Medium Poodle

Medium Poodle

Elegant, intelligent and with a coat that barely sheds: the Medium Poodle is the perfect size for those who love the Poodle family in its most versatile form.

Features

Height at the withers
Male: Between 35 and 45 cm.
Female: Between 35 and 45 cm.
Weight
Male: Between 9 and 12 kg.
Female: Between 8 and 11 kg.
Life expectancy
Between 12 and 15 years.
Coat
Curly, dense and hypoallergenic, with very minimal shedding.
Color
Black, white, apricot, brown, grey, red or silver.
Diet
High-quality, balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats, adapted to its activity level.
Care and diseases
Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks; frequent ear cleaning due to predisposition to infections.

Origins

The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, with roots dating back to the 15th century. Its origin is debated: some trace it to Germany, where it was used as a water dog and retriever, while others argue for its development in France, which adopted it as a national symbol. The Medium Poodle represents the intermediate size of the family, officially recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Over the centuries, the Medium Poodle was greatly prized in European courts for its elegance and trainability. Today it remains one of the most popular breeds in the world thanks to its balanced character, superior intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.

Characteristics and aptitudes

The Medium Poodle is widely regarded as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world according to psychologist Stanley Coren, making it exceptionally easy to train. Its curly, dense coat sheds very little hair, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies. It is an active, sociable and well-balanced dog that gets on well with children and other pets. Its medium size makes it versatile: compact enough for apartment living, yet energetic enough to enjoy outdoor activities.

Care

The Medium Poodle needs moderate daily exercise and, above all, constant mental stimulation: it learns tricks, advanced commands and canine sports such as agility with remarkable ease. Grooming is essential: its curly coat grows continuously and requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting and skin infections. Regular ear cleaning is important, as drooping ears can trap moisture and lead to infections.

Most common diseases

The Medium Poodle may be prone to some hereditary conditions worth knowing about:

  • Hip dysplasia: hereditary joint malformation that can cause pain and mobility issues.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): hereditary retinal degeneration that can lead to progressive blindness.
  • Idiopathic epilepsy: hereditary neurological disorder that may manifest as periodic seizures.
  • Addison's disease: adrenal insufficiency affecting hormone production that requires lifelong treatment.

A balanced, high-quality diet is key to your dog's health. Discover our selection of dog food.