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Do you have a beloved Poodle or are considering getting one and you’re wondering just how long you’ll have together? That’s a tricky question to answer because there are so many factors that determine how long any creature’s life lasts, but on average Poodles live for 12 to 15 years. Let’s take a look at the different types of Poodles, how long they live, and what you can do to make sure your poodle lives a long and happy life.
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Poodle?
How long do poodles live? The answer to this question depends on a number of different factors, including the specific breed of poodle, the dog’s overall health and genetics, and its environment. However, on average, poodles tend to live between 12 and 15 years. There are also certain breeds of poodles that have been known to live even longer, with some individual dogs reaching up to 20 years of age or more.
Max Lifespan
As mentioned, some individual poodles have been known to live much longer than the average lifespan for their breed. The oldest recorded poodle was a Standard Poodle named “Chanel” who lived to be 21 years old. Similarly, the oldest recorded Toy Poodle was a dog named “Tootsie” who lived to be 20 years old. These are both exceptional cases, however, and most poodles will not live to be quite so old.
Poodle Lifespan by Breed
| Standard Poodle | 12 – 15 years |
| Toy Poodle | 14 – 18 years |
| Miniature Poodle | 15 – 20 years |
Why Do Some Poodles Live Longer Than Others?
There are several different factors that can affect how long a poodle lives. Let’s take a look at the most common.
1. Nutrition
One of the most important factors is nutrition. A poodle’s diet plays a big role in determining its lifespan. Poodles that are well-nourished and receive a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients tend to live longer than those that don’t. It’s also important to make sure you feed your poodle the proper portions to prevent them from being over or underweight, both of which can shorten your poodle’s lifespan.
2. Exercise
Another important factor is exercise. Poodles that get plenty of exercise tend to be healthier and live longer than those that don’t get enough physical activity. Regular exercise helps keep the heart and lungs healthy, and the muscles and joints strong, and can even help improve cognitive function.
3. Environment
The environment in which a poodle lives can also affect its lifespan. Dogs that live in clean, safe environments with plenty of fresh air and sunshine tend to live longer than those that don’t. Additionally, poodles who live in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention tend to have longer lifespans than those that are neglected or abused.
4. Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can also shorten a poodle’s lifespan. Poodles that are prone to certain genetic disorders or diseases tend to have shorter lifespans than those that are not. Additionally, poodles that receive regular veterinary care and treatment for any health conditions tend to live longer than those that don’t.
5. Breed
Did you know that the specific breed of poodle can also affect its lifespan? Some breeds of poodles, such as Standard Poodles and Toy Poodles, tend to live longer than others, such as Miniature Poodles and Teacup Poodles.
6. Size
Another factor that can affect a poodle’s lifespan is its size. Generally, larger poodles tend to live longer than smaller ones. Standard Poodles, for example, which are the largest type of poodle, have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Toy Poodles, which are the smallest type of poodle, have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
7. Sex
Do you think males live longer or females? Sex is a factor that can affect a poodle’s lifespan. Generally speaking, female poodles tend to live longer than male poodles. This is due to a number of different factors, including biology and genetics. Female poodles who have given birth tend to live even longer -unless they were overbred in puppy mills and unethical breeding facilities.
8. Breeding History
Some poodle breeds have been bred specifically for longevity. These breeds include the Standard Poodle and the Toy Poodle. Both of these breeds have been bred for generations with the aim of producing dogs that live long, healthy lives. As a result, these two breeds tend to have some of the longest lifespans of all poodle breeds.
9. Healthcare
Another factor that can affect a poodle’s lifespan is healthcare. Poodles that receive regular veterinary care and treatment tend to live longer than those that don’t. This allows you to make sure your poodle stays up to date on vaccines and your vet can get on top of any potential health concerns and treat them before they become a problem.
10. Love and Happiness
Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health when determining an animal’s longevity. Poodles will live longer in happy homes where they’re safe, loved, and cared for. Dogs are social creatures and it’s not enough to meet their needs for food and shelter. They also need attention and, in a way, companionship. Without it they can become sick and depressed.
The 6 Life Stages of a Poodle
- Newborn
- Puppy
- Juvenile
- Young Adult
- Mature Adult
- Senior
Newborn
The newborn stage lasts from birth to 2 weeks of age. At this point, the poodle is completely dependent on its mother for food and shelter. The mother will typically provide all of the care that the newborn poodle needs.
Puppy
The puppy stage lasts from 2 weeks to 6 months of age. During this time, the poodle will begin to develop its own personality and learn basic obedience commands. Puppies will also begin to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people.
Juvenile
The juvenile stage lasts from 6 months to 1 year of age. During this time, the poodle will continue to grow and develop physically and mentally. At this point, the poodle will be fully vaccinated and ready to start participating in obedience training classes.
Young Adult
The young adult stage lasts from 1 year to 3 years of age. During this time, the poodle will reach its full physical growth and maturity. Mentally, the poodle will continue to learn and develop, becoming more obedient and well-behaved.
Mature Adult
The mature adult stage lasts from 3 years to 7 years of age. During this time, the poodle will remain active and playful, but will also become more calm and sedate. At this point, the poodle will have fully developed its personality and be a well-rounded individual.
Senior
The senior stage lasts from 7 years of age and up. During this time, the poodle will begin to slow down physically and may require more frequent vet check-ups. Mentally, the poodle will remain sharp and intelligent but may need some help with things like obedience training and socialization.
How to Tell Your Poodle’s Age
One way to determine your poodle’s age is by their size. Standard poodles will be full grown at about 2 years old, whereas toy poodles may take a bit longer to mature and reach their full adult size.
Another way to tell your poodle’s age is by their teeth. Poodles have two sets of teeth in their lifetime, just like humans. The first set of teeth called the deciduous teeth or baby teeth, will fall out around 6 months of age. The second set of teeth called the permanent teeth, will come in around 12 months of age. After the permanent teeth have come in, you can use the number of teeth present to help estimate your poodle’s age.
Finally, you can also use your poodle’s coat as an indicator of age. Poodles have three different types of coats – the puppy coat, the adult coat, and the senior coat. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy and will shed regularly. The adult coat is denser and will not shed as much. The senior coat may be thinner and softer and may also start to gray in color.
Conclusion
The average lifespan of a poodle is 12-15 years. However, toy and miniature poodles have a slightly higher life expectancy, living an average of 14-18 years. Standard poodles tend to have the shortest lifespan of the three types, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. In general, a poodle will be your best friend for 12 – 15 years with proper care, but longer if you’re lucky enough.
Related Read:
- Red and Brown Poodles: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)
- Do Poodles Have Hair or Fur? What’s the Difference?
Featured Image Credit: Valeriya Chistyakova, Shutterstock
