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Original poster

Poodles - who can tell me about them please

22 replies

Earlybird · 10/04/2007 17:44

DD has been pestering for a pet, and I am finally starting to take her pleas seriously. I think a dog would suit us best.

We would want a lively, intelligent, companionable dog that is good with children (not necessarily infants or toddlers as dd is 6), and doesn't shed/smell/slobber very much. We have a small garden, and I would be happy to walk it regularly with frequent visits to local parks. The dog would be inside a good deal of the time, and I don't want my house/furniture trashed. I don't mind some barking when strangers are around, but don't want a yippy/yappy hysterical type dog. Does a poodle fit the bill?

I would love to hear from people who are poodles owners (past and present) about the pros/cons. Are there medical problems specific to the breed? Are they high maintenance dogs? I would probably have the hair close clipped - defo not a pom pom poodle sort of person!

Also would like to hear thoughts about toy vs. miniature vs standard, and whether or not there are any general considerations or advantages/disadvantages to male/female.

Also where would I get a poodle - presumably from a breeder? How do I go about finding a reputable one? Would I get to select from a litter, and are there tips for choosing a dog with a good temperament?

Thanks for thoughts/advice.

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NadineBaggott · 10/04/2007 17:47

my poodle learned to talk and the first thing he said was 'cut my hair like that again and I'll bite your feckin hands off'

shouldbedoingsomethingelse · 10/04/2007 17:51

my parents owned 2 little poodles and they were yappy if the door was knocked or the phone rang but other than that fine.

They were cute and adored being cuddled.
Loved walking in the park and chasing each other or a ball! Jumped up at visitors but nothing major as they were only small.

Gingerbear · 10/04/2007 17:55

Nadine v good.

toy poodle - yap fest.
standard poodles lovely, but need loads of exercise - lots of energy.

Mum had a miniature poodle, who was not yappy, a good guard dog and great around kids.
Buy from reputable breeder.

chirpygirl · 10/04/2007 21:26

I'll second a miniature poodle, IL's have had toys for ages and they are yappy jumpy little buggers.
Another option is a labradoodle, doesn't shed and has lab temperament but are much more gorgeous than a poodle (IMO! no offence!)

manuka · 10/04/2007 22:34

Poodles have got horrid feet though and don't they have a tendency towards eye problems? If you google "dog breeds" you'l find a website that lists all dogs and all the health things, temperaments etc.
How about a nice St Bernard?! They're easy dogs to look after I'm sure!

Imawurzel · 10/04/2007 22:36

they're fluffy

Pixel · 11/04/2007 00:51

We had a poodle when I was small. He was a lovely dog, very brave and liked nothing better than getting all filthy and smelly. Maybe it was because he was brought up with alsatians and treated like a 'proper' dog not some kind of ornament.
Here's a labradoodle . Hard to resist but expensive!

Original poster
Earlybird · 11/04/2007 13:45

Nadine - you did make me laugh! Completely agree that elaborate poodle cuts are a bit ludicrous for real life, so won't be figuring into our plans. Can't have my dog's grooming being more complicated/expensive/time consuming than my own!

Must say that miniatures appeal more than toys, so glad to hear that 'yappy-ness' is largely confined to the smaller dogs.

I've heard of labradoodles, but have not seen one. Don't know if it can be confirmed, but I'd heard that there are more unscrupulous 'chancer' breeders producing these dogs under questionable conditions (and charging a fortune), because they are such a trendy, in-demand breed. Has anyone spent any time around a labradoodle?

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scotlou · 11/04/2007 13:52

My parents had a standard poodle. She was lovely. Friendly, very intelligent (so easy to train). She didn't need that much exercise - she was walked twice a day (they had a largish garden though so she was outside a lot).
Health problems - not as bad as the boxer! - but she did develop problems with her toes when she was older so ende dup getting several toes amputated. She also was prone to cysts when she was old.
They need clipped about every 6 weeks though! (I would love one - but dh can't be persuaded!

Pollyanna · 11/04/2007 13:55

my ds wants a cockapoo

Original poster
Earlybird · 11/04/2007 19:31

cockapoo puppy looks cute, and will google to find out more.

Thanks for input scotlou. All sounds positive - except the amputated toes bit!

Anyone else?

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bitzermaloney · 11/04/2007 19:35

Re labradoodles - I know two (we tend to do the same walks at the same time) and they are both really lovely dogs, BUT both shed like there's no tomorrow. If you look at some of the breeders' websites they have small-print disclaimers pointing out that the coat can't be guaranteed. Also, small point but they're not actually a recognised breed - they're 'designer' crosses, as are cockapoos. For which read 'cunning way to extract large amounts of money from people for a crossbreed by calling it a cute name').

Avalon · 11/04/2007 19:43

My next door neighbours have a small poodle - don't know whether it's a toy or miniature - and it is the yappiest thing on earth!

It barks constantly - when she throws a ball, at my kids in our garden, when a plane goes over. It's a horrible noise.

Original poster
Earlybird · 11/04/2007 19:44

Interesting about shedding in labradoodles. My impression is that they are sold as dogs who are great for people with allergies precisely because they don't shed much....

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bitzermaloney · 11/04/2007 19:58

Earlybird yes they are sold as exactly that, and - attributing the best possible motives to some of the breeders - some of them are aiming at breeding the most hypoallergenic dogs they can, but so far they are a long way from being able to achieve a consistent dog with a consistent coat yet. Unfortunately you also get some labradoodles who appear not to be shedders as puppies but later turn out to be.

One of the owners I know drove 200 miles to get her puppy from one of the 'reputable' breeders and she brushes him out on walks in order to leave all the hair behind!

Original poster
Earlybird · 13/04/2007 04:49

Any tips for finding a reputable breeder? Are puppies matched with owners, or do you get to choose? Also - anyone able to give a general range of what a miniature or standard poodle might cost?

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Boobsgonesouth · 13/04/2007 05:41

a woman I met at DC school had a 10 month old labradoodle - what a sweetie..... he IS huge though, and owners of the manor house in our old village had a standard poodle, very nice dog but a bit 'yappy' IYKWIM......

Boobsgonesouth · 13/04/2007 05:44

find a registered breeder through the kennel club

carol3 · 13/04/2007 05:51

we had two miniture black poodles, when i was a kid. I'm alergic to all animal fur so there wasn't much choice.
I found them great not yappy, I had one for my 10th birthday and we breed her and kept one of the pups. The mother never had any health problems. and died in her sleep at 13 the daughter died age 8 due to a fit.
She had fits due to being run over as a pup, just to chase cars!
great dogs would have again. Don't know the price now but ours were a very good pedegree and the pups sold for 400 each that was 20 yrs ago. I think my parents paid a large stud fee though.

fuchsia0703 · 13/04/2007 12:17

If you type UK Labradoodle Association into google you will get their website. We are looking to get a standard poodle as they are more reliable allergy wise. Good labradoodle breeders do not say they are necessarily OK for people with allergies. Have spent time with some, they were lovely ... and I would rather like one, I must admit.

Original poster
Earlybird · 13/04/2007 14:46

Boobs - your link doesn't work. Can you try again, or perhaps I should I just google kennel club?

Thanks to everyone else for feedback. So far, I've not read anything that would put me off...

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Original poster
Earlybird · 13/04/2007 23:08

Any late night poodle fans around?

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