Poodle Information
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The Age of Your Poodle
Overview
Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles will age differently. While it is very common for people to say that "A dog ages 7 years for every 1 human year", this is not true at all. This was a general statement to make a very generalized estimate of how dogs of all breeds age.
The element that most affects the rate at which a Poodle (or any dog) ages is the weight of the dog. Therefore we will take a look at how each sized Poodle ages and what changes to expect as your Poodle puppy enters each phase of their life.
The element that most affects the rate at which a Poodle (or any dog) ages is the weight of the dog. Therefore we will take a look at how each sized Poodle ages and what changes to expect as your Poodle puppy enters each phase of their life.
While the below charts show the rate at which a Poodle ages, do keep in mind that one Poodle may show physical signs of "old age" at 7 years and another at 12 years. This has much to do with the dog's health, the food that has been fed to the Poodle for their lifetime (we highly recommend home cooking for optimal health and longevity) and genetics.
Toy Poodle / Miniature Poodle Age Chart - Poodles who are under 20 lbs. (9.07 kg) fully grown
Standard Poodle Age Chart - Poodles who are 45-70 lbs. (20.41-31.8kg) fully grown
A standard sized Poodle will age faster than a toy or miniature, this is mainly due to the dog's size. It is for this reason that the average life span of a standard (14 years) is shorter than that of the toy or miniature (20 years)
Toy Poodle / Miniature Poodle Age Chart - Poodles who are under 20 lbs. (9.07 kg) fully grown
| Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
| 5= | 30 |
6= |
40 | 7= | 44 |
8= |
48 |
| 9= |
52 |
10= |
56 |
11= | 60 |
12= |
64 |
| 13= | 68 | 14= |
72 |
15= |
76 |
16= |
80 |
| 17= |
84 |
18= | 88 |
19= |
92 | 20= |
96 |
Standard Poodle Age Chart - Poodles who are 45-70 lbs. (20.41-31.8kg) fully grown
A standard sized Poodle will age faster than a toy or miniature, this is mainly due to the dog's size. It is for this reason that the average life span of a standard (14 years) is shorter than that of the toy or miniature (20 years)
| Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
Poodle Years |
Human Years |
| 5= | 36 | 6= |
42 |
7= |
47 |
8= |
51 |
| 9= | 56 |
10= | 60 |
11= |
65= |
12= |
69 |
| 13= | 74 |
14= | 78 |
15= |
82 | 16= |
86 |
| 17= | 94 | 18= | 98 | 19= |
102 | 20= |
106 |
Milestones During Your Poodle's Life
- 3 Weeks - At this very young age, a puppy is beginning to be able to hear and their eyes are starting to open
- 4-5 Weeks - The weaning process will begin. Poodle puppies will slowly drink less of mom's milk and begin a slow, steady progression to solid food
- 8 Weeks - This, in most areas, is the minimum age in which a Poodle puppy may be sold and go to their new home
- 4-5 Months - This is the average age that a Poodle will begin teething
- 1 Year - For both Toy and Miniatures, the dog will be considered an adult at this age
- 2 Years - The Standard Poodle will now be considered an adult
- 7 Years - The Standard will be considered a senior by most veterinarians and geriatric screenings should begin
- 8 - 9 Years - The Miniature Poodle will be considered a senior dog by most veterinarians and geriatric screenings should begin
- 10 Years- The Toy Poodle will be considered a senior dog by most vets and geriatric screenings should begin
Signs of Aging
While the charts show the aging process of Poodles, each dog is unique. Some may be peppy and active for years after entering the senior years….and others may show signs earlier.
There will be many changes as your dog grows older, however it is extremely important to not dismiss changes as being normal signs of aging….it is quite possible that a Poodle has a treatable medical issue that has nothing to do with old age. Therefore, do be aware of the following signs; however be sure to discuss these with your veterinarian.
Slowing Down
One of the most noticeable changes will be a dog who slows down, in just about all aspects. As a dog gets older they may slowly and steadily show signs of:
Vision and Hearing Changes
It is a normal process of aging that vision and hearing abilities will be decreased. Because of this, an older Poodle does best when routines are kept and changes are not made. One of the most important things that you can do is not to rearrange the furniture in your home and keep all toys and food and water bowls in the same place. An older Poodle does well when commands are given both vocally and by hand signals. It helps to begin this well before your senior Poodle has any hearing loss. Approaching your dog from the side, as so not to startle him or her is also recommended.
Hair
While it does not occur with all Poodles, dog of any breed can develop gray hairs, very much as we do as we grow older. While grooming is important at all stages of your dog’s life, do be sure to always use conditioner when bathing your older Poodle. Skin will be much more sensitive now and having exposed skin can cause skin to dry out quickly and can lead to sores. It is recommended to allow your Poodle to have a simple Puppy Clip, Utility Clip or Lamp Clip when in their senior years.
Behavioral Changes
A senior Poodle may have a hard time accepting new situations and may have a harder time coping with what used to be normal situations. For example:
Separation anxiety - An older Poodle may be much more aware of your presence and begin to feel nervous when left home alone. This can show in many ways such as destructive behavior, increased barking or depression. Setting up a comfortable environment, leaving on a radio or TV and/or hiring a dog walker or dog sitter to check in with your Poodle can help. Many people wonder if getting a new puppy will help an older dog cope with loneliness. This depends greatly on your current Poodles ability to accept a new puppy and their tolerance for the playing and high activities levels that the puppy will have.
Sensitivity – An older dog may become afraid of loud noises, such as trucks backfiring, slamming doors or thunder storms. Do try to control the elements that you can.
Housebreaking Accidents - If this occurs, it is important to have your Poodle’s veterinarian complete a checkup, as anything from a bladder infection to stomach tumors can be the cause. If it is a simple sign of canine old age, the use of belly bands or diapers can be of great help. While your Poodle may need to become accustomed to either of these, it can help as a dog’s self confidence can be destroyed when they keep having accidents.
Sleep – While dogs do sleep more than we do, senior Poodles will usually sleep even more. It is best to accept this, never waking up your dog and allowing them to rest when needed. Be sure to offer a quiet, comfortable resting and sleeping area. As a dog enters the senior years they may either want a very quiet place to retreat to or they may want to be closer to the family. By trying out both, you will be able to know which change your Poodle appreciates.
Keeping Your Senior Poodle Healthy
Illness
The potential for certain diseases increases with a dog’s age. It is important to bring your Poodle for geriatric veterinarian screenings. Many canine illnesses can be treated and there is no reason for a dog to suffer when so many treatments are available.
Weight
Help your Poodle maintain a good body weight. You may notice that your dog gains weight as they grow older, most often because activities such as long walks are cut short. It is best to continue feeding your Poodle very high quality food, we highly recommend home cooking, as this offers your dog real food with zero fillers. More about home cooking here.
Dental Care
Canine dental care is important at any age, and even more so as a Poodle ages. Periodontal disease is the 2nd most common health ailment for senior dogs. Daily brushings at home are important as ever and either home scraping or professional scraping must not be ignored.
Observation
While the world spins fast and some days seem to only last hours, we must take time to have a good look at our senior Poodles each day. Look for any physical signs, but also behavioral signs as well and do not hesitate to bring your Poodle to the vet. Early treatment is the best method to a fast recovery from any health issue.
While the charts show the aging process of Poodles, each dog is unique. Some may be peppy and active for years after entering the senior years….and others may show signs earlier.
There will be many changes as your dog grows older, however it is extremely important to not dismiss changes as being normal signs of aging….it is quite possible that a Poodle has a treatable medical issue that has nothing to do with old age. Therefore, do be aware of the following signs; however be sure to discuss these with your veterinarian.
Slowing Down
One of the most noticeable changes will be a dog who slows down, in just about all aspects. As a dog gets older they may slowly and steadily show signs of:
- Having a more difficult time rising from a laying down position
- Taking longer to climb steps
- Being hesitant to climb down steps
- Not running and playing as usual, or wanting to run and play but tiring out sooner than when they were a puppy or adolescent
Vision and Hearing Changes
It is a normal process of aging that vision and hearing abilities will be decreased. Because of this, an older Poodle does best when routines are kept and changes are not made. One of the most important things that you can do is not to rearrange the furniture in your home and keep all toys and food and water bowls in the same place. An older Poodle does well when commands are given both vocally and by hand signals. It helps to begin this well before your senior Poodle has any hearing loss. Approaching your dog from the side, as so not to startle him or her is also recommended.
HairWhile it does not occur with all Poodles, dog of any breed can develop gray hairs, very much as we do as we grow older. While grooming is important at all stages of your dog’s life, do be sure to always use conditioner when bathing your older Poodle. Skin will be much more sensitive now and having exposed skin can cause skin to dry out quickly and can lead to sores. It is recommended to allow your Poodle to have a simple Puppy Clip, Utility Clip or Lamp Clip when in their senior years.
Behavioral Changes
A senior Poodle may have a hard time accepting new situations and may have a harder time coping with what used to be normal situations. For example:
Separation anxiety - An older Poodle may be much more aware of your presence and begin to feel nervous when left home alone. This can show in many ways such as destructive behavior, increased barking or depression. Setting up a comfortable environment, leaving on a radio or TV and/or hiring a dog walker or dog sitter to check in with your Poodle can help. Many people wonder if getting a new puppy will help an older dog cope with loneliness. This depends greatly on your current Poodles ability to accept a new puppy and their tolerance for the playing and high activities levels that the puppy will have.
Sensitivity – An older dog may become afraid of loud noises, such as trucks backfiring, slamming doors or thunder storms. Do try to control the elements that you can.
Housebreaking Accidents - If this occurs, it is important to have your Poodle’s veterinarian complete a checkup, as anything from a bladder infection to stomach tumors can be the cause. If it is a simple sign of canine old age, the use of belly bands or diapers can be of great help. While your Poodle may need to become accustomed to either of these, it can help as a dog’s self confidence can be destroyed when they keep having accidents.
Sleep – While dogs do sleep more than we do, senior Poodles will usually sleep even more. It is best to accept this, never waking up your dog and allowing them to rest when needed. Be sure to offer a quiet, comfortable resting and sleeping area. As a dog enters the senior years they may either want a very quiet place to retreat to or they may want to be closer to the family. By trying out both, you will be able to know which change your Poodle appreciates.
Keeping Your Senior Poodle Healthy
Illness
The potential for certain diseases increases with a dog’s age. It is important to bring your Poodle for geriatric veterinarian screenings. Many canine illnesses can be treated and there is no reason for a dog to suffer when so many treatments are available.
Weight
Help your Poodle maintain a good body weight. You may notice that your dog gains weight as they grow older, most often because activities such as long walks are cut short. It is best to continue feeding your Poodle very high quality food, we highly recommend home cooking, as this offers your dog real food with zero fillers. More about home cooking here.
Dental Care
Canine dental care is important at any age, and even more so as a Poodle ages. Periodontal disease is the 2nd most common health ailment for senior dogs. Daily brushings at home are important as ever and either home scraping or professional scraping must not be ignored.
Observation
While the world spins fast and some days seem to only last hours, we must take time to have a good look at our senior Poodles each day. Look for any physical signs, but also behavioral signs as well and do not hesitate to bring your Poodle to the vet. Early treatment is the best method to a fast recovery from any health issue.
