If you’re a dog lover, then you’ve probably heard of the poodle.
They’re known for being smart, beautiful, and even entertaining. But maybe you’re thinking about getting a poodle because they look so cute, or because they’re known to be intelligent and make great companions.
However, before you jump into getting one of these wonderful dogs, we need to talk about all the reasons why one may not want a poodle.
It is important to understand the needs and requirements of a dog breed and decide if you will be able to look after those needs before getting them.
In this article, I will be covering reasons why a poodle might not be the best fit for your home.
Context
I want to make it clear that I’m not writing this article to scare you off from adopting or purchasing a poodle.
Poodles are a very popular breed of dog and are often used in many different areas of life. They have been used as guide dogs for people who are blind, assistance dogs for those with disabilities, and even to help law enforcement officers with their work.
They are amazing dogs and can be a perfect addition to any family.
The reason for me writing this article is to give potential owners a clear rundown of what you may expect from this breed.
It’s also important to note that every dog is different, and while some may be high-maintenance or require more attention than others, most can be trained if given enough love and care by their owners.
With that being said, let’s get started.
1. Poodles Are a High Maintenance Dog Breed When It Comes to Grooming.
Poodles have hair that is almost never going to stay tidy and neat by itself. You’ll need to brush your poodle’s hair daily to keep it from tangling or matting, which can be time-consuming if you have a busy schedule and/or multiple pets.
You’ll also need to take your poodle to the groomer every month or so to get their hair groomed. Groomer visits can cost over $100 depending on how fancy you want to get and the size of your poodle.
This monthly fee adds up quickly when you consider all of the other costs associated with owning a pet (like food, toys, and vet visits among other things).
The poodle’s coat requires care even if it’s kept short. At this point, many people think “Oh, that’s easy! I’ll just shave them.” But, that’s just not the case, you should never completely shave a poodle unless it is required for a medical procedure.
If you want to learn more about why you should not shave a poodle’s hair, check out this article: Shaving a Poodle: Is It Really Necessary?
If you want to own a poodle but aren’t willing to pay for their grooming every month or so, or learn to groom them yourself, don’t get a poodle.
2. Poodles Get Matted
Poodles are a beloved breed of dog, with their curly hair and friendly demeanor. But one thing that many owners don’t know about Poodles is that they’re prone to getting matted hair.
If your poodle has long hair, then it’s important that you trim their hair regularly so it doesn’t get too long or too thick. If the fur gets too long, then it can become tangled or matted which can lead to discomfort for your pup!
It’s also important that you keep track of how often your dog needs haircuts because this will affect how often it needs brushing as well as a haircut. This is important because as I mentioned If you do not brush your poodle’s hair regularly and get them trimmed they will get matted.
If you’re wondering how to tell if your poodle is getting matted, here are a few things to look out for:
Their fur looks uneven or clumped together. This might mean that there are knots in the hair or that it’s growing in one direction. A good way to check your pooch’s fur is by running your hand over their back, making sure you feel every part of it. You’ll be able to feel if any parts are uneven or clumped together in a way that isn’t natural for their coat type.
Poodles get matted easily if you do not trim from time to time and brush them regularly. If this is something you think you won’t be up for, you may not want to get a poodle.
3. They Have Hair Instead of Fur
One of the things that differentiate poodles from some of the other dog breeds is that they have hair instead of fur like many other dog breeds such as Labradors, German Shepards, Huskies, etc.
This one may sound a bit niche but there are people that just do not like how a poodle’s hair feels when they pet them. Some have even gone as far as to say that it somehow feels like they are touching pubic hair.
A Poodle’s hair is one of the breed’s characteristics, one of those things that have made this breed so famous in the United States. They are a great option for owners or family members that have allergies because poodles are hypoallergenic, which means they do not shed as many other dog breeds do. This helps people with allergies not trigger their allergies because of dog hair everywhere.
However, I can understand where these people come from, if someone does not like something about a dog, they should not be getting them in the first place.
It does sound weird but what I would suggest is seeing a poodle in person and petting them if possible. The last thing you want is to get a poodle and be weirded out by how their hair feels.
If you do not like or are weirded out about how the hair of a poodle feels and/or you’re accustomed to what a “normal” dog’s coat feels like then you should definitely not get a poodle.
4. A Large Number of Poodles Are Inbred
Inbreeding refers to the mating of closely related individuals such as siblings or parent-offspring pairs.
Inbreeding in poodles is a serious issue. Given their high demand in the United States, breeders often inbreed them to make a quick buck. The reason why inbreeding is serious is that it may lead to a lot of serious health issues that may affect your poodle’s lifespan.
Poodles are very susceptible to genetic disorders and diseases. Inbreeding causes their genes to mutate, leading to an increase in the number of genetic disorders and diseases such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cancer.
If you can’t afford to pay for adequate health care for your dog, then it’s best not to buy an inbred puppy from a breeder because you will end up spending more money on his/her medical bills than what you paid for him/her originally!
It’s just not worth getting a poodle for cheap, getting attached to them, and having to say goodbye to them because of health issues due to inbreeding. It’s always advisable to spend a bit extra when getting a poodle because a poodle will stay with you for over 12 to 17 years.
If you’re thinking of getting a poodle for cheap from a shady breeder, I would strongly advise you not to. It’s just not worth it in the long term. If it’s because of a financial reason you could always wait for some time before making the purchase.
5. Poodles Are Prone to Serious Health Issues
Poodles are a popular breed of dog, but they do have their fair share of health issues. Here are some of the most common ones you should be aware of:
Some of the most common health issues poodles suffer from are as follows:
- Hip-Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion
- Addison’s Disease
- Thyroid Issues
- Collapsed Trachea
- Hypoglycemia
Some of these health issues are more common than others. It should be noted that poodles in general are considered a healthy dog breed. Each dog breed has its own set of problems they suffer from.
If you cannot afford to take a chance on your poodle getting sick, then perhaps a poodle is not the right pet for you. All breeds have some issues they’re prone to, but it’s also true that we humans can’t predict what might happen in the future. So, there’s always a chance your dog will fall sick regardless of their breed.
6. Many Poodles Are Prone to Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in dogs like poodles with very hairy ears. When a poodle’s hair works properly, it keeps debris and dirt out of their ears. However, when an infection is present, hair may make it more difficult for the infection to “exit” through the ear canal because of the long hair.
Ear infections are usually accompanied by symptoms like itching, head shaking, scratching, pawing at the ear, and redness in the outer part of the ear flap. If your poodle has any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a vet or a professional groomer.
Going to a professional groomer or a vet may cost a lot of money depending on the severity and the underlying condition which adds up to the cost of ownership.
Having a dog that’s prone to developing ear infections means you need to keep a tab on your poodle’s ear and make sure it’s clean and not infected. If it is infected you need to take them to a vet which adds up to the cost of owning a poodle. If this does not sound like something you could take care of, try a different breed.
7. Poodles Can Get Tear Stains
Tear stains are unsightly dark brown or black streaks that appear on your poodle’s face. Some of the lighter poodle colors such as white poodle, cream, red poodle , apricot poodle, and sable poodles are more likely to get tear stains as compared to some of the darker colors of poodles such as the phantom poodle, brown poodle, and black poodle.
The best way to prevent tear stain buildup is to brush your dog regularly so that any loose hair gets brushed away before it can become embedded into the skin.
Tear stains, however, are not exclusive to poodles, other breeds such as Shih-Tzus and pugs often get tear stains.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning tear stains from time to time, either consider getting a poodle that does not have a light-colored coat or try a different breed.
8. Poodles Need a Lot of Exercises
If you’re considering getting a poodle, you might be wondering how much exercise they need given their reputation of being active dogs and their history as working dogs.
Poodles are active dogs who enjoy being involved in their owners’ daily activities. They love to be with people and are great at learning tricks, so they’ll be happy to join in on your activities as long as they’re not too strenuous.
The best way to keep a poodle happy is to make sure they get plenty of exercises every day. You should aim for at least 40 minutes of exercise per day, but if you have time and energy, more is always better!
This is why we recommend getting a poodle if you’ve got time on your hands and a strong desire to keep your dog healthy and happy. Poodles need exercise! They don’t just “need” it, they NEED it—they can only thrive if they’re given enough opportunities for activity, frequent socialization with other dogs and people, and mental stimulation.
If you do have time and energy to give your pup some good ol’ fashioned outdoor fun every day, then go for it! Poodles are smart and affectionate, so they’ll be happy to spend time with their owner while they get their daily dose of exercise. If not, consider a different breed.
9. Poodle Aren’t Great Guard Dogs
Poodles are loyal and protective dogs. They’ve been known to protect their owners from intruders, vicious animals, and other dangers. However, a poodle isn’t the best option if your priority is protection. There are many other dog breeds suitable for the role of guard dogs and poodles aren’t at the top of that list by no means.
Poodles have been bred for centuries to be companion dogs and good watchdogs, but poodles are not aggressive by nature. They tend to be shy around strangers than other breeds and can be easily frightened off by loud noises or sudden movements.
If you’re looking for a dog that will alert you of any potential danger, then a poodle could be an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for a guard dog, then there are better options out there like German Shepherds or Rottweilers.
Poodles can make great pets, but if your primary reason for getting a poodle is needing protection from intruders or other threats, then other breeds such as Doberman Pinscher or the Rottweiler might be better suited to your needs.
10. Poodles Can Be Hyperactive
If you are wondering whether or not poodles have the potential to be hyperactive.
We are here to tell you: yes! Yes, they can be hyperactive. Poodles tend to be extremely full of energy and can easily develop hyperactive behaviors if not given enough exercise or mental stimulation.
If you don’t give your poodle enough exercise, they can develop hyperactive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
Poodle puppies tend to be more hyper than adult poodles, they generally tend to chill out a bit when they’re about 2 years of age.
Not every poodle will be hyperactive, each poodle is their own individual with their own personality and quirks. In general, poodles do have a lot of energy which means there’s a high chance that the one you may end up getting could be a fluffy goofball full of energy!
If this is something that concerns you, we recommend getting a dog that has more mellow qualities, like a pug or a golden retriever. If this doesn’t appeal to you, though, then we recommend taking some time to find ways to keep your poodle occupied with exercise and games so that they don’t become bored and start acting out in undesirable ways.
11. Poodle Cannot Be Left Alone For Long Periods of Time
A poodle is a great dog if you’re looking for a companion who will be your best friend, but they can also be a handful if you leave them alone for long periods of time. If you want to get a poodle, and you plan on leaving your dog at home for hours at a time, be prepared for some unwanted behaviors.
Poodles that are left alone for long periods of time can develop separation anxiety which can lead to unwanted behavior. Poodles with separation anxiety may chew things up around the house or destroy furniture by chewing on it or scratching it. They may also bark excessively when left alone as well as go potty in the house from being nervous and anxious about being left alone so much.
If this happens often enough, then this behavior will become ingrained in your dog’s personality and will continue even after he or she has been adopted into another home.
Training your poodle to not develop this behavior is crucial if you want to make sure that everyone stays happy in your household!
Poodles are very smart, active dogs and they require a lot of attention from their owners. If you are not able to give them this attention then it is best that you do not get this breed as an owner. If you do decide to get one, make sure that there is someone at home all day with them so that they do not get lonely and develop separation anxiety issues.
12. Poodle Are Not Comfortable Around Strangers
Poodles are not friendly with strangers. They are not fond of meeting new people or other animals unless properly trained and socialized from an early age. This is something that many people know about Poodles, but it’s important to understand what this means for you as you decide whether or not to add one to your family.
Standard Poodles in general tend to be more standoffish than Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles, who are more likely to snap at strangers and other dogs. This sort of behavior can be remedied with proper training and socialization, but it’s important that you know what you’re getting yourself into before bringing a Poodle home.
When properly socialized and trained, poodles are really friendly dogs that love being around people.
In general, untrained Poodles are less likely than other breeds to be comfortable around strangers. They may seem aloof or standoffish in their interactions with others. If you are looking for a breed that’s more easy-go-lucky, consider looking into Labradors, Beagles, or Golden Retrievers.
13. Poodle Tend to be Standoffish When Not Socialized Properly
Poodles are stand-offish and can be difficult to socialize with if they’re not trained properly from an early age. If your poodle isn’t properly trained and socialized from an early stage, they can have difficulty meeting new people or other dogs.
This may cause issues when you’re taking them out for a walk or taking them to the park. It can also cause issues at home if your poodle becomes aggressive towards family members for example.
Left unacknowledged, this sort of behavior can lean a poodle to adopt aggressive tendencies which may even give them a reputation dog.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case! Poodles are intelligent dogs that can learn if you’re ready to put in the time and effort to socialize them and train them to be comfortable around other dogs and people.
If this sounds like something you want to deal with, get a poodle! If not, then maybe it’s time to consider getting a different breed that’s more easygoing.
14. Poodles Are Highly Emotionally Sensitive Dogs
It’s no secret that poodles are highly sensitive. They’re known for being great at picking up on their owners’ moods, and they can also be very perceptive of the world around them.
I’m sure you’ve heard stories of how a poodle will know when their owner is sad or depressed, and they’ll try to comfort them by doing things like giving them kisses or cuddling up close. It’s because they’re so in tune with their owners’ emotions!
If there is stress in your household, it can make your poodle sick given how sensitive they are. This can lead to all sorts of health problems for your pup, so it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs.
It’s also important that you don’t use a heavy hand with your poodle—they’re very sensitive and very in-tune to their surroundings and their people, so if you treat them harshly or yell at them often, you could ruin them!
If you are certain that your house would be a great fit for your poodle then by all means get a poodle. If, however, there are constant loud noises, conflict, and stress in the household then a poodle is most likely not the best fit for that household.
15. Poodles Tend to Bark a Lot
If you’re debating whether or not you should get a poodle, it’s important to know that there are ways to mitigate their natural tendency to bark. If your poodle is left alone for too long, they may develop separation anxiety which can lead to unwanted behavior such as excessive barking.
If your poodle is hyperactive, it’s important that you manage their energy and make sure they get enough exercise so that they don’t become bored and restless in the house. If your poodle is left alone and not given enough mental or physical stimulation, it may cause them to bark excessively as well.
In general, poodles make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert and will let you know by barking if they see, hear, or even sense something out of the ordinary happening around your home or yard!
If you need a dog that is quiet and doesn’t bark much, consider getting a different breed. If you don’t mind your poodle barking and want an excellent watchdog then get a poodle.
16. Smaller Poodles Tend to be Aggressive
If you’re considering getting a poodle, you may have heard that smaller poodles tend to be more aggressive than standard-sized poodles.
There are three main types of poodles: standard, toy, and miniature. While all three types are intelligent and loyal dogs, miniature poodles tend to be more aggressive than standard poodles.
The toy poodle and miniature poodle are two small breeds of a poodle that are known for their feisty personalities. These dogs may be more likely to bite than other breeds because they tend to be more aggressive.
They take a bit more time to get used to other dogs in the park or warm up to a stranger, but once they do, they can be very loving companions. Miniature poodles can also be more skittish around strangers at first, so don’t expect them to give kisses right away when someone comes over!
If this sounds like something you want to deal with, get a poodle! If not, then maybe it’s time to consider getting a different breed.
17. Poodles Have a Long Lifespan
If you’re considering getting a poodle, you might be worried about the commitment. After all, they can live for up to 17 years!
First off, if you’re not looking for a commitment that lasts for a decade and a half or more, don’t get a poodle. Try a different breed or maybe a different pet entirely like a bird or a fish. Some people just aren’t ready for that kind of long-term relationship with a pet—and that’s totally okay.
It also means that when you make the decision to get them in the first place, it won’t be one based on emotion; instead, it will be one based on planning. This way the chances of the owner giving away the dog just because they longer want them goes down significantly.
They’re really great dogs, but if you aren’t ready for that kind of commitment and responsibility, then maybe it’s best to look at another breed or another type of pet altogether.
18. Your Poodle Will Follow You Everywhere
Poodles tend to get attached to a single person. This person in most cases is the owner or the handler of the poodle.
Once this happens, said poodle will most likely follow you anywhere and everywhere you let them. If you do not mind your poodle sticking around with you then a poodle is a great companion for you. If not, then consider a breed that’s a bit more reserved and independent.
If you don’t want a dog that follows you everywhere, then a poodle is not for you. Poodles have a strong need to be with their owners and will follow them everywhere they go. This trait can be annoying if your goal is to have an independent dog that doesn’t need a lot of attention.
19. Training a Poodle Requires Time and Patience
You might be wondering how much effort it will take for you to train a poodle. The good news is that you’ll have a dog who is eager to learn—and smart enough to keep learning from the moment you bring them home! That said, there are some things to keep in mind when training your poodle.
You need to be willing to explore different training methods to teach your dog so that they won’t get bored. Poodles thrive on variety and love new challenges, so if they’re not teaching them something new every day, they’ll start looking for ways out of their current routine—and they can be quite creative!
But don’t let these challenges scare you away! If you have time and energy, this could be an excellent choice for your family.
20. Poodles Are An Intelligent Breed
Poodles are an intelligent breed of dog that needs a lot of attention and they are very sociable creatures. They like to hang out with their owners, go on walks or play fetch in the yard. If you have time to give them the attention they need then this may be a great breed for you!
Poodles are not for everyone. If you don’t have the time or desire to spend time with your active poodle every day, then a less active breed might be a better fit for you.
Poodles are an intelligent breed of dog that needs a lot of attention. If you want a dog that’s just “there,” a poodle may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
21. Poodles Are Not Yard Dogs
A yard dog is defined as “Literally, a dog who is kept outside and is not cared for or considered a part of its owner’s family.” That’s not what Poodles are about! A poodle is an intelligent dog whose intelligence will go to waste if you don’t provide it with the right environment to thrive.
Poodles are intelligent dogs that love the company of loved ones. They make great house pets and get along with kids as well as other members of the family.
So many people think that they can just leave their poodle outside and care for it, but the truth is that this is NOT how you should be caring for any member of your family.
Poodles are the farthest thing from a yard dog, they CAN NOT and SHOULD NOT be left outside and cared for. They just need to be accepted into your home and treated like any other member of the family—not banished outside to fend for themselves!
If you are looking for a dog that you can just leave in the yard and not care for, a poodle is just not it.
22. Poodles NEED Your Time
If you’re considering getting a poodle, you’ve probably heard that they need a lot of attention and time. And it’s true—they do!
Poodles have long hair that needs to be brushed regularly or else it will get tangled and matted. You need to take the time to brush their hair every other day or so if not daily.
Before you leave for work or after you come back home from work when you get home tired, don’t expect your poodle to just hang out with you while you relax—they need time too! The same goes for weekends: if they’re not getting enough attention during the week, they’ll probably get into trouble if left alone all weekend long.
Training them is another big responsibility and takes time and patience.
Grooming appointments are another thing that takes up time in your schedule.
All of this may sound daunting to some people – and it’s okay! Some people absolutely love to train their dogs, spend time with them, and take the time to connect with them. For others, it may seem like a task.
What’s important is to figure out what you want from the dog and what you can give them. Can you give them your time, patience, and attention in return for their love, trust, loyalty, and companionship?
So if you’re looking for a dog that will keep you active and engaged in your daily life, then a poodle is a perfect choice. However, if you’re a busy individual with not much time to spare for your dog, then a poodle might not be the best option for you.
23. Poodles Are Highly Trainable But Self Opinionated
Poodles are highly intelligent dogs. They are eager to learn new things. They also have a mind of their own, which means they can be stubborn at times when they really do not want to do something. If you do not add variety to your training methods, training them could prove to be quite a task.
So, if you do not possess the time and patience to add variety to training methods as well as learn new methods of training them, then a poodle may not be for you.
24. Poodles Are More Expensive Than Some Other Dog Breeds
The first thing that makes poodles expensive is their show dog reputation. Poodles are known as high-maintenance dogs because they require frequent grooming and hair clipping—and that doesn’t come cheap!
If you decide to get a poodle but don’t want to go through the hassle of regular grooming and hair clipping, then you might want to consider getting another dog breed instead or learn how to groom them by yourself.
Additionally, poodles are extremely popular show dogs and are often bred by professionals who are looking to make money off of their puppies.
Another reason why poodles are expensive is that they are hypoallergenic dogs. This makes them an appealing option for people that suffer from allergies but still want the companionship of a dog.
Some poodle colors may cost more than others. For example, if you want your poodle’s coat to be apricot or blue poodle, you’ll probably have to pay extra because those colors are rarer than other colors.
The cost of a poodle also differs based on their size from Toy Poodle to Standard Poodle. Surprisingly, the smaller sizes of poodles (Toy and Miniatures) are generally more expensive than Standard Poodles.
If you want an inexpensive dog, poodles probably aren’t for you—and that’s ok! There are plenty of other options out there that won’t cost as much as getting a poodle.
25. Poodles Have a High Cost of Ownership
Poodles are a great breed of dog, but they do come with a high cost of ownership.
You will have to take them to a groomer every month or so to get their hair trimmed. It’s not as expensive as some of the other costs, but these monthly costs do add up over time.
Routine vet checkups are a big cost as well—if your poodle needs shots or a checkup, that could run about $50-$100 each time, minimum.
Poodles are also prone to some serious health issues, if they do get sick, that may cost you a lot of money to get them treated. For example, hip dysplasia is common in this breed and can require surgery, which can run you down hundreds if not thousands of dollars per hip depending on the severity of the condition and whether both hips need work done at the same time.
At any given moment in America there are around 1 million dogs waiting for adoption in animal shelters—many times those dogs have been abandoned by owners who couldn’t afford treatment costs after something went wrong with their pet’s health.
Finally, if you’re not able to provide the necessary mental or physical stimulation your poodle needs, you may consider enrolling them in a Dog Day Care center. This will further increase your cost of ownership.
Other costs may include dog food, and chew toys. grooming products among other essential items that your poodle needs.
If you’re certain that you can cover all of these costs, and have the time to devote to a poodle, then getting one may be a good idea.
26. Owning a Poodle May Require You to Make Some Lifestyle Changes
When you’re deciding whether or not to get a poodle, it’s important to consider whether or not your life is in line with the needs of this breed. Poodles are intelligent, high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and training every day—so if you’re not prepared to make some lifestyle changes, it would be better to choose another breed instead.
It’s true that you should definitely pick a breed based on how well it fits into your life! If you do not want an active dog that will love going on long walks with you every day and loves playing fetch in the yard, then choosing a poodle might not be the best idea.
But what many people don’t realize is that even after picking out the right breed for their lifestyle, there may still be some adjustments needed in order for them to work well with each other.
Make sure you’re ready for changes in order to fit into your poodle’s world.
If you’re not willing to alter your lifestyle for your dog, maybe owning a poodle isn’t right for you right now.
Conclusion
Poodles are a great choice for families with kids.
They are highly intelligent and gentle, which makes them great companions for children.
They can also be trained to be very useful around the house.
Poodles are not a breed that anyone can own though. They have certain needs that need to be fulfilled in order for them to live happy life. If you have gone through all the reasons I listed and are certain that you can care for a poodle, then maybe owning a poodle may be a good idea for you.
If, however, you are on the fence after going through all the reasons then it’s time to sit and decide if you really want a poodle or not.
I hope this post has helped you in your decision process about whether or not to get a poodle.
If you have any questions, be sure to put them down in the comments and I will be sure to get back to you ASAP!
