Think you know everything about Poodles? Here are some fun bits of Poodle information that might surprise you!

3 Sizes = 1 Breed

Although you may register your Poodle as a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle, the AKC doesn’t keep numbers for each specific size! A Poodle is a Poodle is a Poodle (in the eyes of the AKC, that is).

Free Toys

Like small children on Christmas morning, your Poodle could be more interested in the package that his new toy arrived in rather than the toy itself. No need to get frustrated over this boggling fact. Go with it instead and let him play with spare paper bags, cardboard rings (like the kind in the middle of paper towels), and empty cardboard or plastic milk cartons. We might not find these items interesting, but Poodles will!

Go to Sleep!

Your Poodle will sleep the entire night if you let it sleep near you. Once you understand the Poodle’s need to be around people, the idea makes perfect sense. Your Poodle can sleep in a crate, in its own bed, or right in your bed with you.

Itching After Dinner

Poodles suffer from allergies too! If you notice your Poodle scratching and gnawing at his paws, they probably itch due to an allergic reaction to his food. Corn, wheat, and soy filler in dog food are notorious allergy triggers for dogs. Switch to a brand that uses rice filler instead.

Her Taste Buds Work Too!

Not that we’re experts on the flavor of dog food or anything, but if smell is any indication of taste, most dog food is bland. Spice up your Poodle’s meals with a little salt-free chicken or beef broth. Or add a teaspoon of canned dog food to the mix. If the mixture is pleasing, your Poodle’s head won’t rise from her bowl until after she’s licked it clean.

Cool It!

Be very careful to monitor the temperature of the clippers you use to trim your Poodle. Clippers can get pretty warm even after only 30 minutes of use, and if you continue to use them, the blade could burn your pup’s skin. Switch blades after a while or spray the clippers with blade coolant.

Forget the Show Cuts

Since your neighborhood groomer won’t likely give your Poodle a show trim, you’re either going to have to learn some fancy grooming skills yourself, or hire a pro. Opt for something simpler -- something that you can administer yourself in a few hours.

Poodle Litter?

You can train your miniature or toy Poodle to use a litter box! Using dog litter (sod, turf, or post), your Poodle can use the litter box the same way a cat would use it. See our article on house training Poodles using the paper method. To apply the same method to the litter box, place the last sheet of paper inside the box instead of outside.

Be a Pooper Snooper

You can learn a lot from poking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Your Poodle’s stools will let you know how healthy she is, so keep an eye out for unusual changes. If you notice bloody stools, stringy mucus, or unusually colored poop, make an appointment to see the vet immediately.

Don’t Step On Me

Small Poodles are extremely hard to notice sometimes. To avoid unfortunate mishaps, consider putting a small bell on your toy, tiny, or teacup Poodle’s collar. That way when he trots across the floor, you’ll hear him and avoid stepping on the poor thing or tripping over it.

Why the Biting Now?

If your older Poodle starts biting you, he’s probably in pain. Arthritic pain in fact, will turn an otherwise obedient and placid Poodle into a cranky pup. Schedule an appointment with your vet to confirm reasons behind recent nips. Do the same for any sudden expression

Alternative Healing Works on Poodles Too

Think massage therapy, acupuncture and reiki works for people only? Your Poodle could benefit from these alternative practices if he’s stressed as well. In fact, many veterinarians now use alternative methods in conjunction with traditional medicine.