Poodle lifespan varies a lot between the different sizes and types. The average Poodle lifespan is 12 – 14.5 years, but the smaller the Poodle the longer they are likely to live. Standard Poodles average lifespan is 12 years, Miniature Poodles live 14 years and Toy Poodles a slightly more impressive 14.5 years. Interestingly, the maximum time a Poodle lives is usually 18-19 years, regardless of their type. Although the oldest Poodle ever reached an impressive 24 years!
Contents
- Scientific studies on Poodle lifespan
- How Poodle lifespan is changing
- Health vs longevity
- How to increase your dog’s lifespan
Your Poodle can live a long and healthy life no matter what size you choose! Be sure to get your Poodle puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs for inherited health problems. Proper diet and exercise, along with good hygiene can also help to extend your Poodle’s life. Remember that Poodles can develop certain health issues that may require regular veterinary care and medication. Be sure you are financially prepared to care for your dog over its lifetime, even if problems develop.
Poodle Lifespan Studies
A 2010 survey of purebred dogs in the UK included lots of valuable insight into Poodle life expectancy. 118 Standard Poodle deaths were recorded. Of these the median average lifespan was 12 years, but the oldest dog had lived to a very respectable 18 years.
23 Miniature Poodle deaths were recorded. These dogs lived to just shy of 14 years on average. Again, the longest lived dog was 18. These results for the Miniature Poodle back up an earlier survey which placed their average life expectancy at just over 14 years.
Finally, 20 Toy Poodle deaths were recorded. Their average age was even higher – just over 14.5 years. The oldest dog nearly made it to 19 years old! The life expectancy among all individual Poodles can vary quite a bit, so remember to look at numbers as a rough guide.
Trends in Poodle Lifespan
This Poodle lifespan range places the Poodle above shorter-lived breeds, and among the average to longer-lived breeds. Size is a significant factor in canine life expectancy. Small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs, which is borne out across the classes of Poodle.
Average Poodle lifespan increases as they get smaller. Interestingly, the longest lived Poodles of every size reached a similar age. But who was the longest living Poodle? According to one report, a toy Poodle named Chichi lived to the ripe old age of 24!
Along with size, there are other factors that can impact lifespan. These include: the health of your individual dog and the overall genetic health of the breed. Let’s look at some common Poodle health problems, and how they might impact overall Poodle lifespan.
Standard Poodle Lifespan vs Health
Like other purebred dogs, the Poodle can suffer from some inherited health conditions. These could possibly decrease a dog’s quality of life and shorten its lifespan.
The standard Poodle can suffer from inherited idiopathic epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Standard Poodles can be prone to two disorders of the adrenal gland: Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease.
Addison’s disease (or hypoadrenocorticism) is low levels of adrenal hormones. This causes lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss.
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is the opposite of Addison’s. It’s an overproduction of adrenal hormones. This can cause increased thirst and appetite, a bloated stomach, and skin problems.
Standard Poodles can also be prone to a hereditary skin condition known as sebaceous adenitis. Dogs with SA can experience hair loss, scaling, lesions, and infections.
Can these health problems shorten the standard Poodle lifespan? This can depend on the severity of the disease in an individual dog. Affected dogs can live normal life spans with proper medications and ongoing veterinary care.
Miniature and Toy Poodle Lifespan vs Health
The smaller sized Poodles generally have fewer inherited health problems than standard Poodles. However, there are a few that new owners should know about.
Like other small dog breeds, miniature and toy Poodles can be prone to some joint conditions. These are known as patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Luxating patella is a dislocation of the knee cap that is caused by inherited bone abnormalities. Legg-Calve-Perthes is necrosis of the femoral head, caused by lack of blood supply to the bone.
Toy and miniature Poodles can also suffer from some of the same health problems as standard Poodles. These include epilepsy and sebaceous adenitis. These however tend to be less common in the smaller Poodles.
As with the standard Poodle, this can depend on the severity of an individual dog’s case. Besides a possible shortened lifespan, a Poodle’s quality of life can be greatly affected by a chronic health problem. How can you ensure that your Poodle is as healthy as possible?
Can Health Testing Increase Longevity?
The most important thing you can do is to choose a responsible Poodle breeder who health tests their dogs for inherited health conditions. Because so many Poodle health problems are inherited, it’s critical that your breeder follows all health testing guidelines that are recommended for the breed.
Health testing can come in the form of DNA tests and examinations performed by veterinary specialists.
When choosing a puppy, ask to see the test results for both parents. Test results should also be registered with a canine health organization like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Better Breed Puppies Live Longer
Never acquire a Poodle puppy from an online ad or retail pet store. Many dogs sold through these sources come from commercial breeding operations known as puppy mills. Owners adopting Poodles from animal shelters or rescue groups should be aware that their dog may have an inherited health issue that could require ongoing treatment.
Whether your Poodle comes from a breeder or rescue organization, there are things you can do as an owner to ensure that your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Bryan Mustill says
You have to weigh up what is best for you and what is best for the dog.
Kimberly Kennedy says
I had a toy poodle who lived for almost 24 years. She was in good health tell she got into a bag of Hershey’s kisses. The only problem she really had was joint problems.
Nicole Cartier says
My mini poodle is 19! He sleeps a lot, has some loss of urination and BM etiquette. Meaning he’s goes in the house a lot. I don’t think he’s suffering. He doesn’t seem to be in pain. Just old. I wonder when it will be his time. Sounds like poodles can live a long time. I rescued him 15 years ago, so who knows what his life was like before.
Joan says
Well, I did purchase my poodle from a breeder LA. I know realize this breeder might not have been as great as her website suggested. I am so in love with her. Her very expensive Manhattan vet took X-rays when I noticed my puppy was limping but didn’t see anything to be alarmed about. This same vet cost me $1800 to ‘clean” my other poodle’s teeth. I am retired and not rich but I live for these ‘girls.’ I complained about the cleaning fee and my vet now thinks I should not deal with my now 13 month old dog’s occasional limp. Just protect her, which I do. Do you people think I should get another opinion? It will cost me a lot, since I live in Manhattan. Plus, I am afraid my vet will be offended. Thank you.
Bryan Mustill says
Give your poodles regular bones to chew on and I mean regular. It is a natural teeth cleaner. My poodle is 15 and only now starting to slow down. But her teeth are perfect
Suzanne Rodgers says
Our little Nicky, a miniature poodle, now age 21, came to us as a rescue when she was already five years old. She was discovered at a crack house, tied to a stake outside with a yard full of Dobermans who had bitten her horribly. With long matted fur, tons of fleas, crying and honking like a goose, we immediately rescued her and got her vet and grooming care. She adapted quickly to her new indoor happy lifestyle. She’s always been such a good, smart and healthy girl, jumping and playing with our ShihTzu, and always had to be the leader on walks. She has been so loved and spoiled and has given back so much love and joy to us! For the past couple years, around age 19, she has slowly become deaf and blind, incontinent with diapers, mostly wanting to be held and rocked, but still able to navigate around the house. Lately she’s had two close calls where we thought she was at the end but she amazingly bounces back. Hopefully she will get to cross that rainbow bridge all on her own time. We know it’s close and she will be missed so very much.
Ann says
I enjoyed reading the story about your Nicky. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of him. Loved your story
Lisa says
Our miniature poodle Gizzie lived one week shy of her 20th birthday. She was our baby. Such a good girl❤️
Luna Cooper says
My baby doggie Juju was a toy poodle. She was 22 years and 2 months old when she transitioned to heaven April 13, 2021. She was so old and had arthritis and had developed canine cognitive dementia. My baby doggie only had ten teeth left. A large aggressive tumor grew under her tongue and quickly blocked her ability to eat or drink. She was peacefully released to enter doggie heaven after many years of bringing joy and love into her families heart and life that will forever be cherished and loved.
Liz says
We feel so blessed and fortunate! Our miniature poodle just turned 19 on March 25, 2021; had him since he was a puppy.
He is now blind. One eye years ago due to altercation with another dog, other eye due to cataracts. He’s slower, arthritic, no teeth, tends to wet himself (hence diapers), but still has normal bodily functions and gets around the house very well.
Drew says
Our toy poodle Lola is 16. She turns 17 this October. She has bad breath, wears diapers, and when you clip her nails, it just turns into powder. She only eats her medicine if it’s in a hot dog with Yum Yum sauce on it.
I don’t know how, but the vet said she’s one of the healthiest 16 year-old toy poodles she has ever seen. Long live Lola!
Eric Sand says
Our miniature poodle Yoshi left us the day before yesterday just three weeks shy of his 17th birthday. He had a silver coat with a sheen that I have never seen before in another poodle. He was the love of our lives and the kids. We used to take walks around the neighborhood and the last section was uphill and I used to tell him “I’ll race you home” and he always won. My last words to him were “I’ll race you home” and I think he will be waiting for me when I get “home”.
Ben says
I love that story Eric. My boy is 13 now. He used to run with me all the time too. Be blessed.
Jude says
Our poodle is now 15 she has had seizures since she was 12 week old and has taken medication every day she has a heart murmur and although she can’t see like she used to she still plays a runs around like a puppy we will miss her so much when she leaves us 😢😢
Summer says
I lost my two miniature poodles at 15 years 10 months and 1 day. They were the love and joy of my life since they came to me at 5 weeks old. They were sisters born of the same litter and they had never been apart from each other, not for a single day. They suffered seizures (never happened before) an hour apart from each other. I brought the first one in to the vet when the seizure happened and while at the clinic, the second dog too had a seizure right as the vet was examining her. They were both deaf for some time already and the second dog went completely blind just a week before that. It would seem that they had decided to both leave at the same time. Miss them heaps! But trust I had done my very best for them and they are in a better place now. Hope to meet them again one day on the other side.
Ivette Cruz says
Hi , I have Cece ,a stander poodle she’s is 12 1/2 she has hip issues and skin problems like hot spots, I help her get up to go to the bathroom ,At all hour of the night and day! I love her and it breaks my heart , to know that she probably is ready to go over the doggie Rainbow 🙁
Angela Parker says
My standard is 17 and 4 months. She isn’t as fast as she used to be but she’s just as loving and sweet as ever. She has become really demanding since she relies on people for help with her mobility, doesn’t understand “wait a minute “.
Jill Noble says
I have 2 standard Poodles 1 died 2 weeks before his 13th birthday. The second is now 12 years 8 months who has bone cancer and will be put to sleep very soon, any day now. I would like to think that ive done my very best and given them, the best life of good health at almost 13 years each? What do you think? Is 13 OK for a standard poodle ?
Joe R. Jernigan says
You’ve done well,13 is good for any puppy dog. I’ve had to put a fur baby done and I don’t envy you of your task ahead. I will pray that you will find comfort in that you LOVED then to the end. They will always be in your heart. Good Luck and May God bless you.
Tanya John says
I have two toy poodles (wife and husband) who are currently 17 years old. Tootsie’s birthday is July 1 and Patrick is Oct 31. Soon to be 18 this year 2020. Still going strong. Teeth and heart murmurs. Tootsie has cataracts in one eye. Other eye she can see well. Patrick really can’t hear. But they both can walk and play! The sleep A LOT though. Not light either. OUT COLD. Not like their younger years. They parented 15 pups. Many of their children have passed on but not them. LIFE
Miriam Koenig says
We adopted my aunt’s miniature poodle when she became too sick to care for her dog. We have been trying to determine Jasmine’s age by searching through photographs and asking family and friends to share stories of when they first remember meeting Jasmine. Finally, I called a few vets who lived near my aunt and was so happy to locate the vet who had our dog as a client. We were shocked to learn that she is 19 years old! She is losing her eyesight and hearing, she sleeps alot, and has arthritis in her hips. She still can walk and comes to find me for a snuggle, though. Jasmine is a sweet old girl and I’m glad we were able to give her a happy home after her “real” mom was gone.
sherri says
my tiny toy parti poodle is 18 1/2 but I don’t think he will make it to 19
carl says
ours is 18 also
he moves like a 5 yr old Diet and warm care was the most important He ate nice fat strained ground beef that I cooked and broke into tiny pieces to mix into water soaked dried pellets that I chopped the same size as the beef. This was a very high quality dry food. Or I mixed the beef into quinoa for him also.
Dont over feed them, split these portions into 2 times per day. Asparagus tips were his favorite. Some egg pieces niw and then. The water should be reverse osmosis water He cleared up the rusty brown seepage from his eyes to his fur right after we changed the water The tap water has some kind of mineral reaction with them Dogs get enough minerals fro food, water just contains hardened stone like particles that dogs or humans cannot break down, they are inorganic and only the plant can provide organic minerals which the body can accept
Karen Hardin says
My miniature poodle, Willie, lived to be 1 month and 1 day shy of his 16th birthday. He would have been 16 on Dec. 20, 2019. Sadly on Nov. 19, 2019 I had to make the decision to put him to sleep. He quit eating and his quality of life declined.
I do know he was the love of my life and my world. I am writing this comment to honor him.
I’ll see you in heaven one day and will be so glad.
Jena says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My baby girl is in her twilight years and I dread the day you just described with all my heart. Seek comfort in knowing hes just in another place loyally And patiently awaiting your arrival.
Caroline Vanderhoof says
I have a miniature poodle she is 16 and She has lost her hearing and eyesight, other than sleeping a lot she is doing well,I amy hoping to have her for another year or so,
Marie glick says
My dearest standard poodle died from a broken heart 2 weeks after his sweet house mate died from a thrombocytopenia relapse due to a tick bite. He was 15 and was healthy. I begged him to eat and hand fed him. He refused. He fell asleep by the fireplace. Poodles have strong emotions. They can’t endure loss, family disruption or owner sadness. This can be a major factor in their lifespan and health
Carrie says
My SPOO girl is 15 years and 9 months. She has cancer and is being treated for the best feeling with quality of life. She’s hanging in there! Every day is blessed. I also have a 12 year old and a 5 year old , both SPOOs….they are doing great!
Erin says
My toy poodle, Amy, will be 15 in about 2 weeks! She is healthy as can be. She’s 9 lbs. and has never been overweight. She has only had to have 3 teeth pulled but we get regular dental cleanings as advised by her vet. She has had a grade 2 heart murmur for a number of years but it has never progressed beyond that. We give her a daily heart health supplement. She does have low-grade luxating patellas that never required surgery – we also give her a daily supplement to help with her joints. It prevents any limping. She also has a collapsing trachea which only caused a problem the one time that she caught kennel cough at age 6. She gets all of the recommended parasite preventatives and annual vaccines including bordatella every 6 months. I keep her on quality food based on current veterinary research and recommendations. She does have mild cataracts and has lost some hearing. She is so smart that she has learned hand signals in place of vocal commands.
Tammy says
I’ve had my toy poodle Jezzi for 16 years.
She will be 17 in July 2020.
She has been my side since the day I got her.
I also can’t imagine life without this girl.
She still acts like a puppy except for her hearing and failing eyesight.
I tell her daily that we are going together so she better live a lot longer.
I can’t even think of a day without my baby girl.
The cutest smartest little pup you ever did see.
Penny says
My poodle Beau will be 16 in Dec (2019). He’s healthy enough but has lost his hearing and his eyesight in one eye due to cataracts and unfortunately his other eye is being attacted by it as well. He has to be taken out on a leash now (something that hasn’t happened since he was 5) because he wanders and due to his hearing loss I just can’t call him back with commands any more. I had his grandma and his mother. His grandma lived to be 13 but his mom died of a stroke at 9 so He has outlived his relatives. He has had a great life and is still quite lively. We go to the dog park once in a while but he really hates the drive there so I try not to tramatize too often. He has been my best friend for so long that it’s hard to imagine my life without him.
Melissa says
My toy, Abbie, will be 18 in March (2020). She’s enjoyed overall great health all her life. We play every day and used to go everywhere and do everything together until she started losing her downward sight. She still does very well at home where the surroundings are familiar. I credit great genes, high quality diet, and regular dental care for her longevity. No matter how much longer she lasts, it won’t be nearly long enough. Forever would not be long enough. The creature love of my life.
Tyler Johnson says
That’s good to know that if you help your poodle live a healthy life, then they would live a lot longer. I would think that would be just like a human, if you live healthily you live longer. I am thinking about getting a poodle for my wife, and I would want to live as long as possible. I’ll have to make sure to help it live healthily if I do end up getting it.