Owner guide - Get Poodle from responsible breeder

Only get your poodle from a poodle rescue, shelter or responsible breeder. If buying from a breeder, make sure to visit in person and see the dog’s parents. This is crucial since poodles are often bred in puppy mills or by irresponsible “backyard” breeders and could end up with a variety of health problems.

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Owner guide - Study your Poodle's health problem

Poodles may have genetic tendencies toward runny eyes, cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), ear infections, digestive disorders, heart problems, allergies, skin disorders, slipped stifle, diabetes and epilepsy.

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Owner guide - Miniature and Toy poodles may snap if teased by young children

Miniature and Toy poodles may snap if teased by young children, therefore do better in households with older children and adults. Standard and Miniature poodles tend to be more friendly and outgoing than Toy Poodles.

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Owner guide - Poodles may tend to bark a lot

Poodles may tend to bark a lot, but can be trained not to. Make sure they have plenty of toys for stimulation, regular exercise and that they aren’t left in a yard where a lot of people and animals pass by.

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Owner guide - Poodles excel at learning tricks

Poodles excel at learning tricks, including agility and retrieving.

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Owner guide - Poodles love to be around people

Poodles love to be around people, but are sometimes shy with strangers.

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Owner guide - Poodles hardly shed

Poodles hardly shed and have hair instead of fur, therefore are good pets for people with fur allergies.

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Owner guide - Bathe your poodle when necessary

Bathe your poodle when necessary with a mild dog shampoo and clean the ears regularly with baby oil or an ear cleaning solution for dogs. Make sure the coat is clipped at least every three months. Having it done by a professional is best for a poodle.

The groomer will also clip the nails and remove hairs that grow in their ear canals that could cause infections. Brushing your poodle daily is a good way to prevent mats and tangles, plus it will make the grooming easier.

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Owner guide - Train your poodle

Give your poodle patient and consistent training. They are very trainable and eager to please, but tend to be sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh training methods.

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Owner guide - Socialize your poodle

Socialize your poodle at a young age to prevent behavioral problems. If not socialized early, they may become timid or high-strung.

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Owner guide - Poodles don't require a yard

Poodles can live in apartments and don’t require a yard. They should, however, be taken on daily walks and frequent off-leash romps for exercise and to prevent boredom. Toy and Miniature poodles are more active indoors than Standard Poodles.

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Owner guide - Feed your poodle

Feed your poodle a nutritious diet with the proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. If feeding a commercial dog food, choose a quality brand with meat as the first ingredient.

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Owner guide - Take your poodle for regular medical

Take your poodle for regular medical and dental checkups and stay current on vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative. You can also do a monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums. Have your poodle’s teeth scaled professionally; ask your vet or a teeth-cleaning professional to recommend a schedule.

Preventative dental maintenance can include: feeding dry dog food (which can be mixed with canned or moist), tartar-control biscuits as treats and safe tartar-control chew toys. You may also choose to brush your poodle’s teeth with a dog toothpaste.

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