The Poodle is one of the most recognisable breeds in the world, famous for its curly coat and fancy show clips. But don’t be fooled, there’s much more to this breed than good looks. Poodles are playful, athletic, and incredibly intelligent, making them brilliant companions for active families.
There are three sizes of Poodle, all classed as the same breed:
- Toy Poodle – the smallest, perfect for city living.
- Miniature Poodle – a lively, versatile family dog.
- Standard Poodle – the original and oldest type, bred as a water retriever.
What Are Poodles Like?
- Clever and trainable – one of the smartest dog breeds.
- Playful and fun – love games, walks, and interaction.
- Energetic – thrive in active households.
- Alert watchdogs – quick to bark when something’s up.
- Low-shedding – but their coats need regular clipping.
Poodles and Families
Poodles adore their families and love being with people. They’re very playful and will happily spend hours running around the garden with older children. However, they’re less suited to households with toddlers, as they don’t tolerate being pulled or grabbed.
They can be prone to separation anxiety, so this isn’t a breed for full-time workers who are out of the house all day.
Exercise & Lifestyle
- Walks: Daily exercise is essential — one good walk plus plenty of playtime.
- Living space: They can adapt to flat living if their exercise needs are met.
- Mental exercise: Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, and training challenges are a must.
- Boredom: A Poodle left idle may bark, chew, or dig.
Personality & Training
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and are often described as “people pleasers.” Training is usually straightforward, but it’s important to keep sessions fun and varied. Their motivation is often food, but toys and praise can work just as well.
Because they’re so bright, they need ongoing challenges. Obedience, agility, or even scent games are perfect for keeping them engaged.
Living With a Poodle
- Other pets: Usually fine with cats and dogs if raised together, though they may chase neighbourhood cats.
- Watchdog ability: Excellent — they’ll bark at the slightest disturbance.
- Grooming: Low-shedding but high-maintenance. Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks is common, though many owners learn to clip at home.
Grooming Styles
- Puppy Cut / Teddy Bear Cut: Short, even trim, low maintenance and practical.
- Lamb Cut: Short body, slightly longer legs.
- Continental / English Saddle Clip: The iconic show trim requires less upkeep.
Tip: Choose a style to suit your dog’s lifestyle. Most UK family Poodles are kept in a Teddy Bear cut.
Quick Facts: Poodle
- Origin: Germany/France (as a water retriever)
- Role: Companion, retriever, show dog
- Weight: 4–32 kg, depending on size
- Height: 24–60 cm, depending on size
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Best trait: Intelligent and easy to train
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Challenging trait: High-maintenance coat
Pros & Cons of Owning a Poodle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat | Needs professional grooming |
| Extremely intelligent and trainable | Can bark a lot |
| Playful, fun, and family-friendly | Prone to separation anxiety |
| Adaptable to flats or houses | Needs lots of mental stimulation |
Health Notes
Poodles are generally healthy, but three conditions are particularly common:
- Hip Dysplasia – affects joints, may cause arthritis.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – leads to gradual blindness.
- Addison’s Disease – hormone deficiency requiring lifelong medication.
Regular vet checks, good breeding, and pet insurance are essential.
History & Fun Facts
- Standard Poodles were bred as water retrievers, with their coat clipped to move more easily in water.
- The “pom-poms” on their legs in show cuts originally kept joints warm.
- Despite their glamorous image, Poodles are athletic working dogs with serious stamina.
Cost of Owning a Poodle in the UK
- Puppy price: £1,000–£2,500 depending on size and breeder.
- Insurance: £30–£60 per month, depending on size and cover.
- Food: £30–£60 per month.
- Grooming: £40–£80 every 6–8 weeks unless done at home.
FAQ
Are Poodles good family dogs?
Yes — they’re playful, loyal, and intelligent. Best with older children rather than toddlers.
Do Poodles need lots of exercise?
Yes. They require a daily walk, as well as games and mental stimulation.
Are Poodles easy to train?
Absolutely, they’re one of the most intelligent breeds and love to learn.
Do Poodles shed a lot?
Hardly at all. They’re low-shedding but need regular grooming.
Great Names for Poodles
Elegant yet cheeky, Poodles suit all sorts of names:
Top Female Names
Bella, Daisy, Coco, Luna, Sophie, Rosie, Gigi, Stella
Top Male Names
Teddy, Max, Charlie, Louie, Winston, Milo, Cooper
Classic & Elegant Names
Princess, Duchess, Bentley, Sebastian, Oliver, Ruby, Louis
Cute & Fun Names
Noodle, Biscuit, Muffin, Peanut, Pixie, Cupcake, Poppy
Inspired by Coat Colours
Snowy (white), Mocha (brown), Cinnamon (red/apricot), Shadow (black/silver), Pepper (grey), Hazel (brown).
Need more ideas? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.
Is a Poodle Right for You?
If you want a bright, playful, and loving dog who can keep up with your active lifestyle, and you don’t mind regular grooming a Poodle could be the perfect choice. They’re elegant, fun, and fantastic companions.
Still deciding? Take our Which Dog Is Right for Me Quiz to find your paw-fect match.
Pickles’ Top Tip: “Don’t call them posh, Poodles are working dogs at heart! Keep them busy with games, and they’ll reward you with clever tricks and endless cuddles.”
