Pet insurance for Poodles

Ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, Poodles are easy to train and eager to please.² They excel at agility, obedience and even trick training.

Whether it’s a game of fetch or learning a new command, Poodles thrive when they’re mentally and physically engaged. They form strong bonds with their humans and often become quite attached. They love being part of the family and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

Poodles can make excellent watchdogs, as they’re not aggressive, but they’ll alert you if something is not quite right. Poodles are known for picking up on their owners’ moods and can be remarkably gentle with children and older adults when properly socialised. Their intelligence and sensitivity also mean they do best with positive reinforcement.

Toy Poodles are a small-size dogs, weighing between 2 and 4.5 kilograms.³ Smaller toy Poodles (also known as teacup Poodles) can weigh under three kilograms, but major kennels don’t recognise them as a breed standard due to the ethical issues surrounding breeding such small dogs. They’re ideal for apartment living and can live to 14-18 years old, making them one of the longest-lived varieties.

Miniature Poodles are slightly bigger, weighing around five to nine kilograms.⁴ They’re still small enough for urban homes but a little sturdier than the Toy variety. Their average lifespan is about 14 to 17 years.

Standard Poodles are the largest, weighing between 18 and 32 kilograms.⁵ Standard Poodles tend to be more athletic and need more physical activity and exercise. They live slightly shorter lives than mini and toy Poodles, typically between 12 and 15 years, but are renowned for their elegance, loyalty, and strong family bonds.

More common in standard Poodles, hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that leads to looseness and eventual arthritis.⁶ It can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility over time. Management of hip dysplasia includes weight control, joint supplements, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

PRA is a genetic eye disorder affecting all sizes of Poodles.⁶ It causes gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to vision loss and eventual blindness. While there’s no cure, early diagnosis can help owners manage changes in the dog’s environment.

A hormone deficiency caused by improper adrenal gland function, symptoms of Addison’s disease include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, and collapse in severe cases.⁶ The condition requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy and regular blood work, and it can be life-threatening if untreated.

Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place.⁷ It’s common in all Poodle sizes, especially toy and miniature Poodles, and causes intermittent skipping, limping, or lameness. Treatment ranges from monitoring to corrective surgery, depending on severity.

Sebaceous adenitis is an autoimmune skin disease where oil glands are damaged or destroyed.⁷ It leads to dry skin, scaling, and hair loss, especially in standard Poodles. However, it can be managed with medicated baths, supplements and, in some cases, immunosuppressive medications.

Caused by overproduction of cortisol (often due to pituitary or adrenal tumours), signs of Cushing’s disease include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as hair loss and a pot-bellied appearance.⁷ It requires ongoing medication and routine blood testing to manage hormone levels.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition causing recurring seizures.⁶ It may start in young adulthood and require long-term medication, as well as regular monitoring to help maintain quality of life.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) .⁷ Symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, coat thinning or behavioural changes. It’s diagnosed via blood tests and managed with daily thyroid medication.

Bloat is a life-threatening condition, most often seen in standard Poodles.⁶ It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off circulation; symptoms include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and collapse. Bloat requires immediate emergency surgery to rectify.

Ear infections are common in Poodles due to their floppy, hairy ears that retain moisture.⁷ Signs include redness, odour, discharge, and frequent head shaking or scratching, but ear infections can be prevented with regular ear cleaning and grooming.

Dental disease is especially common in toy and miniature Poodles due to their small, crowded teeth.⁷ It can lead to tartar buildup, gum disease, tooth loss and potentially systemic infections. You can manage the risks of dental disease in your Poodle with regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings.