Poodle

Despite a reputation for fancy show clips, the Poodle is fundamentally an intelligent working water dog. It comes in three sizes that share a temperament and coat type but suit different homes.

Sizes and build. The Standard is the largest and most athletic; the Miniature is a mid-size dog; the Toy is small. All are squarely built and elegant in outline, with the Standard historically used as a retriever.

Coat and grooming. The Poodle's dense, curly coat sheds very little and is often chosen by people who want a lower-shedding dog. That comes at the cost of high grooming needs: the coat mats easily and requires frequent brushing plus regular professional clipping every few weeks. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, but the low-shedding coat is a genuine practical feature.

Temperament. Poodles are consistently ranked among the most trainable and intelligent breeds. They are typically alert, active, and people-oriented, and they excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. That intelligence means they need mental engagement to stay content.

Exercise and enrichment. All three sizes are active and need daily exercise and mental stimulation, scaled to size — a Standard needs considerably more than a Toy. Training games and problem-solving toys suit their sharp minds.

Living with a Poodle. Budget for grooming time or a professional groomer, and provide the mental work an intelligent breed craves. Smaller varieties fit apartments well; the Standard needs more room and activity.

These are breed tendencies across the varieties; the individual dog's size, health, and personality still vary, so meet the specific animal and consult a veterinarian for its care.