If you’re thinking about adopting a poodle, you must consider both the attention they require and the cost of maintaining one.  Poodles are highly intelligent beings and possess a keen sense of humor.  They are extremely loyal to their humans and are also playful, affectionate, good-natured, eager to please, energetic and elegant in appearance.  Poodles are mild-mannered and protective.  They are solid dogs with life expectancies averaging between 12 and 18+ years (depending on size).

Care of Poodles:

Poodles are non-shedding and make excellent pets for those with allergies.  However, their dense, curly hair needs to be maintained properly or it will become matted causing their skin to become irritated and possibly infected; thus requiring medical treatment.  Poodles need to be brushed daily (by you) and groomed professionally on a regular basis (every six weeks).  

Poodles are prone to dental problems, which can lead to serious health implications including heart and kidney problems.  This can be regulated with a high quality dry food, daily teeth brushing by you (this can be made fun!) and dental cleanings by your veterinarian.  

Poodles are inclined to develop ear infections. Their full, floppy ears provide the ideal warm, moist environment for yeast and bacteria. Healthy poodle ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and kept free of hair which can clog the ear canal and create infections.  Regular trips to the groomer will ensure that the ear canal is free of hair.  

Poodles can be expensive to maintain.  If you’re thinking about adopting a poodle, you need to consider both the attention they need and the cost of maintaining them, including annual vet exams, heartworm prevention and flea and tick preventatives.  In addition to the normal expenses of dog ownership, grooming costs can be high. A professional grooming is recommended at least every 6-8 weeks and can cost anywhere from $30-$90 depending on the size of the dog. 

Different types of poodles... 

Toy Poodles

Toys are ideal for older or less-active people, or for those with limited living space. Toys are not recommended families with children and should never be left alone with them because of possible injury due to their small size.  

Miniature Poodles

Mini poodles are energetic and need a moderate amount of exercise. They are also good for those with limited living space. However, they can weigh up to 20 pounds, so they are harder to lift for more fragile people.  They are not recommended for young children (under 15) and should be placed in homes with fenced-in yards.  

Standard Poodles

Like most large dogs, to support good manners and household etiquette, standards must have regular exercise and training.  Standards are recommended for those who are able to control them.  Due to their size and energy level, standards are not a good choice for people who live in homes without a fenced-in yard or with small children.