Which health problems are common in the Poodle?
Poodles come in toy, miniature and standard sizes, and the risks differ: small Poodles are prone to gum disease and slipping kneecaps, standards to Addison's disease. In the toy and miniature sizes, a DNA test shows the risk of an inherited retinal disease.
Updated November 9, 2026
What should Poodle owners watch for?
Common for the breed doesn't mean your dog will have it.
- Teeth. Toy Poodles have one of the highest rates of gum disease of any breed. Bad breath or red gums are the signs, and daily brushing helps most.
- Kneecaps. Toy and miniature Poodles are among the breeds prone to it. A skip in the step or a back leg held up for a few strides is the sign.
- Retinal disease. An inherited retinal disease (PRA) slowly takes away sight. Bumping into things at night is an early sign. Programmes list the DNA test for toy and miniature Poodles.
- Hips. Hip dysplasia is screened for in the breed. Stiffness after rest or trouble on stairs are the signs.
- Addison's disease. Standard Poodles are prone to this hormone disease. Vague signs that come and go, like tiredness, vomiting or shaking, are worth a vet check.
Which checkups do vets often suggest?
| Checkup | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| DNA test for PRA | A cheek swab or blood test that shows whether the dog carries a gene for inherited sight loss. Done once, at any age. | Once |
| Eye exam by an ophthalmologist | A specialist checks the eyes for inherited problems. Screening programmes suggest repeating it every year. | Every year |
| Kneecap check | Your vet feels the knees to see whether a kneecap slips out of place. Programmes certify it from 1 year of age. | From 1 year · Once |
| Hip X-ray | X-ray of the hips, usually under sedation, to check for dysplasia. Schemes take it from 1 year of age in the UK and 2 in the US; ask your vet when. | From 1 year · Once |
Your vet decides which checkups fit your pet, and when.
How do I keep a Poodle health record?
VetVitae, a free pet health record app for iPhone, Android and the web, shows these notes on your dog’s profile under Health, and Plan it opens the exam or test with its name filled.
For vaccines, parasites and the signs that can’t wait, see the dog care guide.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet.
Sources
- Recommended tests for Poodle, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- Non-sporting group health testing requirements, American Kennel Club
- Toy group health testing requirements, American Kennel Club
- Poodle (Toy), Breed health and Breed Watch, The Royal Kennel Club
- New RVC research gets to the root of dental disease in dogs, Royal Veterinary College VetCompass, 2021
- Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting, Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2021
- Luxating Patella in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
- Addison's Disease in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
Start a record for your pet.
Add your pet, log the last vaccine, and you're set up. Use it in your browser, on iPhone or on Android.