Despite its fancy looks, the poodle is a superb athlete with above-average intelligence. The poodle ranks among the top 10 breeds in the AKC, were bred in Germany as water retriever dogs in the beginning.

Poodles have a distinctive coat that protects their vital organs from cold water while they swim,and also known to be versatile dogs and have the ideal temperament for families.

Size

These are medium-sized dogs. Poodles reach their full size, and enter adulthood, at two years. They can weigh a maximum of 70 pounds and reach an average height of 20 inches. Their small size makes them perfect for an apartment dog.

If you are looking for an even smaller breed in a poodle, it is best to opt for a toy poodle. This one reaches just about 10 inches in height, and is ideal as a lapdog.

Temperament

Poodles are social dogs, and they love to be around their humans. They enjoy learning new tricks and techniques. They can also learn to play fetch because of their hunting past. These dogs are known to be attention seekers, and they would want to be involved in the majority of the family activities.

You will need to keep them entertained most of the time to avoid destructive behavior. If you are looking to get an independent dog, you should stay away from poodles as they like to hog the family’s attention.

They can be goofy and will love to be around kids as well. Additionally, poodles are also very protective of their owners. You will see your poodle puppy running to the door as soon as a stranger comes in. They may take some time to bond with new people, but once a bond is developed, they become fiercely protective of their owners.

If you have other animals at home, then bringing a poodle home shouldn’t cause a lot of trouble. They can adjust well with other dogs as long as you socialize them at an early age.

They Can Be Noisy

Poodles have a reputation for being vocal and enthusiastic watch dogs. They are quick to detect threats and can send warning signals to their owners. Some owners might appreciate this trait, whereas others might find it annoying. If you are concerned about excessive barking, then you may want to hire a dog trainer.

A dog trainer can teach your poodle to quiet down and channel its energy in a more positive manner.

Training

Poodles are extremely easy to train. You might be surprised how quickly they learn new tricks. They love positive reinforcement and can excel in agility, obedience, and tracking skills. You can also enroll your poodle puppy in dog socialization classes to enforce good behavior in your dog.

Poodles are susceptible to tone, however. Using a harsh tone while training them is not recommended. Instead, be firm and polite with your poodle while training, as they usually respond favorably to authority.

Energy Levels

In general, poodles are active dogs and they require daily exercise. They would love to go on walks and play games with you in the park. This will help create a bond between the dog and its owner, and also keep them happy and healthy. If you have a swimming pool in your home, poodles will enjoy it the most. They love to swim, and this is an excellent way of burning their dog fuel.

Grooming

Poodles do not shed a lot, which makes them great pets for people with allergies to pet dander. Regardless of non-shedding, they still require consistent grooming. A poodle’s coat is curly and dense, and it needs to be brushed regularly with a dog brush. You will also need to trim their coat every six weeks.

If you want your poodle to look prim and proper, you will need to take it to a professional groomer. Make sure to keep these costs in mind before deciding on getting a poodle for yourself.

These are high maintenance breeds for sure, and if you want to save on the grooming costs, you can keep their hair short. The reduced fur on your poodle will also make them efficient swimmers, but that also makes them vulnerable to cold water. To get the best of both worlds, most poodle owners keep a puff of hair around the joints and upper torso to protect the joints and vital organs when the poodle is in the water.

Health Problems

Poodles are susceptible to genetic health problems. They can suffer from epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, and several others. Most of these health problems can be screened using DNA technology nowadays. These screenings can go a long way in helping detect problems in their early stages.

It is recommended to take your pet for regular vet visits to keep them healthy. Routine blood work, X-rays, and dental cleaning can help significantly in keeping your dog away from unwanted health problems. 

Regular vet visits can be expensive for most pet owners, and they find it difficult to pay for them without pet insurance. It is vital to have pet insurance for your dog as it will provide you with a safety net in case the poodle suffers a serious injury that requires an expensive surgery. Buying insurance will also give you the peace of mind that you can take it to a vet for the best veterinary care if needed.

Cost

Poodles are generally considered to be expensive dogs. The average poodle price is $1,200. Apart from this, you will also need to factor in the costs of regular upkeep and maintenance. If you do not have insurance, then the cost of maintaining a poodle will increase significantly. An initial vet visit would set you back $80 on average.

The first visit to the vet is vital for your puppy as they will check your dog’s weight, ears, nose, body temperature, and overall health.

Secondly, keep in mind the additional costs of spaying or neutering your poodle dog, which can cost up to $200. The price of this procedure can vary depending on where you are getting the procedure done.

Additionally, your dog will also need its vaccinations on time to prevent health problems later on. Vaccinations can cost $100 depending on the ones you choose. Most essential vaccines for your poodle include DHPP and the rabies vaccine.

Food

Good nutrition is vital for your dog’s diet to maintain healthy bodily functions. Make sure to give your dog up to 1,700 calories per day. Less active poodles should be given 1,300 calories. Their diet should include adequate amounts of carbs, minerals, proteins, and fats.

Poodle puppies can grow into elegant and proud dogs. They will be loyal, energetic and bring loads of entertainment to your home. Overall, the experience of having poodles as pets is fantastic!