The big poodle dog is a magnificent breed that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. They have a thick, curly coat that sheds very little.
The standard poodle is the largest of the three poodle sizes, weighing between 40-70 pounds and standing between 15-20 inches tall at the shoulder. This size makes them a popular choice as family pets.
To keep their coat looking its best, big poodle dogs need to be brushed several times a week. They also require regular trimming to prevent overgrowth of their fur.
Characteristics and History
The big poodle dog is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They tend to have high energy and intelligence, making them perfect for an active lifestyle.
Poodles are generally good with kids and even open to meeting strangers if socialized properly. However, they do have a tendency to bark, but it's not excessive.
Here's a summary of their temperament:
Despite their friendly nature, poodles have a rich history that dates back over 400 years to Germany. The breed's name comes from the German word for puddle, and they were originally used for duck hunting due to their intelligence and ability to swim.
Characteristics of the
Poodles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They tend to be high energy and intelligent, which makes them perfect for an active lifestyle.
Poodles are generally good with kids, so if you have a family, they're a great choice. They're also open to meeting strangers if socialized properly, making them a great addition to any household.
One of the standout characteristics of poodles is their high affection level. They love people and love to be around them, which makes them a great companion.
Here are some key characteristics of poodles at a glance:
As you can see, poodles are highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
History of the
The history of the poodle is a fascinating one. Poodles actually originated in Germany, not France, and their name comes from the German word for puddle.
These early German poodles were skilled retrievers, particularly in water. They were used by hunters to retrieve waterfowl, such as ducks.
Their intelligence and ability to swim made them ideal companions for hunters. Their coat protected them from the elements, and their distinctive haircut was given to them by hunters to improve their range of motion.
The standard poodle was the original form of the breed, and it's still around today. They were also used to find truffles, showing just how versatile these dogs were.
In the early 20th century, the breed was downsized to create the toy poodle, which became a popular companion dog for city dwellers.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of poodle care, and it's essential to get it right to keep your big poodle dog happy and healthy.
Poodles are known for their low-shedding, curly coats that require regular attention to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing your poodle's coat daily is a must, especially since the hair is retained in the coat rather than being shed.
You'll need to brush your poodle at least two to three times per week, and some owners prefer to do it daily to prevent painful matting. Brushing is also a great opportunity to check for any tangles, knots, or matting that can be painful for your dog.
Regular grooming sessions also include trimming and clipping every four to six weeks to keep your poodle's coat looking its best. You can either learn how to do it yourself or take your poodle to a professional groomer.
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect during a regular grooming session:
- Brushing: 2-3 times per week (daily for some owners)
- Trimming and clipping: every 4-6 weeks
- Nail trims: every 4-6 weeks
- Baths: every 4-6 weeks
- Ear cleaning: weekly
- Teeth brushing: daily
By following this grooming routine, you'll be able to keep your big poodle dog's coat in top condition and prevent any potential health issues.
Pros and Cons
Big poodle dogs are a great choice for many families. Generally, they do well with children.
One of the main reasons for this is that poodles are smart and easy to train. They can pick up commands and behaviors quickly, making them a great addition to households with kids.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance grooming option, poodles are a good choice. As a low shedder, they require less frequent brushing and bathing compared to other breeds.
Here are the key pros of big poodle dogs:
- Generally does well with children
- Smart and easy to train
- Low shedder
Pros of
Poodles are often a great choice for families with kids because they generally do well with children.
Their intelligence makes them a breeze to train, and many owners have reported positive experiences with obedience and agility training.
Low-shedding is another significant advantage, making them a great option for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
Here are some key pros of Poodles in a nutshell:
- Generally does well with children
- Smart and easy to train
- Low shedder
Cons
Poodles can be a handful, and here are some of the downsides to consider.
They require a significant amount of grooming, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Poodles need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared to take them out for a walk or run every day.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance pet, a poodle might not be the best choice.
Here are some specific things to keep in mind:
- Requires a significant amount of grooming
- Requires sufficient daily exercise
- Needs lots of attention
Temperament and Training
Poodles are known for their friendly, playful, and responsive nature, making them ideal family dogs. They are highly intelligent and adaptable, which means they can thrive in busy households.
Poodles are initially wary of strangers, but with proper socialization, they become friendly and good with children. Their strong territorial instinct can lead to barking at visitors, so it's essential to train this aspect of their character.
One of the most trainable breeds, Poodles respond well to consistent training and positive reinforcement. They love to learn and excel in canine sports, such as agility and obedience.
To keep your Poodle happy and mentally stimulated, provide them with at least an hour of physical exercise daily, including two good walks. They also enjoy exploring a well-fenced garden and engaging in activities that test their intelligence, such as hide and seek or tracking training.
Here are some fun activities to keep your Poodle engaged:
- Hide and seek or tracking training to test their strong sense of smell and hunting instinct
- Dog puzzles to keep their brain power active
- Agility and obedience training courses to give their energetic minds and bodies a workout
- Games like Flyball, a competitive canine relay that involves teams of dogs collecting balls from a Flyball box
Poodles are natural show-offs and love being the centre of attention, so making them part of your daily exercise routine or family activity will keep them content. With proper training and care, your Poodle will be a loyal and loving member of your family.
Nutrition
A big Poodle dog requires careful consideration when it comes to their diet.
To determine the right amount of food for your Poodle, you'll want to consider their size. Standard Poodles have a much bigger appetite and capacity than Toy Poodles.
Feeding your adult Poodle twice a day is a good idea to spread their daily calorie intake. This can help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of bloating.
Poodles are a hardy breed, but Standard Poodles can be prone to bloating. Smaller, more frequent meals can help mitigate this risk. Consult with your vet for advice on meal frequency and amounts.
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for your Poodle's overall health. Look for a feed that meets all of their nutritional requirements. As an active breed, Poodles need a sufficient quantity of good quality protein.
Buying or Rehoming
If you're considering bringing a big Poodle dog into your life, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the decision.
First and foremost, Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. All share the same personality characteristics, so don't worry about which size you'll be getting - they're all great companions.
Poodles are known for being friendly, playful, and easy-going, making them a great fit for families with children. They're also great with other pets, especially if socialised early in their development.
One of the best things about Poodles is their intelligence. They're one of the most intelligent breeds out there, and they love to learn. This means they're highly trainable, and with some patience and practice, you can teach them all sorts of cool tricks.
However, with great intelligence comes great responsibility. Poodles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. If left to their own devices, they can start to show destructive behaviour.
If you do decide to bring a big Poodle into your life, be prepared for some serious grooming. Their thick, curly coats are high maintenance and require daily grooming as well as regular visits to a professional groomer.
Here are some key things to consider when buying or rehoming a Poodle:
- Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
- Be fussy about the breeder you choose - 'Lucy's Law' dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue.
- Poodles are hypoallergenic, but their high maintenance coats require regular grooming.
By doing your research and being prepared, you can bring a big Poodle into your life and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your new furry friend.
Specific Breeds
Let's talk about the specific breeds of big poodles. The Standard Poodle is one of the most recognizable breeds, known for its intelligence and trainability. It's often considered the largest of the big poodle breeds, growing up to 20 inches tall.
The Toy Poodle is another popular breed, weighing in at just 6-14 pounds. They're often considered the smallest of the big poodle breeds, but don't let their size fool you - they're just as intelligent and loyal as their larger counterparts.
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Mix vs Doodle
A Poodle mix is simply known as a Doodle, which is a cross between a purebred Poodle and another breed. This is a matter of semantics, as the term "Doodle" refers specifically to the Poodle side of the mix.
The term "Doodle" is used similarly with other cross breeds, such as the Cavapoo and the Maltipoo. This means that a Labradoodle is indeed a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.
Here are some examples of Doodles:
- Labradoodle: a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle
- Cavapoo: a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle
- Maltipoo: a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle
- Bernedoodle: a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle
Schnauzer Mix
Schnoodles are wonderful companions that are very affectionate and loyal to their families.
They come in three sizes—Miniature, Standard, and Giant—so the Schnoodle can vary greatly in height and weight.
If you adopt a Giant Schnoodle, be prepared for a dog that likes to dominate and requires an owner who can be firm and show the dog who’s boss.
These dogs also tend to bark often, so you should work with your pet from an early age to curb that behavior.
The Schnoodle may be best suited for experienced dog owners who are comfortable training their dogs.
If you are a beginner Schnoodle owner, you may want to consider hiring a professional dog trainer to work with your pet.
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Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, and they come in various sizes based on the Poodle parent, ranging from 12–29 inches tall.
They can weigh anywhere from 10–90 pounds, making them a versatile breed for different living situations.
Bernedoodles tend to inherit the good qualities of both parent breeds, often being loyal dogs that enjoy having a job to do.
However, they can be a little bit goofy at times, so be prepared for some entertaining moments.
With proper socialization, Bernedoodles can get along well with children, strangers, and other pets.
But don't be surprised if you encounter a stubborn Bernedoodle – it's just part of their charming personality.
Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog)
The Sheepadoodle is a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. They're known for being good-natured and laid-back, making them a great addition to many families.
Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12-15 years. This is likely due to the longevity of both parent breeds.
Sheepadoodles can grow to be quite large, with a height of 16-22 inches. Some may even reach up to 80-100 pounds in weight.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them well-suited for activities like obedience and agility.
Newfypoo (Newfoundland)
The Newfypoo is a large dog, regardless of the size of the Poodle parent, thanks to the large size of the Newfoundland.
They are usually gentle, loving dogs that make good companions for children.
Due to their patient nature, they may be good companions for young children who respect the dog’s boundaries and space.
Unfortunately, Newfypoos have shorter lifespans than many other Poodle mixes due to the short lifespan of their giant parent.
Shepadoodle (German Shepherd)
The Shepadoodle (German Shepherd) is a rare and newer generation of Poodle mix breeds. They can get quite large, reaching up to 90 pounds, and are likely heavy shedders.
Shepadoodles are intelligent and courageous, just like their German Shepherd parent. They are high energy dogs that require firm and consistent handling to show them who's in charge.
In terms of training, Shepadoodles are intelligent and should be easy to train, but they can be slow to reach maturity. This makes them unsuitable pets for first-time dog owners and families with young children.
If you're considering a Shepadoodle as a pet, be prepared for a larger dog with high energy levels. They are not for everyone, but for the right owner, they can make a loyal and loving companion.
Here are some key characteristics of the Shepadoodle breed:
Pyredoodle (Great Pyrenees)
The Pyredoodle (Great Pyrenees) is a large dog that can reach and sometimes exceed 100 pounds when fully grown.
They have shorter lifespans than most dogs due to their Great Pyrenees parent.
These dogs are protective when needed but are usually laid-back and gentle, making them a good match for families with children.
They are prone to wandering, so it's essential to keep them in large, fenced-in properties to prevent escape.
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Great Danoodle
The Great Danoodle is a unique breed that combines the gentle giant of the Great Dane with the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle. This mix can result in a dog that exceeds 100 pounds and 30 inches tall.
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One thing to keep in mind is that Great Danoodles can be nervous if not properly socialized, so early socialization is critical. This is especially important if you're considering bringing a Great Danoodle into a household with young children.
They make excellent guard dogs and are generally gentle, even with kids. Their calm nature and low to moderate exercise needs make them a good pick for lower-activity homes.
Here are some key stats to consider:
Their relatively calm nature makes them a good fit for families with young children, but remember that Great Danoodles can be stubborn, so be prepared for a challenge.
Akidoodle (Akita)
The Akidoodle can be a handful due to the stubborn nature of the Akita, making them more suitable for experienced dog owners.
They can be wary of strangers, which is a great trait for a watchdog.
Regular grooming at home is a must to prevent matting and tangling of their full coat.
Early socialization and training are crucial to prevent problems later in life, so be prepared to put in the work.
They may require regular trips to the groomer, which can add up over time, so factor that into your budget.
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General Information
A big Poodle dog can have a varying size and weight, depending on the characteristics of its parents, with a standard Poodle producing larger pups than a Toy Poodle.
The size of a big Poodle dog can greatly vary, and it's essential to ask questions about its Poodle parent to get an idea of what to expect.
A standard Poodle will produce pups that are larger than those of a Toy Poodle, which can make a big difference in the overall size of the dog.
Size and weight are crucial factors to consider when bringing a big Poodle dog into your home, as they can impact the amount of exercise and space it requires.
Consider reading: Moyen vs Standard Poodle
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the big poodle dogs called?
The large poodle is also known as the King or Giant Poodle.
What is a king poodle?
A "king poodle" is a marketing term for a very large standard poodle, often used by breeders. It's not a recognized breed, but rather a colloquialism for exceptionally large poodles.
Are giant Poodles friendly?
Giant Poodles are generally friendly and loving, especially with proper socialization from an early age. They make great family pets, getting along well with children and other animals.
Is a Standard Poodle a good dog?
Standard Poodles make excellent family pets, being loyal, loving, and great with children. They're also relatively easy to socialize, making them a wonderful addition to many households
Do standard Poodles bark a lot?
Standard Poodles are known to be frequent barkers, regardless of their size. While not all Poodles bark excessively, many owners report that their Standard Poodles are prone to barking.
Sources
- 50 Popular Poodle Mixes & Doodle Cross Breeds (with ... (dogster.com)
- Poodle (Standard) - Dog Breeds (akc.org)
- The Poodle Club of America (poodleclubofamerica.org)
- Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation (poodleclubofamericarescuefoundationinc.org)
- Poodle Mixes: 20 Amazing Fluffy Doodle Breeds | Pet Side (petside.com)
- Poodle: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (petplan.co.uk)
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