| Height | over 15 inches (standard) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–18+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Active / Proud / Very Smart [1] |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 6 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Poodles of any size are very active dogs who require good exercise every day to suit their high energy level. Poodles are eager for all kinds of activity, and they enjoy keeping busy. Swimming is great exercise for them, and most Poodles love to get in the water. [1]
Grooming
Unless you plan to keep your Poodle clipped in a short trim, you will need to learn how to brush them daily to keep their coat from matting. If you do not brush and comb a full-coated Poodle completely to the skin, the hair will mat near the roots and will have to be shaved off to start all over with new growth. Most pet owners opt to keep the Poodle in a shorter trim. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Most Poodles live long, happy, healthy lives thanks to the efforts of dedicated, responsible breeders who routinely test all breeding stock. As with all breeds, however, some health issues can occur, including hip dysplasia and several eye disorders. Idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, von Willebrand¿s disease, and immune-mediated disorders are also seen in the breed on occasion. Two orthopedic problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes and luxating patellas, are more likely to occur in Toy and Miniature Poodles than in Standards. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, DNA Test for Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS) or clear by parentage (Standard only), Autoimmune Thyroiditis Evaluation (Standard Only), Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Poodle in 1887. [1]
- It ranked No. 6 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 8 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Standards.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smartest Breeds of Dogs, Hypoallergenic Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Poodles live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-18 years.
How big does a Poodle get?
AKC breed information lists height over 15 inches (standard) and weight 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard).
How much are vet bills for a Poodle?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Poodle, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.