Poodle vs Labrador Retriever: cost, health and care compared
The Poodle and the Labrador Retriever side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Poodle | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [2] | Sporting Group [3] |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard) [2] | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | over 15 inches (standard) [2] | 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 10–18+ years [2] | 11–13+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 6 [4] | No. 2 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Hypothyroidism… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Heart disease… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $8,800–$24,400 | $9,600–$19,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Poodle health problems and costs and Labrador Retriever health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Poodle or the Labrador Retriever?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Labrador Retriever ($880–$1,500 vs $880–$1,400), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Poodle or the Labrador Retriever?
The AKC gives the Poodle a life expectancy of 10–18+ years and the Labrador Retriever 11–13+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Poodle and Labrador Retriever have?
Poodle: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease and Hypothyroidism. Labrador Retriever: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Heart disease.
Which is better with kids, the Poodle or the Labrador Retriever?
The AKC rates the Poodle 5 of 5 and the Labrador Retriever 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.