Overview
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Size: Small to Medium (10-18 inches in height)
- Maintenance Level: Medium
- Shed Level: Low
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Sweet-Natured
- Friendliness: High
- Barking Tendency: Moderate
- Coat Colours: Variety of colours including cream, white, red, chocolate, and black
Best For
- Families or individuals seeking a smart and affectionate pet
- Those who prefer a dog with low-shedding fur
Appearance
- Height varies (10-18 inches) depending on Poodle parent size
- Weight ranges between 7-10 kilograms
- Can have either long-haired or short-haired coats
- Two distinct skull shapes: “apple head” and “deer head”
Temperament
- Exuberant, friendly, and enjoys companionship
- Great with children, but interactions should be supervised
- Calm demeanour with a moderate energy level
Care Guide
- Grooming: Requires regular grooming and coat care
- Training: Intelligent and responsive to training
- Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet, watchful for obesity
- Exercise: Moderate exercise, including walks and play
- Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living conditions
Health
- Cataracts: Common in older dogs, surgical removal possible
- Glaucoma: Can lead to blindness if untreated
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Leads to blindness, no cure available
- Hip Dysplasia: Genetic condition, can be managed with medication or surgery
- Obesity: Prone to weight gain, requires diet management
Additional Information
- Feeding Recommendations: AAFCO-approved food, appropriate for life stage
- Training Challenges: Generally easy to train, positive reinforcement recommended
- Grooming Needs: Frequent grooming, especially for long-haired varieties
- Good Family Dog: Yes, especially in households that can provide attention and care
- Intelligence: High, inherits intelligence from Poodle lineage
- Energy Level: Moderate, requires daily exercise but not overly demanding
- Suitability for Allergy Sufferers: More allergen-friendly than many breeds
Grooming Guide
- Skin Care: Regular baths and grooming to maintain coat health
- Coat Care: Brushing frequency depends on coat type
- Ear Care: Regular cleaning, especially for long-eared dogs
- Eye Care: Regular checks for signs of eye problems