Growing up, my family had a Miniature Poodle named Duffy. Small in stature but big in personality, Duffy was intelligent, outgoing, and independent. He lived to the age of 12—the average lifespan for Standard Poodles and slightly under average for miniatures. And while he had terrible teeth and truly horrible breath, he was a pretty healthy dog overall.
Are you interested in bringing a Poodle into your home? Or you may already have this breed and want to learn more about Poodle life expectancy and ways to help your pooch live longer. The good news? Poodles are considered a robust breed with very few health issue.
Poodle Breed
Contents
Originally duck retrievers in their homeland of Germany, the German name “pudel” actually means “to splash about.” Today, the Poodle is loved for their superior intelligence and trainability, playful yet regal nature, and—of course—their resplendent coats.
Despite their tight, curly coats, Poodles are very low shedders. This low-shedding trait makes the breed ideal for allergy sufferers and is one of the reasons the Poodle is a popular choice for cross-breeding. Today, there are more than 50 Poodle mixes, or “doodles,” including the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Doxiepoo, Jackapoo, and Shihpoo.
The Poodle has three varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. The Standard Poodle is the oldest type and also the largest. These pups reach over 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. The Miniature Poodle is much smaller, averaging 10 to 15 inches tall and weighing 12 to 15 pounds. Finally, the Toy Poodle measures a mere 10 inches tall (or less) and weighs between five and 10 pounds.
How Long Do Poodles Live?
Generally, small dogs of any breed tend to live longer than large ones. The same is the case for Poodles. Standard Poodles live 12 years on average. The Miniature Poodle’s lifespan tends to be slightly longer—around 14 years. Toy Poodles have the longest life expectancy at about 16 years.
Other factors besides size play into longevity, including genetic makeup, nutrition, and exercise. With proper care and attention to a healthful lifestyle, you may be able to extend your Poodle’s lifespan.
Cicci, a Poodle-Volpino mix, was just a day shy of 24 years old when he passed in January 2023. A Toy Poodle named Uncle Chichi was the unofficial world’s oldest dog until 2012. Due to lost birth records, Chichi was never recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records; however, his owners estimate he was between 24 and 26 years old when he died.
Of course, there’s also Lady the Poodle. Dubbed one of the original oldest dogs, Lady was said to have been born in 1908 and reached a record-setting 28 years old—though there is limited information to verify this claim.
6 Health Conditions That Impact Poodle Lifespan
1. Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease is a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms include:
- Dehydration or increased thirst
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Shaking
- Slow heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Addison’s Disease is not curable but can be successfully treated with daily oral medication.
2. Canine Bloat
Deep-chested breeds like the Standard Poodle are prone to bloat. Canine bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), occurs when gas gets trapped inside a dog’s stomach and leads to swelling. This painful condition can disrupt blood flow and breathing. It has a 20% mortality rate—even with surgical intervention.
Signs of GDV include abdominal distention (stomach swelling), lethargy, retching, and non-productive vomiting.
For dogs predisposed to developing GDV, consider the following preventative tips:
- Feed bite-sized meals throughout the day rather than one large meal
- Limit water at mealtime to prevent stomach expansion
- Avoid exercise before or after meals
- Try a snuffle mat or slow feeder bowl to flow down eating
- Talk to your doctor about prophylactic gastropexy, a preventative surgery that can be performed at the time of spay or neutering
3. Eye Conditions
Poodles are at risk of various eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. PRA causes the eye’s retina to degenerate. Unfortunately, this condition is not curable and will lead to blindness.
Cataracts in an increased opacity of the eye’s lens, causing the tell-tale cloudy eyes synonymous with this hereditary condition. While not painful, cataracts can lead to blindness if untreated. Surgery is commonly used to fix cataracts.
Glaucoma occurs when fluid cannot properly drain from the eye, causing increased intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss and blindness. Treatment for this painful condition includes medication, surgery, and even eye removal.
4. Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia is the abnormal development and growth of the hip joint. This disease occurs commonly in large breeds and can lead to mobility issues. While hip dysplasia shouldn’t shorten your pet’s life, it can affect the quality of life for years to come.
You may notice that your pup with hip dysplasia appears wobbly and is hesitant to stand or climb stairs. X-rays can diagnose hip dysplasia.
From there, treatment is dependent on your pet’s symptoms and discomfort. Joint supplements can help reduce inflammation and lubricate your pup’s joints. You can also talk to your vet about prescription medications. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. See our reviews about the best joint supplements if your Poodle is showing signs of hip dysplasia and joint problems.
5. Thyroid Disease
When a dog’s thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, they develop a condition called hypothyroidism. This condition can wreak havoc upon a dog’s entire body. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Anxiety and panic
- Constipation
- Depression and irritability
- Dry skin and coat
- Dry eye
- Excessive shedding
- Lethargy
- Lowered immunity
- Slow heart rate
- Weight gain
Thankfully, hypothyroidism can be easily treated, especially if caught in its early stages. Most dogs can live normally with this condition when taking a once-a-day oral medication.
6. Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited blood disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot. Clinical signs of vWD include:
- Bleeding from gums
- Bleeding from bladder, GI tract, nose, or vagina
- Easy bruising
- Excessive bleeding after surgery
There is no cure for vWD, but dogs with this condition can have a normal lifespan. Treatments vary but focus on stopping or preventing bleeding.
Other Factors That Impact Poodle Lifespan
While Poodles are prone to certain health conditions, certain lifestyle choices can improve your dog’s overall health and lifespan.
Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to support their cardiovascular system and overall health. Scheduled walks and playtime are a great way to ensure your pup is exercising enough and will help reduce destructive behavior, often caused by boredom.
Grooming
Grooming plays a significant role in your dog’s health routine. First, baths and brushing are a great way to monitor your pet’s skin. Skin is an exceptional indicator of overall health; if something is wrong internally, it may show signs on the skin first. Be sure to contact your vet if you notice any changes to your pet’s skin or coat. We’ve picked the best brushes for Poodles and share our tips for grooming Poodles to make this process easier.
Second, dental hygiene is vital to your furry friend’s health. Poor oral health can increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing further complications elsewhere in the body. Thus, regularly brushing your dog’s teeth can positively affect their overall lifespan.
Health Check & Vaccinations
Regular visits to the veterinarian for health checks and vaccinations are a crucial part of preventative care. Seeing a vet can help detect problems earlier, thus reducing the severity and duration of certain health conditions.
Nutrition
The food you feed your pet will directly affect its health. Dogs are omnivores that derive nutrition from both plants and animals. Purchase quality pet food from reputable sources, avoiding dog food that uses filler ingredients. Quality dog food will be nutritionally balanced to provide proper amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. View our picks for the best dog food for Poodles.
You can also boost your pup’s nutrition with multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, or other supplements. Always buy supplements from reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients. Look for brands that use third-party testing and certifications to ensure your pet is getting what you’re paying for.
Spay & Neuter
Spay or neuter your pet to promote a longer lifespan. A study by the University of Georgia found that the life expectancy of spayed females was 26.3% longer, and neutered males was 13.8% longer. Another study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals using a database of 2.2 million dogs reflected similar findings. It concluded that spayed female dogs live 23% longer, and neutered male dogs live 18% longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Poodle lifespan. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Does Standard Poodle Lifespan Differ From Miniature Poodle Lifespan?
Yes. As with most breeds, smaller Poodles tend to live longer. Standard Poodles average a 12-year lifespan, while Miniature Poodles average 14 years.
What Is The Difference Between Male And Female Life Expectancy?
There is no conclusive evidence that male and female dogs have different lifespans. Genetics and lifestyle habits are the most influencing factors of a dog’s lifespan.
Are Poodles Healthy?
Yes, Poodles are considered a relatively healthy breed. To ensure your dog’s health, always work with a responsible breeder. Although you can never guarantee your pet’s health, responsible breeders take additional steps—including DNA testing—to ensure certain conditions are not passed down from generation to generation. Use our guide to find a reputable dog breeder.
If you already have a Poodle, you can do an at-home DNA test to discover which health conditions your pup could have inherited.
Best Gear For Poodles
So you have a Poodle, but now you need the best gear for your furry friend. View our picks for harnesses, toys, and beds to get you started.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Tara grew up with a spicy Miniature Poodle named Duffy—her very first dog. She also has 8+ years of experience in the wellness industry, with experience in pet nutrition and supplementation. Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, which has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related.