Poodle
The Poodle is an exceptionally intelligent, athletic breed with a distinctive curly coat. Available in Standard (large), Miniature, and Toy sizes. Originally bred as a water retriever in Germany, the Poodle excels in obedience, agility, and as a devoted family companion. Data here reflects the Standard Poodle.
12–15
years lifespan
60–70
lbs (male)
22–27
inches tall (male)
high
energy level
Temperament
How Old Is Your Poodle in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Poodle Age CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Standard Poodles have 8x the risk of mixed breeds — among the highest of any breed. Miniature Poodles have moderate risk. Symptoms are vague (lethargy, vomiting) and often misdiagnosed initially.
Typical onset: 2–7 years
Bloat (GDV)
Life-threatening gastric torsion. Risk is specific to Standard Poodles due to their deep chest. Not a significant concern for Miniature or Toy varieties. Prophylactic gastropexy increasingly recommended for Standards.
Typical onset: 3–10 years
Hip Dysplasia
Joint malformation affecting approximately 12% of Standard Poodles per OFA data. Rare in Miniature and Toy varieties. Standard Poodle-specific screening recommended before breeding.
Typical onset: 1–4 years
Sebaceous Adenitis
Autoimmune skin disease destroying sebaceous glands. Particularly affects Standard Poodles.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Epilepsy
Idiopathic seizures with likely genetic basis. More common in Standard Poodles than Miniature/Toy varieties. Onset typically between 1-5 years. Managed with anticonvulsant medication and seizure diary.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Poodle is 13 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- hip dysplasia
- bloat
- Addison's disease
- epilepsy
- sebaceous adenitis
When Is a Poodle Considered Senior?
Poodles are generally considered senior at around 8 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Poodle’s age in human years →