Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: The average lifespan of poodles can range from 12 to 15 years, depending on the dog’s size and quality of life. Toy and miniature poodles (which are quite small) can live up to 15 years. The standard poodle (which is the largest type of poodle) can live for about 12 years on average.
As pet owners, one of the most difficult facts we have to accept is that our dogs usually have a short life span. Let’s face it, it’s just the way it is.
Despite our pooches having a fairly short life expectancy, this doesn’t necessarily mean that we cannot maximize the time we have with our dogs! Being a pet parent indicates that you are responsible enough to handle and take care of your four-legged friends.
One particular canine breed that has renowned quite a reputation for being one of the breeds with a rather long life in terms of average dog years is the poodle. Not only that, but it also has been popularly known as one of the smartest dog breeds out there, ranking one rank below the Border Collie.
The Poodle is also a breed that comes in three varieties: Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and the Toy Poodle.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Standard Poodle is known to be the oldest of the three varieties and was later bred down to the average miniature and toy sizes. Standard poodles also have established a reputation for being hunting and working dogs, while miniature and toy poodles are best known as companions.
Temperament and Behavior
Poodles are highly regarded for their ease of training, as they are most of the time lively and fun-loving breed of dog. Because of this, they tend to constantly seek attention and care, which can result in unwanted behaviors, such as barking, when their antics are ignored. However, obedience training does come practically handy, as poodles take commands quite well.
They also require constant physical and mental activities and have been proven to be loyal and devoted canine friends when treated with the right care and attention. Around the house, they are usually calm and quiet and can be quite protective when danger comes near their pet parents.
It’s also worth mentioning that the smaller type of poodles can be aggressive to people outside the family’s household circle.
Additionally, keep in mind that this breed is still known to be a hunting dog, and it is in its nature to be exposed outdoors. Exercise and proper diet are still key to maintaining a healthy body, which leads us to our next subject.
Appearance and Coat Colors
This canine breed is also known to exist in many coat colors and is widely known for being active, intelligent, and elegant. For its appearance, their eyes are dark and oval in shape, and they tend to have an alert and intelligent expression. Also, contrary to the reputation of most dogs, poodles have a single-layer coat composed of dense and curly fur and have a wide variety of colors, such as white, black, brown, blue, gray, silver, silver beige, cream, apricot, and red, with other patterns.
The Best Poodle For You
Some studies prove that different types of this dog breed can require adequate special needs.
For people who like to have peace and quiet around the house, a toy poodle could be a great option. They require the least amount of exercise and can exist perfectly well in households with much smaller spaces.
Miniature poodles, on the other hand, are a bit more to handle than toy poodles. They are also not recommended for households with younger children.
And lastly, standard poodles are the most active of the bunch, and can be demanding in terms of space and physical activities. Their highly energetic tendencies have proven to be useful in both sports and outdoor errands and commands.
It’s also important to take note that as a pet owner, you are responsible for grooming this breed intensely because of their thick coats.
Health and Lifespan
This probably is the section you are most interested in, so allow me to break down the life expectancy for a specific poodle size.
For the toy poodle, they are expected to live around 15 years. For the miniature poodle, 15 years is also the expected duration. As for the standard poodle, the year range you are going to want to look into is 12 years, with 11 to 13 years considered normal.
Now I can almost hear the thoughts in your head.
“Why are there different life spans for the same breed?”
“Why does the standard poodle live shorter?”
“What affects a poodle’s health”?
Those, my friend, are very interesting questions. Allow me to expound.
With the average poodle’s health and life span being mentioned above, you may notice that it depends on the size of your poodle.
Depending on the quality of life, there is an extensive study done by the University of Georgia which spanned 20 years. They examined the causes of death of over 74 thousand dogs of all breeds.
For the poodle, they were able to find out certain health issues that commonly affect the breed and its form of living.
To name a few are Addison’s Disease (not often fatal), bloat, thyroid issues, tracheal collapse (usually found in toy poodles), epilepsy, Cushing’s disease, cancer, and hip dysplasia.
Prolonging Your Dog’s Life
Just like with any other dog breed, the quality of life of your poodle must be preserved in the longest amount of time possible. For starters, ensure that your dog is well-fed, hydrated, and gets a decent amount of exercise. By doing so, you are ensuring that they stay active while getting all of the important nutrients they need.
Next, consider paying your veterinarian a constant visit to look for potential health issues or potential maintenance concerns. A licensed veterinarian is always your best option whenever faced with uncertain scenarios in your poodle’s daily activity and lifestyle.
And of course, one of the keys to a healthy life is to constantly spend time with your dog, They aren’t called “man’s best friend” for nothing. Go out for daily walks and jogs at the park, and ensure that proper care is practiced.
Conclusion
We all want our dogs to live for as long as they can. With the above-mentioned tips and information, I hope I was able to help you out in maximizing your experience and bonding with your poodle, and may it help you spend more time in understanding and investing in one of the smartest dog breeds known to man!
