Poodle Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Poodle lives 12–15 years, with a median of 13 years.
The Standard Poodle is a remarkably intelligent, athletic dog beneath its elegant appearance. Originally bred as a water retriever, Poodles are exceptional learners with a proud bearing and playful personality. Their hypoallergenic curly coat requires regular grooming but sheds very little.
12–15
years lifespan
60–70
lbs (male)
22–27
inches tall (male)
high
energy level
How Long Do Poodles Live?
Poodles have a lifespan of 12–15 years, with a median of 13 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Poodle lives:
- Addison's disease
- bloat/GDV
- hip dysplasia
- cancer predisposition
- genetic diversity
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 CalculatorPoodle Size & Weight
60–70 lbs
Male weight
40–50 lbs
Female weight
22–27″
Male height
22–27″
Female height
Size category: large · Group: Non-Sporting
Common Poodle Health Problems
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
The adrenal glands produce insufficient hormones. Standard Poodles have a strong genetic predisposition. Can be life-threatening if undiagnosed but is manageable with lifelong medication once identified.
Typical onset: 2–7 years
Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Stomach distends with gas and may twist, cutting off blood supply. Standard Poodles' deep chest makes them highly susceptible. Requires emergency surgery if torsion occurs.
Typical onset: 1–15 years
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal hip joint development leading to arthritis and pain. Less common than in some large breeds but still a significant concern in Standard Poodles.
Typical onset: 1–2 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Inherited degeneration of the retina leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. DNA testing is available for the prcd-PRA variant common in Poodles.
Typical onset: 3–5 years
Sebaceous Adenitis
Inflammatory disease destroying the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, causing hair loss and skin scaling. Particularly prevalent in Standard Poodles.
Typical onset: 2–5 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Poodles:
- Hip evaluation (OFA)
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (PRA/CERF)
- PRA DNA test (prcd-PRA)
- Baseline cortisol (Addison's screening)
- Thyroid panel
Typical Veterinary Costs
Poodles are generally rated medium on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Routine wellness care plus budget for breed-specific screening tests.
When Is a Poodle Considered Senior?
Poodles are generally considered senior at around 9 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 →Poodle Dental Care
Standard Poodles generally have good dental health compared to smaller varieties, but still benefit from consistent home care. Retained puppy teeth should be extracted promptly. Long facial hair can trap food debris — keep muzzle area clean.
Poodle Coat & Grooming
Coat type
curly, non-shedding
Shedding
minimal
Energy
high
Poodle Trainability
Poodles are rated easy to train. They typically calm down around 24 months of age.