The Brindle Poodle is one of the many brindle breeds that’s characterized by the striped pattern their fur makes. They have the same characteristic long, curly hair as other colors of Poodles but their white areas are covered with black, blue, or silver stripes. This type of poodle isn’t only beautiful but incredibly rare.
Here are the key things you should know about this breed before you take one home as your pet.
What is a Brindle Poodle?
Brindle poodles are known for their unique coat. They’re one of the rarest types of Poodles because their coloring can only happen with two recessive genes. This means that each of its parents must be brindle in color, as well.
This type of Poodle is highly sought after because of its striking color combinations, but still has all of the great traits of a standard colored Poodle.
Types of Brindle Poodles
Brindle Poodles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of these different sizes include:
- Toy
- Miniature
- Standard
The standard size Brindle Poodle should be more than 15 inches in height making it the largest type of this breed, while the toy size Brindle poodle should be no more than 10 inches in height. The miniature type falls in between both of these sizes.
While each type of Brindle Poodle is relatively the same other than size, there can be some key differences in temperament and personality.
the Origin of the Brindle Poodle
According to the AKC, Brindle poodles are believed to have originated from Germany.
They share ties with many water dogs, which is how they got their name. The word pudel means to splash water, which is fitting for this breed since the poodle was initially bred to hunt in water.
Although they might initially have been bred to hunt, they became increasingly more versatile over the years.
Poodles have been used for anything from a guard dog to a circus entertainer. They eventually became a fixture in the world of dog shows thanks to their intelligence and long, curly hair.
How Much Do They Cost?
Brindle Poodles are one of the more expensive purebred dogs, ranging between $700-$3,000. The huge difference in price depends upon a variety of factors.
If you get your poodle from a breeder, the price will depend on the following considerations:
- The breeder’s reputation
- The puppy’s lineage
- Local supply and demand
- Health
- Rare color
If you aren’t keen on spending that kind of money, you can use a website like PetFinder to see if a nearby shelter has a Poodle that you can adopt. In that case, you’ll only pay the standard adoption fee.
When it comes to Brindle Poodles, you’ll get what you pay for. If you want to ensure your dog doesn’t have health issues commonly associated with puppy mills, it’s best to spend the extra money upfront or you’ll pay for it later in vet costs.
Brindle Poodles are also more expensive than poodles of more common colors. This is because they’re rare, so the supply is limited.
How Can You Find a Brindle Poodle?
While it’s not common to find a Brindle Poodle at a shelter, in the case that there’s one looking to be rehomed, rescuing can be a great option.
If you’re on the market for a purebred dog, the AKC marketplace works with the highest quality breeders to ensure you get the best dog. They set strict guidelines for all of their breeders so you can rest assured you’re only getting the best of the best.
What are the Traits of a Brindle Poodle?
While each individual dog won’t be exactly the same, all breeds have traits that are common to see. You can count on seeing these traits in poodles most of the time.
They include:
- Exercise requirements
- Temperament
- Whether they’re good family dogs
- Grooming requirements
- Whether they’re recommended for first-time dog owners.
Keep reading for more information on each of these traits in Poodles.
How Much Exercise Do They Need?
Brindle Poodles are energetic dogs with lots of energy. They require daily walks, as well as some more rigorous activities to expend all of their energy.
Brindle Poodles are historically hunting dogs, so they love any activity that’s reminiscent of this and allows them to let their instincts take over. Y
our Brindle Poodle will love many activities, including the following:
- Playing fetch
- Running
- Agility courses
- Swimming
Beyond these common options, your poodle will likely love many different outdoor activities that are common in your household. As long as you make sure they’re not unsafe or too worn out, the sky’s the limit.
Temperament
Brindle Poodles are intelligent and playful. They’re incredibly affectionate with their family and love being around their family.
Their main traits are:
- Playful
- Obedient
- Easy to train
- Loving
According to PetMD, depending on whether the Brindle Poodle is a Miniature or Standard size, their personality will be affected slightly. Miniature Brindle Poodles are much shyer and will take time to warm up to new people while larger Poodles have an easier time socializing.
Whether they’re most comfortable with you or will accept pets from anyone who crosses their paths, poodles love to be doted on and need a high level of socialization to remain happy.
If this need isn’t met, they’ll usually let you know in the form of barking. Get ready for plenty of petting and snuggles if you own one of these dogs!
Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
Brindle Poodles make wonderful family pets, for many reasons:
- They’re easy to train because of their intelligence
- They do well with other animals and children
- Brindle Poodles are particularly affectionate with family
- Larger poodles take well to strangers, making them easy dogs to be around
- They’re adaptable and, though they require a high level of exercise, they can thrive in apartment living situations.
Even though they’re good family dogs, toy and miniature Poodles can become afraid of children if accidentally mishandled, so you should always supervise your young children with any dog.
Grooming Requirements
The grooming requirements of the Brindle Poodle are quite intensive. They’ll need the following grooming care:
- Frequent brushing
- Haircuts
- Nail trimming
- Oral care
Since poodles have thick and wiry fur, it has the tendency to get matted if it isn’t properly taken care of, so they’ll need to be brushed daily. You can learn more about grooming your poodle by visiting our Best Dog Grooming Tools article.
While not all Brindle Poodles are shaved in the same style, the Continental Cut is the most universally associated haircut for this breed. The evolution of this hairstyle was first seen in paintings dating back to the 1600s that show poodles with long hair in the front and short hair in the back.
If you keep the Brindle Poodle’s coat short it can cut brushing requirements down to just once a week. Regular trimming should be done every 4-6 weeks. It’s also important to keep your Brindle Poodle’s nails trimmed and teeth brushed to promote overall health.
Are They Good for First-Time Owners?
Brindle Poodles make a great option for new dog owners, and are even featured on our list of the 20 Best Dogs for First-Time Owners! Aside from the daily grooming requirements, they have the ability to adapt to change and are playful and loyal. This makes them a great pick for someone new to owning a dog.
Although proper dog training can be intimidating to a first-time owner, Brindle Poodles want to please their humans and are easily taught, making training much easier for someone who’s inexperienced.
How Long Do Brindle Poodles Live?
The lifespan of a Brindle Poodle ranges from 10-18 years, with averages changing based on size. Typically, the smaller the dog, the longer it will live.
The average lifespans of each size are:
- Toy poodle: 14-18 years
- Miniature Poodle: 13-16 years
- Standard Poodle: 10-14 years
With larger Brindle Poodles being on the lower end of their life expectancy range, there are many ways to make sure your dog enjoys the longest life possible. Regular vet checkups, teeth cleaning, and proper diet and exercise can ensure your pup lives a long, happy life.
What is the Weight and Height of a Brindle Poodle?
The weight and height of the Brindle Poodle vary greatly. There are three types of Brindle Poodles. These are the toy, miniature, and standard sizes, listed from smallest to biggest.
- To be considered a toy Brindle Poodle, the dog must be less than 10 inches in height with a weight around 5-9 pounds.
- The miniature Brindle Poodle is slightly larger than the toy version, and has a height of 11-15 inches, and weighs around 15-20 pounds.
- The standard size Brindle Poodle is by far the largest of the breed, standing over 15 inches tall. They weigh between 40-50 pounds for a female and 60-70 pounds for a male.
Some individual dogs may fall outside these measurements and weights while still being healthy. If there are any concerns, your vet will mention something at your dog’s checkup, so don’t forget to take him or her regularly!
Common Health Issues of Brindle Poodles
All sizes of Brindle Poodles are prone to certain conditions more than others, but they’re still considered overall healthy dogs.
These conditions include:
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
According to PetMD, Miniature versions of the Brindle Poodle can be at risk of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). PRA is a degenerative disease that affects the eyes and will eventually lead to blindness.
VWD is a disorder of the blood in which it doesn’t clot properly due to low levels of a certain protein. It’s best to talk to your vet to establish preventative measures and/or treat pre-existing conditions.
Standard size Brindle Poodles are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia and bloat. Hip dysplasia affects the joints of the hips as the dog ages and can cause them chronic pain.
Bloat happens when too much gas gets stuck in the stomach. This can be avoided by making sure your dog doesn’t eat too fast and avoids intense exercise right before mealtime. A slow-feeder dog bowl is great for slowing dogs down. Check out our article about the Best Slow-Feeder Dog Bowls for more info!
What are the Diet Requirements of the Brindle Poodle?
Poodles thrive on diets that are similar to most other dogs their size. Their most important needs are:
- Wholesome ingredients
- High protein
- Clean drinking water
They do best when they eat 2-3 times daily because they’re prone to bloat. This can be a life-threatening condition and can be avoided by breaking up their diet into multiple meals as opposed to one large meal.
When deciding which brand of dog food to get, the label should list a high-quality protein source first, such as chicken or beef, and then include healthy fats, carbs, and fruits and vegetables subsequently.
What We Like About Brindle Poodles
The pros of having a Brindle Poodle are far and wide.
- They’re not only attractive dogs with beautiful coats, but they’re also well-mannered.
- Brindle Poodles are playful and highly intelligent.
- They love being around people and children and will be affectionate towards you.
- They fit in well with active lifestyles.
- If you’re prone to allergies, this is a great breed to adopt because they don’t have fur. Instead, they have hair, which is considered to be hypo-allergenic.
With all of these great traits, it’s no wonder that Poodles are highly sought after, even making frequent appearances as the pet of choice for celebrities!
Potential Drawbacks of Having a Brindle Poodle
Just like any other breed, there are some negative sides to owning a Poodle. These can include:
- The continual grooming that has to be done. If you prefer to keep the hair of this breed short, it will require frequent visits to the groomer, which could be an additional cost.
- Brindle Poodles are also quite expensive when purchased through breeders. This can be a hindrance for some who don’t have the budget to spend thousands of dollars on a dog.
- Brindle Poodles also require a strong commitment to exercise every day, so if you don’t already lead an active lifestyle this could be an issue.
If none of these drawbacks would be a problem for you, then a Poodle may be just the dog for you!
How Fast Do They Grow?
Brindle Poodles should reach their full height and weight by 12 months old.
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female) |
| Height | Over 15 inches |
| Suitable For | Playful, Adventurous, Good with Children |
| Grooming Requirements | High maintenance with daily brushing |
| Health Concerns | Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cataracts |
| Temperaments | High-energy, Playful, Loyal, Affectionate |
The size will depend on which type of Brindle Poodle you have since they come in three different varieties; toy, miniature, and standard.
Summary
The brindle poodle is versatile and elegant, carrying itself to a high standard in the grooming department.
If a potential owner needs a hypoallergenic pup, the Poodle makes a great companion. They’re also incredibly intelligent and trainable, so having them around kids and animals is a walk in the park.
Their sensitive coat can expose the breed to allergens and irritation, owners should provide a clean environment for them to prevent issues. When well-maintained, the Poodle exudes a loving attitude that will keep you company.
