What size poodle?

[DueyCheatemAndHow]

DH and I have been thinking about a dog for years and I think next year will be the year!

We've settled on a poodle but we are getting lots of opinions about size. We understand (obviously) that bugger dogs require more exercise and eat more. But beyond that- what would you get? We only plan on getting one.

Thanks!!

Sadly really not true. Pretty much 90% of cockerpoos have skin allergies. I spend a significant portion of everyday dealing with cases.

I'd go miniature personally. I've got one and even with a relatively short clip he takes a lot of brushing! I can't imagine the commitment it would be with a standard - much as I'd love one otherwise. Also heavily increased costs of food etc. Seeing above a smaller standard was 20kg... My mini is 6.7 so you'd be looking at at least 3 X the cost just on food etc... A definite consideration.

I'd absolutely consider a standard once the kids left home and have reduced costs though - love my mini boy, always hoped for a bit of a bigger dog though.

All sizes are beautiful. We have a toy poodle and I can’t recommend toy’s enough. My Nan had a miniature poodle & he was brilliant too. Toy suits us as she is easier to maintain with her grooming costs etc. And lovely to have her on our laps & carry her around too.

I worry this is going to be a head over heart decision. I love standards, I love how unusual they are, I love their size, I think they are probably more placid.... but a smaller breed makes sense.

I've contacted a groomer today, she estimates 45-50 for a miniature and 60-70 for a standard

We have a miniature. She gets brushed every day and I trim her with scissors once a week. No need for a dog groomer. Miniature poodles are utterly adorable, intelligent and easy to train.

Have been following this thread with interest, poodles seem a good match for our family, however grooming costs was a concern. We are thinking a miniature poodle would be most suitable.

Can I ask @talkingmorenonsense, did you find it difficult to cut your poodle at first? I presume its something you have done from being a puppy? Any tips gratefully received!

I have two dogs- slightly smaller than standard. They are too BIG to go on the plane with us. Wish we had thought about that first!

It was our breeder who told us what to do. She has two poodles and trims them herself. She said to trim them once a week, with scissors, but to do their bottom with proper dog clippers. This keeps their bottom clean. We just trim our dog all over, the same length. We much prefer that look, rather than the poodle cut. If you cut a bit too much, the curliness of their coats means you can’t really see it. Their coats are very forgiving. We’ve got better as we’ve got used to doing it. The cost of the clippers and a decent pair of scissors is saving us £££££££££.

Standard. Had dogs all my life but I would never have any other breed ever again now. She's so intelligent, loyal, affectionate, playful....i could go on! .
Both DDs have a standard now after falling in love with mine.
They can vary a lot in size btw. My girl is v small, 22kg. Her brother from same litter is a head taller and 30kg
The breeder calls them furry humans and she was so right.
Full disclosure (for balance !) Some can be shy/sensitive/drama queens so they need plenty of early socialising. Some have quite sensitive bellies so I'd be prepared to only offer high quality food.
I find that ours all love long romps but equally will spend a whole day snoozing. Essentially wherever YOU are they're happy.
They are more people-dogs (not saying they don't love other dogs) but their family is their world.
God, I do go on when it comes to my dog

Oh! Me again. Also, you don't have to have silly haircuts. Ours go to the groomer every 8 to 12 weeks depending on the weather and with a short, non fancy cut it's not overly expensive. But do factor that into your budget as it's essential.
One of my DDs uses clippers at home so that's absolutely fine too .

I grew up with Moyen / Klein poodles (about 35-45 cm at the withers, a size category between miniature and standards, common in Europe but not recognised in the UK), and have a standard now. I find my standard more balanced compared to the Moyens, a gentleman not a child, but it may be down to his personality rather than generic size. I think smaller dogs tend to be more neurotic and yappy but it is a subjective view of course. All poodles are incredibly intelligent and emotionally intelligent, sensitive, playful and adaptable - equally happy to go on long walks or spend a day sleeping under my desk while I work. Importantly for me, hypoallergenic. Amazing breed, we briefly considered viszlas and Weimaraners but whilst very beautiful and athletic I don't think they make as good a family dog as a poodle.

In terms of costs and effort, yes standards need more food and take longer to brush /wash / trim. Mine is a Covid puppy so I started grooming him myself, in a proper poodle cut, having done it with my moyens before. I am pretty good with it but it takes forever and washing him kills my back. It is recommended that we trim the face, feet and tail (bottom) weekly but I just don't have time for it, he is lucky if he gets brushed weekly.

I paused when you mentioned the age of your kids. I dreamt about a dog for years and got one when my youngest was 4, and in the first year I still felt that it might have been too early. He adores the kids and treats the younger one as his favourite deity, but poodles are mouthy and sometimes when they play he can inadvertently scratch her with his teeth. Not sure if a miniature poodle is a better fit with kids - if a dog is tiny kids will just pick it up snd carry around, and can easily drop and hurt it.

Anyway, an excellent choice of a breed, I am sure whomever you choose will become a delightful family member very quickly!

This is so helpful everyone, I'm so grateful to everyone for sharing their experiences.

I chatted to s standard breeder for about an hour yesterday, she's great, her dogs are extensively health checked and really family orientated. We are going to go and visit her and see them (so we would see mum and dad) in February half term, this will help me gauge how the children interact with a bigger dog.

Re timing, we are going to see how it goes. My head says wait til youngest is 5. But I'm quitting work in July and worried sick about it, I think a dog would be a great way of making it exciting. But we will see, I've waited 30 years, if it's right to wait another 2 then so be it.

Many thanks @talkingmorenonsense.
I will continue to watch this thread as really helpful 😊