Medium Poodle
Also known as Poodle
- Height at the withers
- 35 to 45 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
The in-between Poodle variety, between the miniature and the standard, the Medium Poodle stands 35 to 45 cm and wears a woolly, curly coat, more rarely corded, that barely sheds. Intelligent, cheerful and known for its loyalty, it learns very easily and makes a versatile companion, as comfortable in the city as in dog sports.
History and origins
The Poodle, a French breed according to the FCI, descends from the Barbet and was first used to hunt waterfowl: its French name, Caniche, comes from “cane,” the female duck. The two breeds gradually split from the 18th century onward, and the Poodle became one of the most popular companion dogs, in four sizes (toy, miniature, medium and standard) that share a single standard (FCI no. 172, revised in 2024). The medium is now the least common size in France: 27 dogs registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025, compared with more than 900 for the miniature.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
- Addison’s disease
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care. Coat colors: black, white, brown, gray, fawn, from light fawn to red fawn by way of apricot, other colors allowed by the current standard: parti-colors, black or brown with tan markings, tricolor, brindle.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Medium Poodle FAQ
How big does the Medium Poodle get?
The Medium Poodle stands 35 to 45 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 12 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Medium Poodle shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Medium Poodle live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Medium Poodle need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Medium Poodle good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Medium Poodle live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy.
