Requirements
Indoor
With plenty of exercise and attention, Poodles can be a wonderful choice for many living situations, including city apartments and rural areas. They aren't often active while indoors alone, so plenty of outdoor exercise is necessary to prevent boredom.
Outdoor
Poodles love to run, leap, and bound around outside. Their coat can become matted, so grooming after adventures outdoors may be necessary. Cold weather may be difficult for Miniature and Toy Poodles to tolerate, but the Standard Poodle is hardier. If spending time outdoors, consider an appropriate haircut—a pet clip rather than a show clip—in order to account for the weather conditions.
Exercise
Exercise is important for the athletic Poodle. They require daily walks on their favorite leash and collar and appreciate other activities such as agility or hunting to work off their energy. Without enough exercise, Poodles may become destructive or irritable. An adult Poodle should have about an hour of exercise per day, its intensity varying depending on the dog's size. Toy varieties expend more energy on a short walk than the larger varieties do.
Endurance
Poodles were originally used as working dogs, and as such, they possess plenty of stamina. They're a breed that enjoys working beside their people and are thrilled to run and play outdoors. A team of Standard Poodles even competed in the Iditarod, a testament to their abilities.
Activity distance rating
- Running Miles: An adult Standard Poodle may be able to run up to five miles if in good health and with proper conditioning. Miniature Poodles may be able to run up to three miles, while Toy Poodles aren't ideal running partners.
- Hiking Miles: A healthy Standard Poodle may be able to hike up to 10 miles after reaching one year of age. Miniature Poodles may be able to hike up to five miles. Toy Poodles aren't built for the trail.
Food
Poodles can suffer from digestive issues including bloat—a dangerous condition where the stomach twists, blocking gas within. In order to avoid bloat, feed your Poodle 2-3 measured meals per day. Poodles can have food sensitivities, so a specially formulated diet may be necessary. The general recommendation for how much high-quality dry dog food (based on average weight and activity level) to feed is:
Standard: 1 to 2 cups
Miniature: ¾ to 1 cup
Toy: ¼ to ¾ cup
Alone Time
The Poodle is a highly social breed that desires plenty of time with family. Though they may be left alone for four to eight hours per day, the breed thrives on interaction. Separation anxiety and loneliness may give way to destructive behavior. If left alone, providing a space with plenty of toys can minimize these behaviors—crate training a destructive dog a destructive dog is a solution that can help keep your pet safe.