Poodle

Like every breed, the Poodle is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use reward-based techniques and keep sessions quick, engaging and fun.
• Start training and socialisation young, so your Poodle grows into a confident, sociable adult.
• Vary exercises, games and puzzle-solving to stop them getting bored.
• Expect some clowning about and keep your sense of humour.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  A gradual deterioration of the retina that can start with night blindness and progress to total blindness. The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for prcd-PRA for Standard and Miniature Poodles, and an rcd4 test for Standards. Imported Standard Poodles must be tested for both forms to be registered.

• Other eye conditions

  Cataracts, where the lens becomes cloudy, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), entropion, where the eyelids turn inwards, and distichiasis, where extra eyelashes rub on the eye, can all occur. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is recommended for breeding dogs.

• Hip dysplasia

  Looseness of the hip joint due to poor development, which eventually leads to arthritis. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended for Standard and Miniature Poodles.

• Von Willebrand's disease

  A blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding. A DNA test (vWD1) is listed for Standard Poodles.

• Osteochondrodysplasia (OC)

  A DNA test for this condition is listed by the Royal Kennel Club for Miniature Poodles.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)

  Often called bloat, the stomach twists and traps its contents and gas. It is an emergency and is seen mainly in large, deep-chested dogs such as Standard Poodles.

• Other conditions

  Hormone disorders such as Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism are recorded in the breed, as are patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes disease, epilepsy, cardiomyopathy and intervertebral disc disease.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Poodle home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Poodle home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Poodle suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Poodles do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.