Poodles are wonderful, comical dogs who love to be an active part of the family. They are a social breed by nature. Having such an intelligent, versatile breed calls for families who will provide regular exercise and mental stimulation, such as trick training, puzzle toys, hiking, and frequent walks. However, keep in mind that each dog is an individual, and some will be couch potatoes while others could run for miles. There is almost assuredly a Poodle that will fit each and every lifestyle. Poodles are one of the most popular dogs in the world for a reason!

        1. Poodles can be great for families with allergies. We have had several people with dog allergies come to our home, meet the dogs and play with the pups with no reaction. Poodles are known for their thick, low/non-shedding coats and minimal dander. If you have allergies to dogs, it is still recommended to spend a lot of time with Poodles before contacting a breeder about a puppy, to ensure the breed does not affect you (allergies to saliva and urine are still possible). Visit a breeder's home, dogsit a Poodle in your neighbourhood, etc. (Keep in mind that poodle mixes--labradoodles, goldendoodles, cockapoos, etc.--advertised as hypoallergenic are often not so. Mix breeds can be unpredictable, and if you have allergies, it is not worth that risk.)

         2. Poodles need lots of structured mental stimulation. The breed was originally a retriever bred to fetch water fowl. Poodles have been trained for circus performances, agility trials, sheep herding, and much more. It should come as no surprise that they need just as much training and stimulation even as a companion! There are many things you can do to keep the dog busy, including Kong toys, hiding treats around the house, puzzle toys, allowing them to stop and sniff for a while during walks, trick training, and much more. There is a Facebook group with numerous ideas, called "Canine Enrichment." There are many other groups for brain game ideas, boredom busters, trick training, etc. This is one of our dogs' favourite puzzle toys.

        3. Poodles are prone to barking. While they are exceptionally smart and can be trained to minimize barking, Poodles are known to be a very alert breed with a love for vocalizing. If you do not mind barking, or you are willing to put in some extra training to curb the behaviour, you and a Poodle will get along just fine.
        4. Poodles need fair amounts of exercise, and are known for being medium/higher energy dogs. Ideally, they should go on at least one 30-60 minute walk each day. On days when this is not possible, games of fetch outdoors or mind games can be just as beneficial. Remember the importance of keeping your dog at a healthy weight--no matter the breed! It will prevent cancers, diabetes, and heart issues, as well as keep your dog occupied and out of trouble. A tired dog is a good dog.
        5. Poodles have a lot of "drive." This means they are easy to motivate, making them an easier breed to train. Many Poodles will work for both food and toys, which can be used to suit different methods of training, and provide different outcomes.
        6. Poodles need frequent grooming. To prevent matting, they need to be brushed at least twice a week (if kept in a shorter clip). Longer-coated Poodles will obviously need more frequent brushing. Poodles need to be professionally groomed every 4-8 weeks, and should have their nails clipped/dremeled once a week, or as needed. Overgrown nails can interfere with how a puppy's feet develop, cause arthritis, and are just plain uncomfortable. There is also a Facebook group for this: Nail Maintenance for Dogs.

Poodles Come In All Sizes, Colours, Personalities, and Grooming Styles

Here are pictures of some of our Poodles, past and present. They can be trimmed to suit anyone's fashion, whether you like them clipped short everywhere, or looking like a teddy bear, or given the classic kennel trim.

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