There are three varieties of Poodles:

Toys (the smallest size, 5-10 pounds, shown at under 10 inches at the shoulders)

Miniatures (the mid size, 10-20 pounds, shown at 10 to 15 inches)

Standards (over 15 inches at the shoulders- most are in the 22-27 inch range.  There is no restriction in size)

The original poodles were water dogs used for retrieving. To this day, their conformation and the texture and pattern of their coats reflect the purposes for which they were bred.

The size of the toy poodle makes it suited for apartment life and is easy to travel with. The miniature poodle is more sturdy than the toy and is suitable both for apartment life as well as for family life with children.  They are active animals and require regular exercise.  The standard poodle, the largest of the three varieties, requires more room for exercise.  The males are typically a little larger than the females.

The poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly built dog which is at the same time elegant and refined.  Well-bred poodles in all three varieties have steady, calm nerves, hardy constitutions and are easily trained.  A poodle is a “person” and expects to be treated as one.  Each poodle is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions.

Exercise, Grooming, and  Feeding

A poodle should be a member of the family.  Prospective owners of poodles should be equipped to provide a fenced-in area in which their poodle can exercise or be prepared to walk the poodle regularly on a leash.  Poodles permitted to roam are likely to be stolen or killed.  Poodles require regular clipping and grooming of their hypoallergenic hair.  A dexterous owner can readily learn how to groom his own dog or the poodle can be taken to a professional grooming shop.  Poodles are not finicky eaters, unless made so by indulgent owners.  They thrive on simple prepared dog foods.

Finding a Poodle

The best place to buy a poodle is from a poodle breeder.  A reputable breeder tries to produce the ideal poodle as described in the “AKC Standard of the Poodle.” 

Poodle breeders put much time and effort into study, breeding and selection in their breeding programs.  They use modern genetic testing required by the variety they produce which adds to their own accumulated knowledge of which dogs to use to produce the best poodle puppies.  Not all puppies in a litter will be retained for showing.  The differences will be so small that only an expert judge will be able to make the distinction:  Their eyes may be a bit too light, the tail a bit gay or the hocks a bit straight.  However, all poodles in the litter will display essentially the same characteristics.  They will have the same quality of construction, personality and health.  For a pet price, a prospective buyer can purchase a well-bred, professionally raised poodle, backed by the integrity of the breeder and accompanied by helpful advice, instructions and the enduring interest in the welfare of the dog. Don’t be afraid to ask the breeder questions and don’t be surprised if they ask you questions, too.  A good breeder is looking for a great forever home for their puppies and they care where these babies go. Older beautiful adults are often available to selected homes also.

Good breeders often sell puppies with a limited registration on their AKC papers.  These puppies are sold as “pet” only and any offspring  they would produce cannot be AKC registered.  The new owner agrees to spay or neuter the dog at the appropriate age.

 Materials that should be provided with your new puppy:

 Bill of sale, stating the terms on which the sale was made.

Pedigree of the puppy and litter papers for that puppy.

All health records including dewormings and vaccinations to date.

Proof of genetic testing for the puppies’ parents including CHIC/OFA#.

A list of what foods the puppy is eating and any other specific care information.

 Buyer Beware

 Puppy mills and pet shops and/or those who exploit the popularity of the poodle in order to make a fast buck often buy their dogs in litters, usually by mail or internet, as early as they can be weaned.  They usually are not concerned with temperament, hereditary faults or quality. These litters often have poor medical care and are raised in unsanitary conditions. This type of seller is simply interested in puppies that they can sell quickly.   Although the puppy may be accompanied by a pedigree or AKC “papers” this is not a guarantee of health, disposition or quality. 

 To locate Poodle Club of America certified poodle breeders in all three varieties go to: