown
- Gray
- Sable
- Red
- Blue
- Cream
- Apricot
- Café-au-lait
Poodles can also be found in a combination of these colors, such as black and white poodles or parti poodles, which are a combination of various colors. (Pawlicy Advisor).
How Much Does a Poodle Cost?
As many pet owners already know, dogs are not cheap. Generally, poodles can cost around $1,000 when sourced from a trusted breeder. For toy poodles, the number can get as high as $2,000 or more.
If you purchase a breed standard poodle, the price can shoot to over $5,000. (Veterinarians.org)
What Is the Average Cost Per Year of Owning a Poodle?
The cost of a dog doesn’t stop after making a purchase. Annually, poodles can cost an average of $1,400 per year. This number was calculated by combining average expenses for healthcare ($300), grooming and boarding ($400), food ($450), and miscellaneous expenses ($250). Dogs are a long-term financial responsibility, so ensure you can meet their needs before making a purchase. (Pet Coach)
What Are Some Popular Poodle Mixes?
Since poodles are such lovely dogs, it is no surprise that they are often mixed with other breeds to create unique and stunning dogs. Some popular poodle mixes include the Goldendoodle, a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle, and a Maltipoo, a mix between a Maltese and a poodle.
(Canine journal)
Conclusion
Poodles are unique and fabulous dogs and one of the most popular breeds in the United States. However, there is so much more to them than their looks, such as their keen intelligence and dazzling personalities. With their rich history and bright future, it is only natural that poodles would be so beloved today.
Featured Image Credit: Anna K Majer, Shutterstock
