The Poodle: thinking of getting a Poodle?

Place of origin: Germany & France

How big do Poodles get? 28cm (Toy), 28 – 38cm (Miniature), 35 – 45cm (Standard)

How heavy are Poodles? 3 – 6kg (Toy), 7 – 8kg (Miniature), 30 – 35kg (Standard)

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Types of Poodle: Toy, Miniature, Standard

Colour: Black, White, Apricot, Cream, Sable, Black & White, Blue, Silver, Grey, Brown, Red

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Poodle need?

Poodles tend to have bags of energy, so they’ll need 2 decent walks every day – ideally adding up to a total of at least one hour’s worth of exercise.

Poodles love the great indoors, too, and will likely be very relaxed at home. Don’t mistake this for thinking that they don’t want to walk, though – their demeanour will change quickly enough once they’re outside. 

Training: how to train a Poodle

Despite appearing proud and level-headed, Poodles are real people-pleasers. They love spending time with humans, especially their owners. They’re also very intelligent, which makes them a delight to train.

Poodles are always learning, even when you don’t want them to, so it’s important to teach them good habits from an early age.

If your working hours or other aspects of your lifestyle don’t allow much time for training and enrichment with your Poodle, they may not be the breed for you. That said, if you’re looking for a companion who’ll take to new tricks like a duck to water, you may have found your perfect match.

Grooming: do Poodles shed?

Poodles don’t shed, and are hypoallergenic – a great option for dog lovers who suffer from allergies (and hate hoovering).

This doesn’t mean they’re low-maintenance in the grooming department though. Poodles’ dense, wiry coats will need brushing daily to stay in tip-top condition. It’s also a good idea to bathe them every few weeks – and to visit your local groomer 3-4 times a year to stop their coat from getting too long.

Complete your Poodle’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Poodle temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

So long as a Poodle gets their hour of exercise (ideally split into 2 half-hour walks) every day, they’ll happily live anywhere. They’re curious, characterful creatures and love to spend time with their owners.

They’re great with children, but might be too high-maintenance for younger children, or those who aren’t used to handling dogs.

If you’re looking for a canine companion that’ll reward your walks, training and grooming with a friendly and peaceful demeanour at home, a Poodle may be just the breed for you.

Cost of owning a Poodle

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Poodle, remember to take into account:

• Breed-specific food
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.