Poodle
Breed Group: non_sporting
"With beauty and brains, it’s no wonder I’m a popular pup!"
Breed Profile
The Poodle is the total package: pretty, playful, and proud. These family-friendly dogs have good looks and even better personalities. They’re smart, sensitive, and make wonderful companions. The Poodle’s classic coif will catch your eye, but their sweet personalities will capture your heart.
Behavior
The Poodle is sensitive, intelligent, lively, playful, proud, and funny. These loving dogs will become attached to you at the hip and make great companions. Families particularly love Poodles because they’re bouncy, alert, and eager to play. If you like energetic and vocal dogs, the Miniature variety may be the best fit for you. If you prefer low-key pups that don’t bark as much, consider the Standard or Toy Poodle.
Coat
Poodles have frizzy, wooly coats that need lots of grooming. They come in solid white, grey, brown, apricot, or black. There are three popular Poodle grooming styles: the puppy clip, continental clip, and English saddle clip. Dogs with the puppy clip have a shaved face, throat, feet, and tail. The continental clip, which is the most popular, involves shaving the upper legs and rear end, leaving “pom poms” around the ankles. The English saddle clip is similar, but the rear end and legs aren’t shaved. Poodles coats are high maintenance, but the upside is that they’re attractive and don’t shed much, making them a good match for people with allergies.
Lifestyle
Poodles are family-friendly dogs that get along well with children and other animals. They may snap or get rough with little kids, but socialization and training help curb these bad behaviors. Poodles are easygoing and adapt to their surroundings. They enjoy spending time inside and outside and are content in an apartment or home setting.
Activity
Miniature and Toy Poodles don’t require much exercise except other than a walk or moderate playtime each day. A Standard Poodle, however, needs much more activity. They enjoy long walks and outdoor exercise, like swimming and playing catch. Standard Poodles are also fond of retrieving, as they were originally bred as hunting dogs.
Characteristics
Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watch Ability
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness
Poodle Buyer's Guide
With their recognizable doggy ‘do and a hilarious, sweet personality, it’s easy to understand why the Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds. These dogs are loving and smart, and they enjoy being around people and other animals. They come in three sizes: Toy (less than 10 inches at the shoulder), Miniature (10-15 inches at the shoulder), and Standard (more than 15 inches at the shoulder). No matter what variety you prefer, you can expect a dog that probably needs a haircut more often than you do. Their signature coats are beautiful, but they come at a cost. Don’t worry though—they’ll be sure to repay you in love and companionship.
Breed information reviewed by the Puppies.com editorial team. Helping families find their perfect puppy since 2003.
Poodle Quick Facts
11
Available Now
From $750
Starting Price
40–70 lbs
Adult Weight
15–22"
Adult Height
Frequently Asked Questions About Poodles
How would you describe a Poodle?
The Poodle is the total package: pretty, playful, and proud. These family-friendly dogs have good looks and even better personalities. They’re smart, sensitive, and make wonderful companions. The Poodle’s classic coif will catch your eye, but their sweet personalities will capture your heart. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-70 pounds and stand 15-22 inches tall.
Are Poodles safe around children?
Poodles are generally excellent with children of all ages. Poodles are family-friendly dogs that get along well with children and other animals. They may snap or get rough with little kids, but socialization and training help curb these bad behaviors. They're fairly vocal dogs that bark regularly.
What's the best way to exercise a Poodle?
Miniature and Toy Poodles don’t require much exercise except other than a walk or moderate playtime each day. A Standard Poodle, however, needs much more activity. They enjoy long walks and outdoor exercise, like swimming and playing catch. Overall, their exercise needs are high.
What's the coat like on a Poodle?
Poodles have frizzy, wooly coats that need lots of grooming. They come in solid white, grey, brown, apricot, or black. There are three popular Poodle grooming styles: the puppy clip, continental clip, and English saddle clip. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Poodles are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.
What living situation works for a Poodle?
Poodles are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. They enjoy spending time inside and outside and are content in an apartment or home setting. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.
