Because these dogs were initially bred to be water retrievers, they were named after splashing around in the water. Their task was to return ducks and other birds to their owners. Want to learn more about this talented dog? Learn all about the Poodle lifespan such as how long Poodles live as well as how you can extend the life of your Poodle.
How Long Do Poodles Live?
The average lifespan for standard Poodles is 12-15 years. However, they come in three different varieties: standard, miniature, and Toy. The average lifespan for a miniature Poodle is between 14-17 years and a Toy poodle has a life expectancy of 16 years. As you can see, the smaller bred versions of the Poodle actually have a longer life expectancy. A study of dogs’ physiological characteristics found that domestic animals’ physical size and life span may be inversely related. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that smaller dogs have higher metabolic rates and live longer than their larger counterparts. According to the study, smaller dogs have lower levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in plasma, a metabolic advantage that may enable greater resistance to oxidative stress.
The Average Poodle Life Cycle
With a better understanding of how long Poodles live, it’s time to learn all about their average life cycle! All dog breeds experience distinct developmental and growth milestones at different periods, and Poodles are no exception. Just like all other dog breeds, the Poodle goes through 4 main life phases: puppy, adolescence, adulthood, and seniority.
Puppyhood
Puppyhood for Poodles begins at birth and lasts until a year for Toy Poodles,18 months for miniature Poodles, and 2 years for standard. Poodles are born blind and unable to hear. At about 3 weeks old, their eyes will begin to open and their ears will be able to hear. In the first 4 weeks, the puppies are extremely dependent on their mothers and will spend most of their time nursing.
Adolescence
Puppies will grow and begin to calm down around the 4-month point. Before that, you’ll notice that they have a lot of energy and love to run around and explore new surroundings. Adolescence is a crucial time in the lives of dogs. This is an excellent time to begin obedience training for Poodles. If a Poodle is raised in a secluded environment and is not exposed to the outside world, it may be hesitant and even apprehensive in new settings.
Adulthood
The age of adulthood for both Toy and Miniature Poodles is one year. Standards reach adulthood at the age of two. Poodles that have reached adulthood will also be calmer and will be less likely to scurry around or chew on things. Although your dog’s size and form may alter beyond adulthood, this period typically represents the conclusion of their growth.
Senior
The Standard Poodle is considered a senior at 7 years old. The Toy and Miniature Poodle are considered senior dogs when they are 8-9 years old. This stage of life is a dog’s “golden years” and unfortunately it also begins to mark various health problems for them. Poodles in their senior years will begin to slow down and may not be as active as they once were.
What Affects the Lifespan of A Poodle?
Poodles, like any other breed of dog, are susceptible to a variety of canine health issues. Some of these health issues are more common in certain varieties of Poodles, while others may occur in all sizes. The five most common health problems that Poodles of all sizes are susceptible to include:
Bloat: Bloat happens when gas becomes trapped in a dog’s stomach. The stomach twists up to 180 degrees, halting digestion and causing gas to build up pressure.Addison’s disease: Adrenal gland dysfunction characterizes this illness. Thyroid problems: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two disorders characterized by a reduction or increase in the synthesis of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Hip dysplasia: The ball and socket do not fit or grow properly in dogs with hip dysplasia, and they rub and grind instead of moving smoothly. Epilepsy: Common neurological disorder seen in dogs.
Despite these issues. the Poodle is generally considered a healthy breed with minimal health issues. Many of these health issues are inherited, meaning they cannot be avoided, but some are dependent on the dog’s health.
How To Extend the Life Of Your Poodle
We all want our dogs to live forever. While that’s not possible, there are a lot of ways that pet owners can be proactive about their pet Poodle’s health. Here are the top tips for extending the life of your pet Poodle:
Healthy diet: Make sure that you’re feeding your Poodle only the healthiest foods. Nutritional health protects against possible future medical issues. All Poodles require high-quality protein and calcium. There should be no artificial ingredients, and if feasible, the dish should be grain-free. Standard Poodles, on the other hand, will get bloated from drinking water at mealtimes. Drinking water should be avoided until after the meal is digested.Exercise: A healthy Poodle is one who gets ample amounts of movement in their day! Long walks, hikes, or playing fetch outside are all excellent ways to get your Poodle moving. Poodles require that time to burn off energy otherwise they will engage in misbehaving behavior and get into mischief.Maintain regular veterinary appointments: Make sure to schedule yearly appointments and bring your Poodle in for follow-up visits. This is the best way to stay ahead of any health problems and ensure that your Poodle lives a long and healthy life.
