Talk to me about Poodles.....

[Astrabees]

We are very experienced dog owners, now in our 60's. We have had a Collie cross, Dachshund, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and most recently 3 older rescue Staffies who were very special to me. The last of these, who was 10 when we adopted her was PTS last year after developing kidney failure, and I miss her terribly.
We are now thinking about another dog and my DH is urging me to be sensible about this because we should be looking for a friendly small dog that will not be a problem if and when we become grandparents, and can come camping and away to hotels with us. I have reluctantly conceded that my desire for another rescue bull breed is not logical and we have settled on getting a poodle, which would give us the option of taking a small rescue dog that needs a companion to live with when the poodle is grown up and mature.
There are a couple of things I need advice on. Firstly we think we need a miniature poodle, but are very taken with the Standard size. We have never had a very small dog before, our dachshund was huge. Does anyone have any experience of both sizes ? what are the advantages and disadvantages on a practical level?
Secondly is a poodle going to be a big enough character for me? Having a Staffie is a bit like having your wayward aunt or an old colonel to stay, what would the Poodle be like? We have read some lovely things about the breed and as DH is keen for a non shedding dog it feels like a good choice. Tell me your poodle stories to encourage me to get fully on board!

My parents had a standard poodle when I was growing up. Ours was a bit on the small size for a standard but had a great personality. Liked chasing birds in the garden. She was very intelligent but in some ways a bit aloof - a bit more cat like than the boxer they also had who just wanted to please all the time.

With your experience with dogs and rescues specifically, would you consider a rescue poodle or poodle cross? Many Tears dog rescue generally have lots of poodles because of their use in the breeding industry. Often they want to re-home where there's a resident dog but they do occasionally have confident dogs who can be an only dog.

We got out boy from there 15 months ago. He was described as a miniature poodle but he's actually somewhere in between mini and standard size (we now think he is part Bedlington Terrier). He's an absolute joy 🥰

Poodles are lovely - one of my favourite breeds and I genuinely hate that they are mixed with other breeds for designer dogs because the poodle is pretty perfect as it is. IME they are really loyal - utterly devoted to their family. Perhaps not a 'big' personality in the way a staffie or similar might be, but they are loyal.

The only downsides are their grooming and their intelligence. Their coats need constant grooming - not just a once over with a brush but a proper groom (IMO with a groomer at least every week). And they are way too intelligent for a lot of people (myself included) to really get the best out of them.

But if you can meet the grooming/exercise/mental stimulation need, they are perfect.

@Reallybadidea Our first Staffie came from Many Tears - he certainly didn't lack confidence, he marched into the house, inspected all the rooms and then collected my sons' footballs up and set them out in the dining room. I have looked at the poodle and nearly poodles they have but it is rare for one to come up that doesn't need to live with another dog. I was thinking of getting one from them as the second dog in due course.

I have a miniature poodle currently snoozing on my lap. She's on the small side of miniature but perfectly easy to scoop up and cuddle. We get her groomed every 6 weeks and it cost me around £45 a go. So factor that in or learn to groom yourself. She's super intelligent, very loyal, loves her family, adores chasing a ball, loves a long countryside trek but also a short urban walk/sniff around if need be. She doesn't have separation anxiety at all luckily and can be left for 4 hours of needed. She was easy to train including housetraining.

Downside of our particular poodle is she isn't overly fond of other dogs, especially boisterous ones who come charging up and she can be nervous of new people. But I think that's particular to her rather than breed specific as I know other poodles on our walks who are very friendly.

Our friends have a standard poodle. He is a lovely dog, very relaxed, gentle and friendly. It does however have terrible separation anxiety and howls the place down if left alone and has been destructive in the past. I’m not sure of that is a breed trait or just him though.

Poodles are brilliant but their intelligence can make them a bit highly strung. Poochon (cross with a bichon) is a more relaxed version I’ve found.

Poodles are amazing dogs - easy to train, intelligent, funny and overall very sweet, loving dogs. The only downside (imo) is the grooming - the cost can very quickly add up, and they need regular brushing too. But if that doesn't bother you, then they're an amazing choice.

In terms of size, it's totally up to you. Standards are pretty big and obviously that comes with added costs (and strength), but IMO miniatures are a great size. Compact, not too strong, but not so small that you worry about them getting hurt etc.

I know you're asking about poodles OP but have you considered a tibetan terrier? Ours was our 1st family dog - rescued aged 8. He walked in the house, sniffed round, curled up on middle DD's bed and refused to shift! He was wilful, stubborn, full of character and absolutely adored our kids. He was also a good size, and never minded being left. I've now got 2 spaniels who howl the house down if I dare shut the bathroom door... velcro dogs.

MIL has always had miniature poodles and she used to be a dog groomer specialising in them. Hers just had the Lamb (?) cut, no pompoms on ankles etc and they were without exception, all delightful. Friendly, well socialised, adaptable, loyal, a sense of mischief, just adorable little dogs. She chose decent breeders (might even have been the same one for all 3) and went for black, as apricot ones tended to be prone to nerviness and snappiness in her professional experience.

Of all the dogs I’ve had, the poodle is by far my favourite and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the breed or have another. I have a black standard and he’s a joy. Very intelligent, way more than any other dog I’ve had. Trained easily but needs ongoing work as he will figure out how to get around the rules if you let him. Very cheeky sense of humour. Bit of a wind up merchant. Very much sure of himself and comfortable in his skin. He really makes me laugh. Doesn’t bark but loves a sign or a grumble. Let’s you know his thoughts for sure. So much personality, characterful! There are a lot of poodle traits that I see in other poodles and some poodle crosses.

I’ve put in some pics. I self groom. Mostly he gets a 7 blade all over but I leave a fluffy tail and a curly mop of head hair. Slika brush all over daily and comb through every 3 days to prevent knots and tangles.

poodles are prone to allergies. Mine has hayfever, lactose and gluten intolerance. He can be an itchy dog.

PIL's had standard poodles, both a bit scatty, but I don't think either had any formal training! They were tall enough to steal food from the kitchen bench or dining table, but not non-stop eaters like labradors. When one dog got sick, PIL's struggled to lift it into the car- so that is a consideration it getting the standard size.

We have a mini poodle X and PIL's now have 2 mini's. Their's have each other, and are ok being left alone. Mine gets very upset being left alone, but we are practicing leaving her for short periods. They are shadows and never leave your side. Mine is ball obsessed whereas PIL's aren't at all!
They are very intelligent and need mental stimulation along with physical. We have ours clipped every 6 weeks. I also trim nails and clip around her face/bottom between the professional clips. Unlike a poster further up, I don't feel ours needs to see the groomer weekly! I love the fact there is no excessive hair and molt in the house and on clothes.

There is the doodle rescue which has various dogs from time to time. Also the cinnamon trust. Our neighbour got a cat via them and can't speak highly enough about them. Cinnamon trust also have an option to sign up as a dog walker for someone local that is in hospital/recovering etc, which might be an option whilst waiting to find your next dog.

https://www.doodlerescue.uk/

cinnamon.org.uk/about-us/

Our dog is half poodle and he’s has so much personality. He’s very confident.

I have a miniture poodle crossed with a jack Russell and she has the biggest personality! Smart, funny, playful, loves a walk and a cuddle. My grandparents had miniature poodles and I absolutely loved them they are fab little dogs. I'm very seriously considering getting a purebred poodle as a companion for mine

Thank you for all these interesting messages, I’m getting a much better feel for the breed than just reading about them on websites.

I've had the occasional walk with a standard poodle locally. He is just a lovely chap, easy-going, alert without being off hunting, stays quite close.

We have a very full-on gundog breed and if I ever decide that they're too much and I'd a like a big dog with less lunacy, I'd seriously consider a standard poodle.

A standard fool has been the easiest to train dog, he is very bonded to me, very loving, but we worked hard when he was a pup to ensure he didn't get separation anxiety.
I have mine in a lamb cut and he is a true water dog, his very best thing is playing with the house.
Can't recommend them even if they can the most ridiculous dogs.

My poodle cross is mainly poodle and my next dog will definitely be a mini or standard poodle.She is wonderful.Really loves water.Not bothered by food unless hungry so had to be trained with toys.Very clever and loving.Not really bothered with other dogs.Strong and loves big walks.Doesn't really shed...just a few balls of wool around the house.Grooming is expensive as others said but you can learn to do it yourself.Everyone I know lives her as she has such a gorgeous nature but is also really playful.Can you tell I want another poodle?Currently searching Many Tears....

@Needanadultgapyear Your poodle is very beautiful, and I just love the clip without any topknot. I will save the picture to show a groomer in a few months time.
It is lovely to hear all this positive information. I was sitting looking out at the garden this morning thinking about how our last Staffie loved playing with the hosepipe and leaping in and out of the paddling pool, it made me sad but happy to think we would have that again next summer (probably)

I wouldn't expect 'less lunacy'.

I have had standard poodles all my life - they are wonderful, wonderful dogs. I am so pleased they're finally being more widely recognised as such rather than the old, incorrect, stereotype of prissy dogs.

Super intelligent.
Funny, great sense of humour.
Can be stubborn.
Brilliant family dogs, wonderful with children.
Gentle.
Can be picky eaters / have sensitive tummies but no worse than other breeds.
Joyous, playful.
Respond well to training.
Loving.

They do need firm & consistent training (I mentioned stubborness), but I've had standards that were the easiest in the world to train.... and one that got kicked out of our local training class so it varies lol

They need walking twice daily, a good hour each time but they can easily walk for longer. Health-wise they're one of the least problematic breeds.

Never found grooming to be an issue, regular salon appointments every 6-8 weeks and keep them brushed at home.

Don't forget that although they're not commonly used as gun dogs in the UK now, they were bred for hunting (water retrievers).
Easy going and none of mine have had an aggressive bone in their bodies.

And, yes, big personalities :)

Once you go poodle, you never go back 😊