caniche
/kaˈnit͡ʃe/masculine
The Spanish word for poodle is caniche.
caniche is a masculine noun used to refer to the poodle dog breed. You can also use the phrase perro caniche to specify that you are talking about the dog breed.
Meaning: dog breed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of caniche is caniches.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈnitʃe/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers may use caniche as a playful or mildly mocking adjective to describe someone who is overly groomed or fussy.
- The word caniche shares the same root as the English word 'canine', though it traveled through French before entering Spanish.
- Despite its French origin, the word caniche has become so common that many Spanish speakers do not realize it is not a native Spanish word.
Examples in context
- María tiene un caniche llamado Luna.María has a poodle named Luna.
- Tengo un caniche toy llamado Coco, es tan pequeñito y adorable.I have a toy poodle named Coco, he’s so tiny and adorable.
- El caniche es muy inteligente.The poodle is very intelligent.
- Mi tío tiene un caniche blanco.My uncle has a white poodle.
- Ese caniche es muy juguetón.That poodle is very playful.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a park looking at dogs.
- MateoMira ese caniche tan pequeño.Look at that tiny poodle.
- ElenaEs muy lindo y tiene el pelo rizado.It is very cute and has curly hair.
- MateoMe encantan los perros de esa raza.I love dogs of that breed.
- ElenaYo también, Elena quiere uno.Me too, Elena wants one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poodle” translations and entries caniche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
