Poodle: What to Know Before Adopting This Smart Breed

When many people think of Poodles, they think of snooty show-dogs with fancy haircuts. But the truth is, they’re so much more than that. Poodles are one of the most intelligent and versatile dog breeds, known for their affectionate nature, trainability, and (somewhat) hypoallergenic coats. That’s why they’re one of America’s most popular dog breeds. If you’re thinking about adopting a Poodle, this guide will help you understand if this breed is the right fit for your home. 

For insights on Poodle adoption and care, we spoke with Donna Ezzell, Director at Carolina Poodle Rescue, and Melissa Bass from Heart of America Poodle & Friends K9 Rescue, who shared their own expertise along with insights from their knowledgeable volunteers.

TL;DR: Poodles are smart, loving, and adaptable dogs. They also come in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — so they can fit into a variety of lifestyles. Their energy, trainability, and somewhat hypoallergenic coats make them excellent companions. Just keep in mind they do require frequent grooming, mental stimulation, and proper training to thrive.

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Why adopt a Poodle?

One common misconception about Poodles is that they’re froufrou dogs without substance. “People think they are prissy and entitled, when in reality, they were originally bred for retrieving. Their ‘iconic Poodle cuts’ were designed to protect vital organs and joints in cool water temperatures,” Ezzell writes. But there’s more to Poodles than their coat.

These pups are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature. “Poodles are easy to train and they keep you on your toes. You do need to keep them busy,” Bass explains. These dogs tend to be “problem solvers, form strong bonds, have versatile abilities, and are mentally engaging,” Ezzell says.

So while you may have an image of Poodles as fancy show dogs, the truth is, the breed can make excellent pets and family members. This is also why Doodle breeds are so popular: They tend to share many of the Poodle’s best characteristics. 

Poodle personality and temperament

Poodle’s personalities and temperaments tend to be pet parents’ favorite things about them. Although there are a few traits that differ based on the size of the Poodle, they tend to share traits such as intelligence, affection, energy levels, and sensitivity. Let’s break down the differences you may notice between the Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodle. 

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Toy Poodle

• Height: No more than 10 inches tall

• Weight: four to six pounds

Bred as a companion breed, Toy Poodles tend to share a lot of characteristics with their bigger counterparts. “The small ones are very sensitive,” Ezell says. “They tend to become fearful if they receive harsh training or live in an argumentative household.”

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Miniature Poodle

• Height: 10 to 15 inches tall

• Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

“Our volunteers say that Miniatures are more prone to barking and being vocal,” Ezell says. She notes that they also tend to be more excited to meet new people and other dogs. This is likely due to them being bred as a combination of hunting-retrieving dogs and social companions. “Miniature Poodles often have more spunky, high energy personalities and may be more playful throughout their lives.”

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Standard Poodle

• Height: More than 15 inches tall

• Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

Standard Poodles, the original Poodle breed, were developed as hunting and water-retrieving dogs. They’re very active, intelligent, and usually love the water. They may be a little more laid-back than their smaller, more social counterparts. 

Poodle exercise and activity needs

Far from the fancy couch potatoes many believe them to be, Poodles were originally bred as sporting dogs. Today, they’re categorized in the non-sporting group by the American Kennel Club, but their origins reflect their exercise and activity levels. Poodles tend to be energetic dogs who thrive with daily activities, but just how much depends on the dog. 

“Our volunteers say that some Poodles are fine with running around the yard and then napping, while others need structured activities like agility training,” Ezzell says. Bass emphasizes, “They do need a lot of exercise when young, and moderate exercise when 10 and older. The young need a place to run and play, while older dogs need daily walks.” So if you’re considering Poodle adoption, it’s important to anticipate having an energetic pup.

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Poodle grooming requirements

While those quasi-hypoallergenic coats are a big plus for many pet parents, they do require some maintenance. “They have hair, not fur — it will grow forever, making grooming essential and expensive, especially for Standard Poodles,” Bass explains. Here’s what to expect: 

• Frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles

• Special attention to areas that mat easily, like behind their ears and on the backs of their legs 

• Professional grooming every four to six weeks 

Health considerations

Although they have plenty of amazing traits, Poodles can also be prone to certain health conditions, which are important to consider. 

• Addison’s disease: This autoimmune condition causes your dog’s hormones to become imbalanced, leading to symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy. It tends to be more common in Poodles, but experts are unsure why. Luckily, with treatment, most dogs with Addison’s have a normal life expectancy. 

• Bloat: Standard Poodles have a high risk of getting bloat, which refers to a condition when a dog’s stomach becomes too full of food, gas, or fluid and twists on itself. Bloat is a medical emergency, but some steps can be taken to prevent it, including the use of slow feeders, feeding them smaller meals, and limiting exercise right after eating. 

• Hip dysplasia: A common issue in many large dog breeds, hip dysplasia refers to a condition affecting your pup’s joints. Their hip joints may be underdeveloped or their ligaments weak, creating constant stress which leads to painful wear over time. 

Luckily, most of these issues can be addressed with proper veterinary care and diet. This means your Poodle can live a long, happy life. In fact, depending on the size of Poodle you choose, that could mean up to 18 years of age or more.

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Poodle training and socialization

“Poodles are very easy to train,” Ezzell says. “Since they tend to be a smarter breed, they catch on quickly to direction.” Some have described them as emotionally sensitive, and even “capable of learning at a university level.” While that intelligence typically indicates these pups are highly trainable and enjoy socialization, this can also come with a stubbornness that Poodle parents typically learn to love. 

Here are some key considerations relevant to training and socializing a Poodle. 

• Your pup’s intelligence means they can do all kinds of activities, from obedience training to agility classes. They can also learn all kinds of tricks. 

• That same intelligence can sometimes make them stubborn. “Whether it’s going potty in the rain or trying a new food, if they don’t want to, it’s not happening,” Ezzell says.

• Since these pups are so intelligent, it’s important to expose them to experiences and socialize them early. This can deter anxiety around new situations. Looking for an office pup? A Poodle might be a great fit. 

• Their eager-to-please nature makes positive reinforcement the best option for training methods. 

Things to consider before adopting a Poodle

Poodles can be wonderful pets for many families, but they do require consistent care and training to keep up with their intelligence and maintain those beautiful curly coats. 

Do Poodles require a lot of grooming?

Yes, Poodles require regular professional grooming and frequent brushing to maintain their coats. Ezzell says Carolina Poodle Rescue volunteers recommend learning at least basic grooming skills if your finances are tight, so you don’t have to rely on frequent professional grooming. 

How much exercise do Poodles need?

Poodles are medium to high-energy dogs, with the smaller Poodle breeds being more energetic. Ezzell shares that energy levels depend on the individual Poodle: Some may need vigorous activity such as agility classes and hikes, while others may do just fine with daily walks or backyard playtime. Just keep in mind that these are highly intelligent pups who come from a working background, so they will likely need moderate exercise at the very least. 

Are Poodles good with other pets?

Yes, with proper socialization, Poodles get along well with other animals. As with most dogs — but especially hunting and retrieving dogs — it’s important to socialize them early if they are going to live with small animals such as cats. Since Poodles tend to chase, this may require a little extra training. 

Are Poodles prone to separation anxiety?

Poodles are highly intelligent as well as emotionally sensitive: a combination that can lead to separation anxiety. Luckily, their trainability can make solutions such as crate training a breeze, and early socialization and training, combined with proper exercise and mental stimulation, can help.

Are Poodles healthy?

Poodles are generally healthy dogs, though prone to the few health issues mentioned above. Regular veterinary check-ins, adequate exercise, and regular grooming routines may help them avoid developing some issues.

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Ideal pet parents for Poodles

Potential pet parents must anticipate a Poodle’s needs and ensure their lifestyle accommodates this. Some factors to consider include:

• Being active individuals or families who can meet their physical and mental exercise needs

• Having time and finances to invest in grooming and maintenance

• Being willing to put in the work for training and socialization

• Having only moderate allergies, which this mostly hypoallergenic dog will not trigger

“I prefer [to place dogs in] homes where people aren’t gone all day and have a physical, fenced yard at least five to six feet tall,” Bass says. “Many Poodles have a high prey drive and may chase after animals,” Ezzell says. “Poodles need interactive humans who include them in all aspects of their lives. They thrive in homes where they are truly part of the family.”

Commonly asked questions

Should you buy or adopt a Poodle?

You should consider adoption. It is significantly more affordable than going to a breeder, which can cost from $1,000 to $5,000 (and even up to $10,000, if you’re looking for a “champion bloodline”). Adoption, which will run $100 to $600, is also a great way to provide a loving home to a Poodle in need, and many rescues have Poodles available. In fact, Poodles are one of the most common breeds found in shelters. You can start your search right here on Adopt a Pet.

What sizes do Poodles come in?

Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

Are Poodles good for families with children?

Yes, when properly socialized, Poodles tend to be excellent family pets. Keep in mind, it’s always important to teach children how to properly and respectfully interact with dogs. 

Are Poodles easy to train?

Poodles are considered one of the most trainable breeds thanks to their intelligence and eager-to-please personalities. 

Do Poodles shed?

Poodles have hair instead of fur, meaning they shed very little, making them great choices for allergy sufferers. Although no pet can be truly hypoallergenic — since all pets leave behind dander and saliva — Poodles’ lack of shedding means significantly fewer allergens in the air. 

How much exercise does a Poodle need?

Most Poodles require daily exercise. But whether that means agility classes, intense hikes, a daily walk, or backyard playtime, depends on the dog. 

References

Greenberg, Aurora. “Poodle (Standard).” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/Poodle-standard.

“Health Concerns.” The Poodle Club of America, Poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns.