Poodle Health Issues: What Every Owner Should Know
Updated: 2 days ago
By Nick, co-founder of Doggy Styles Inc and owner of Bruno, a rescued French Bulldog. Last updated 14 October 2026.
Quick Answer
Poodles are generally healthy, long-lived dogs, but like every pedigree breed they have known weak spots. The main ones are inherited eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy), slipping kneecaps in Toys and Miniatures, hip problems, and, in Standards, Addison's disease, bloat and a skin condition called sebaceous adenitis. Ear infections and dental disease are common everyday issues. Buying from health-tested parents and knowing the early signs make the biggest difference.
Key takeaways
The Poodle Club of America recommends different health tests for each size. Ask any breeder to show you the results.
Size changes the risks. Toys and Miniatures tend towards knee and teeth problems; Standards towards bloat, Addison's and skin disease.
Weekly checks of ears, teeth, skin and weight catch most everyday problems early.
If you're still understanding the breed properly, start here:
👉 POODLE GUIDE — Full Behaviour, Personality & Ownership Breakdown
Are Poodles healthy dogs? What people get wrong
People tend to swing between two ideas. One is that Poodles are delicate, highly bred show dogs that are always at the vet. The other is that, because they're not flat-faced or giant, they're basically trouble-free. Neither is right. Poodles are a sound, athletic breed that often lives well into its teens. They also carry a handful of inherited conditions that responsible breeders test for and owners should know about.
The other thing people miss is that many of the everyday problems aren't inherited at all. They come from the coat, ears and teeth that make a Poodle a Poodle. A curly coat that hides sore skin, hair growing in the ear canal, small mouths crowded with teeth. Those are things you can do something about at home.
The first vet visit
Week one. She's a Miniature, nine weeks old, and on the vet's table she seems very small. The vet listens to her heart, feels her tummy, gently flexes each back knee and shines a light in her eyes. She tries to eat the stethoscope. You leave with a vaccination card, a worming plan and a folder from the breeder with her parents' eye and DNA test certificates, which you'd never have thought to ask for a month ago.
Common Poodle health issues: a quick guide
Condition | Sizes most affected | What you might notice |
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) | All, especially Toys and Miniatures | Bumping into things in dim light, reluctance on stairs at night |
Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation) | Toys and Miniatures | A skip or hop for a few steps, then normal walking |
Hip dysplasia | Miniatures and Standards | Stiffness after rest, bunny-hopping, reluctance to jump |
Addison's disease | Standards | Vague, on-off tiredness, poor appetite, tummy upsets |
Bloat (GDV) | Standards | Swollen tummy, retching with nothing coming up, restlessness. An emergency |
Sebaceous adenitis | Standards | Dry, scaly skin and patchy hair loss |
Ear infections | All | Head shaking, scratching ears, smell, redness |
Dental disease | Especially Toys and Miniatures | Bad breath, tartar, dropping food |
Epilepsy | All | Seizures: collapse, paddling legs, jaw chomping or 'absent' spells |
Cushing's disease | All sizes, mainly middle-aged and older dogs | Drinking and weeing more, constant hunger, pot belly, thinning coat |
Underactive thyroid | Standards especially | Weight gain, tiredness, feeling the cold, dull or thin coat |
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease | Toys and Miniatures | A back-leg limp in a young dog, usually under a year old |
Collapsing windpipe | Toys | A dry, honking cough, worse with excitement or pulling on a collar |
Owners recognise the little health rituals. The weekly peer into the ears. The sniff test that tells you something's wrong before anything else does. The way she can be on top form all morning and then, suddenly, very quiet.
That everyday care is what Doggy Styles Inc designs around: clean, minimal Poodle pieces for people who know their dog's normal better than anyone.
👉 Shop Poodle women's t-shirts, unisex t-shirts and sweatshirts and hoodies
👉 or explore the full POODLE COLLECTION
Why do Poodles get these health problems?
A healthy breed with known weak spots
Every pedigree breed comes from a limited gene pool, and some inherited conditions travel with it. The Poodle Club of America sets out the tests it recommends for breeding dogs, and they differ by size. For Toys: a DNA test for PRA-prcd, an annual eye exam by a specialist and a kneecap check. For Miniatures: the same, plus hips. For Standards: hips, eyes, thyroid, a DNA test for a rare puppy brain disease called NEwS and one for the bleeding disorder von Willebrand's disease, with heart and skin checks as options. The club also lists wider breed concerns including Addison's disease, bloat, epilepsy and Cushing's disease.
Size changes the risks
Three sizes of Poodle means three slightly different health profiles. Small dogs are more prone to slipping kneecaps and dental disease, partly because of how tightly everything is packed into a small body. Standards are large, deep-chested dogs, which brings a higher risk of bloat, and they're the size most associated with Addison's and sebaceous adenitis. When you choose a size, you're choosing which list to watch.
What the research says
Bloat is the one every Standard owner should know about. In a study of 1,914 large and giant dogs, Larry Glickman and colleagues at Purdue University found that having a parent, sibling or offspring that had bloated raised a dog's risk by 63%. Feeding from a raised bowl, often recommended at the time, more than doubled it (a 110% increase), and risk rose by about 20% with every year of age (Glickman and colleagues, 2000).
On the brighter side, size works in a Poodle's favour for lifespan. A UK study of 584,734 dogs led by Dogs Trust found a median lifespan of 12.5 years across all breeds, with large breeds at a 20% higher risk of a shorter life and flat-faced breeds at 40% (Dogs Trust and Liverpool John Moores University, 2024). A Poodle isn't flat-faced, and Toys and Miniatures are small, which helps explain why so many live well into their teens.
There's Poodle-specific evidence too. A VetCompass study led by Dan O'Neill at the Royal Veterinary College looked at 102,609 dogs seen at 86 vet practices in England and found a median lifespan of 12 years across all dogs. The Miniature Poodle was among the longest-lived breeds, alongside the Bearded Collie, Border Collie and Miniature Dachshund (O'Neill and colleagues, 2013).
Illness and pain often show up first as a change in behaviour, so it helps to know what's normal for the breed.
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How small problems become big ones
Most Poodle health problems start small and quiet. A little wax in a hairy ear. A bit of tartar on a back tooth. A dry patch of skin under the coat. A Poodle's curls hide a lot, and Poodles are stoical. Many don't make a fuss until something is properly sore.
The pattern is nearly always the same. Something small goes unnoticed for a few weeks, gets worse, and turns into a vet visit, a course of treatment and, sometimes, a bill. The fix is equally simple: look, regularly, before there's a reason to.
Ears first
Month three. She keeps shaking her head after a muddy walk, then scratching at her left ear with a back foot. You lift the ear flap and there it is: hair packed into the canal, a brown waxy smell and pink skin underneath. The vet confirms a mild infection, prescribes drops and suggests the groomer keeps the ear hair under control. From then on, every brushing session starts with a look in both ears.
That's why grooming and health are so closely linked with Poodles: the coat and ears hide things unless you look.
👉 DO POODLES NEED A LOT OF GROOMING? — Coat, Clips & What to Expect
Living with a Poodle's health needs
Day to day, a healthy Poodle needs what any dog needs, with a few extras: regular grooming that doubles as a health check, attention to ears and teeth, and keeping them lean. Standards in particular need plenty of exercise every day, and a fit, lean dog is better protected against joint problems and much else besides.
The bigger choice comes before you get a puppy. Health-tested parents don't guarantee a healthy dog, but they shift the odds a long way.
A Poodle probably isn't the right fit if:
you're buying from a breeder who can't show health test results for both parents
regular grooming, dental care and vet checks would be hard to keep up
you'd struggle to cover vet bills without insurance or savings
you're not prepared to learn the warning signs of bloat with a Standard
The skip on the stairs
Month five. She's trotting up the garden steps when her back leg flicks out to the side and she hops for three strides, then carries on as if nothing happened. It happens again a week later. The vet feels the knee, pops the kneecap gently in and out of its groove and explains it's a mild slipping kneecap: common in small Poodles, and often managed with weight control and muscle-building exercise rather than surgery.
Being honest about health risks and vet costs is part of deciding whether the breed is right for you.
👉 POODLE PROS AND CONS — An Honest Guide Before You Buy
What happens over the years
Health changes with age. Young Poodles are most likely to see the vet for ears, tummy upsets and the occasional limp. Some inherited conditions show up later: PRA usually appears as gradual loss of night vision, often from middle age; Addison's disease is most often diagnosed in young to middle-aged dogs; and as Glickman's research showed, bloat risk keeps rising with age.
Dental disease is a slow one. Tartar builds from the first year, gums recede, and by middle age many small dogs need teeth removed under anaesthetic. Daily brushing from puppyhood is one of the most valuable health habits you can build.
The quiet day
Month eight. She doesn't finish breakfast. She doesn't bring you a toy. She spends the morning curled up on her bed rather than on the windowsill watching the street. By lunchtime she's back to normal, and part of you wants to forget it. You mention it to the vet anyway, who listens carefully, checks her over and says that with a breed that can get Addison's, vague 'off days' are always worth noting down. They come to nothing. You keep the note.
A busy, well-occupied Poodle is a healthier one, because a bored, clever dog finds its own entertainment.
👉 ARE POODLES SMART? — What the Science Says
Other Poodle health conditions worth knowing
The quick guide covers the conditions owners meet most often. These are less common, but they're on the Poodle Club of America's list or well recognised in the breed, and knowing the early signs makes a real difference.
Epilepsy. Repeated seizures with no other cause found. It most often first appears in young adult dogs. A seizure can look like a collapse, paddling legs, jaw chomping or a strange 'absent' spell. Note the time, keep your Poodle away from stairs and furniture, and call your vet. Most dogs are well managed with daily medication.
Cushing's disease. Roughly the opposite of Addison's: the body makes too much of the stress hormone cortisol. It's mostly a disease of middle-aged and older dogs. The largest UK study, from the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass programme, found it in about 1 in 600 of 905,544 dogs, with several small breeds and overweight dogs at higher odds (VetCompass, 2022). Poodles weren't singled out there, but the Poodle Club of America lists it as a breed concern. Watch for drinking and weeing more, a constant appetite, a pot-bellied look and a thinning coat.
Underactive thyroid. Thyroid testing is on the club's list for breeding Standards. The signs creep in slowly: weight gain without eating more, tiredness, feeling the cold and a dull, thin coat. A blood test confirms it, and a daily tablet usually sorts it out.
Von Willebrand's disease. An inherited bleeding disorder that Standards are DNA tested for. Many affected dogs seem completely normal until they bleed more than expected after an injury, a dental or an operation. If your Poodle's parents weren't tested, ask your vet whether to check before any planned surgery.
NEwS. Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures is a rare and fatal brain condition in newborn Standard puppies. There's a DNA test, so responsible breeders can make sure no puppies are affected. It's one more reason to ask to see health results.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. A hip condition of small breeds, Toys and Miniatures included, where the blood supply to the top of the thigh bone fails and the bone starts to break down. In one veterinary study of 46 cases, Poodles made up the largest group, and signs started between 2 and 24 months of age, most often before 10 months (Legg-Calvé-Perthes retrospective study). It shows up as a back-leg limp, and surgery usually gives a good result.
Collapsing windpipe. Small dogs, Poodles among them, can have a weak windpipe that flattens as they breathe. In a 2024 study of 110 small-breed dogs with the condition, nearly all had a chronic, goose-honking cough, and most improved with weight loss and medical management (Kim and colleagues, 2024). Many vets also advise a harness rather than a collar.
Low blood sugar in Toy puppies. Very small puppies have tiny energy reserves. A Toy puppy that misses a meal or gets chilled can turn weak, wobbly or very sleepy. Small, regular meals in the early months prevent it, and if it happens it's an emergency.
Cataracts and other eye problems. Beyond PRA, Poodles can develop cataracts and other eye conditions, which is why regular eye exams are recommended for breeding dogs. Cloudiness in the eye or new clumsiness is worth a vet visit.
Skin allergies. Itchy skin, paw licking and repeat ear infections can all point to allergies, which are common across many breeds and easy to miss under a Poodle coat. Grooming time is your chance to spot red, irritated skin early.
One practical point: pet insurance is easiest to arrange while your Poodle is young and healthy, before anything counts as a pre-existing condition. Policies vary a lot, so check what's covered for hereditary conditions.
How to keep a Poodle healthy
The aim isn't to worry about every rare condition. It's to know your dog's normal, and to notice early when something isn't.
In the moment
A swollen tummy, retching with nothing coming up, drooling or restlessness in a Standard: go to a vet immediately. Bloat can kill within hours.
Sudden lameness, a cloudy eye or a dog that won't eat for more than a day: call your vet.
Head shaking and ear scratching: look in the ear, and book a check if there's redness or a smell.
Long term
Buy from parents with health test results for their size, and ask to see the certificates.
Keep your Poodle lean. You should be able to feel the ribs easily.
Check ears, teeth, skin and weight weekly, ideally while grooming.
Brush teeth daily from puppyhood.
For Standards, feed two or more smaller meals a day, avoid raised bowls and rest after meals.
Book a yearly vet check, and more often as your Poodle gets older.
The weekly once-over
Month ten. Sunday evening on the sofa. Ears: clean. Teeth: one small bit of tartar to mention at the next vet visit. Paws, nails, skin, a run of the fingers through the coat. A gentle press on the ribs. She lies on her back through the whole thing, half asleep, as if it's a spa treatment. Five minutes, and you know she's fine.
When to get help: suspected bloat is always an emergency, day or night. For anything else, from a skip in the step to a dog who's just not herself, your vet is the first call. If you're buying a puppy, ask your vet which health tests to look for before you commit.
Are Poodles healthier than other breeds?
Compared with many popular breeds, they do well. Unlike French Bulldogs and Pugs, Poodles don't have the breathing problems that come with a flat face. Bruno, our rescued Frenchie, is the reason I know that difference well. Compared with Labradors, Poodles share a risk of hip problems, though Labs are more prone to weight gain. Compared with Doodles and other Poodle crosses, the health picture depends on both parent breeds, and health testing matters just as much.
Size, health and lifestyle all play into which Poodle fits your home.
👉 ARE POODLES GOOD FAMILY DOGS? — Children, Size & Daily Life
What owners realise over time
Most owners find that Poodle health is mostly about attention. Choose well at the start, learn the warning signs, and make the weekly check part of the routine. The dogs that run into trouble are usually the ones where a small problem went unnoticed for too long.
The vet, a year on
A year after that first visit. Same table, same vet. Heart: good. Eyes: clear. Knees: the left one still slips now and then, but she's lean and strong and it doesn't bother her. Teeth: clean. She tries to eat the stethoscope again. Some things don't need fixing.
The verdict
Common Poodle health issues include inherited eye disease, slipping kneecaps, hip problems and, in Standards, bloat, Addison's disease and sebaceous adenitis, alongside everyday ear and dental problems. Most Poodles live long, healthy lives, especially when they come from health-tested parents.
Know the risks for your Poodle's size, check ears, teeth, skin and weight every week, and learn the signs of bloat if you have a Standard. That covers most of what matters.
If you're still getting to know the breed, the guide covers the full picture.
Living with a Poodle means knowing your dog's normal better than anyone. The Poodle range is for the people who do.
👉 Explore Poodle women's t-shirts, unisex t-shirts and sweatshirts and hoodies
👉 or explore the full POODLE COLLECTION
Got a Poodle who thinks the vet's waiting room is a social club? Show us. Tag @doggystylesinc on Instagram or find us on Facebook at Doggy Styles Inc, and your Poodle could feature in a future post.
Continue Understanding the Poodle Breed
FAQs
Are Poodles healthy dogs?
Generally, yes. Poodles are athletic, long-lived dogs, and many live well into their teens. Like all pedigree breeds they have some inherited conditions, which health-tested parents help reduce.
What are the most common Poodle health problems?
Inherited eye disease (PRA), slipping kneecaps in smaller Poodles, hip problems, ear infections and dental disease. Standards are also prone to bloat, Addison's disease and the skin condition sebaceous adenitis.
What health problems do Standard Poodles have?
The main ones are bloat, Addison's disease, sebaceous adenitis, hip dysplasia and some eye conditions. The Poodle Club of America recommends hip, eye, thyroid and DNA testing for breeding Standards.
What health problems do Toy and Miniature Poodles have?
Slipping kneecaps, inherited eye disease and dental disease are the most common. Miniatures can also have hip problems.
How long do Poodles live?
Many live into their teens. Smaller Poodles often live a little longer than Standards, as small dogs generally do.
Do Poodles smell?
Not usually. Poodles shed very little and don't have a strong doggy smell. If yours does smell, check the ears, teeth and skin, and make sure the coat dries properly after getting wet.
Are Poodles hard to take care of?
Their health needs are fairly ordinary, but their grooming isn't. Regular brushing, clips, ear checks and tooth brushing are the main extra work.
What health tests should a Poodle breeder do?
It depends on size. For Toys and Miniatures, look for a PRA-prcd DNA test, an annual eye exam and a kneecap check, plus hips for Miniatures. For Standards, look for hips, eyes, thyroid and DNA tests for NEwS and von Willebrand's disease.
What are the signs of bloat in a Poodle?
A swollen or tight tummy, retching without bringing anything up, drooling, restlessness and pacing. It's an emergency. Go to a vet straight away.
How can I keep my Poodle healthy?
Choose a puppy from health-tested parents, keep them lean and active, check ears, teeth and skin weekly, brush their teeth, and see the vet at least once a year.
Do Poodles get epilepsy?
Some do. Epilepsy is one of the wider breed concerns listed by the Poodle Club of America, and it usually first appears in young adult dogs. Most epileptic dogs live good lives on daily medication.
Why does my Toy Poodle make a honking cough?
A dry, goose-like honk in a small dog can be a sign of a collapsing windpipe. Switch from a collar to a harness, keep them lean and ask your vet to check.
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