This guide reviews the average costs of owning a Poodle, from adoption to lifelong expenses. Poodles are a prevalent breed among animal lovers. The Poodle is the 5th most popular dog breed in the U.S. Poodles are popular with pet parents of all ages due to their fluffy coats, high intelligence, and lovable personalities. Like any other breed, adopting a Poodle means taking on the cost and responsibility of keeping your pet healthy throughout its lifetime.
Dogs are never a small investment, though some can cost more than others regarding care and health. Some canine breeds, like Poodles, come with their own unique set of costs to consider and may need more than simple care and feeding.
This guide breaks down the basic costs of adopting and caring for a Poodle. We will discuss expected costs like adoption fees, medical care, etc., and breed-specific costs like regular grooming and training. Read on to learn more about this lovable canine.
How Much Is A Poodle Puppy?
Expect the initial investment into a purebred Poodle puppy to cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000. One thing to know right away is that the price of a Poodle puppy depends on a few different factors, including size and color. A purebred puppy tends to cost significantly more at adoption than a mixed breed. Puppies that are adopted as companions can cost much less, from a few hundred dollars to about $1,000.
Poodles that are adopted for show or breeding purposes will cost more, as they will come from higher pedigree bloodlines. Depending on where you live and where your puppy is, there may also be travel costs attached to the adoption fee.
How To Calculate Poodle Costs?
It is important to remember that each pet and home situation is unique when reading this guide. We have calculated an average minimum price of what to expect. Keep in mind that no one can predict the future, and there will likely be unexpected costs that may come up. We have done our best to provide you with a realistic expectation of what owning a Poodle will mean for your bank account.
Poodle costs in the first year will include the initial investment in the puppy. You will also need supplies for the puppy, like bedding, crates, gates, food, toys, treats, etc. Medical care includes vaccinations and the cost to spay or neuter puppies if not included in the adoption fee.
Poodles live for 12 to 15 years. You can expect to spend about $80 – $200 or more on basic monthly supplies and care. This breed will need about $2,400 per year in care costs. This means that with a $3,000 initial investment the minimum lifetime cost of a Poodle will be about $31,800.
| Average Cost Of Poodle | |
|---|---|
| Initial Puppy Price & Supplies | $3,000 |
| Yealy Costs | $2,400 |
Factors That Affect The Price
Some of the main factors that determine the price of this specific breed of puppy include size, color, breeder, and bloodlines. Age, location, season, as well as breeder choice, will also impact the overall price of a Poodle puppy.
Size
Size is a significant factor in the price of a Poodle puppy. There are three sizes to consider, and they all come in a different price range. Keep in mind all three sizes are the same breed, they are simply varied sizes. We did some research to see the average price of Poodle puppies from various pet resources and breeder websites.
Standard Poodle
Standard is the largest of the three, and they stand 15 inches or higher. Males can grow to between 45 and 60 pounds. Females can reach 45 to 60 pounds. Depending on the breeder, Standard Poodle puppies can range from $600 to $2,500. A show dog quality puppy will cost much more, ranging from $3,500 to over $10,000.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are much smaller than Standard, averaging about 17 pounds when fully grown. The average cost of a purebred Miniature puppy ranges from $500 to $3,000. A show-quality puppy can cost $5,000 or more.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are tiny and reach about 10 pounds or less when fully grown. These puppies can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, with show-quality dogs costing up to $4,000 or more.
High-Quality Breeder
Where a puppy comes from has a lot to do with the price, and cheaper is not always the best way to go. High-quality breeders will not be the most inexpensive. It is essential to find the right one. While top-level breeders may charge more, it is well worth the investment. The added expense goes towards treating diseases, socializing puppies, and genetic testing.
Rather than relying on pet stores (which often use puppy mills to source their animals at a low price) or random internet searches. Seek out reputable breeders from reliable sources. Ask your veterinarian, connect with another Poodle owner, look for local dog clubs, or contact the American Kennel Club (AKC) to search their list of reputable Poodle breeders.
Be prepared to spend some time researching to find a reputable Poodle breeder. Look for those willing to meet in person and who have positive reviews. Pedigree papers should be readily available, be wary of any breeder who is reluctant to give these papers or wants to charge for access to this information. Also, look for a breeder that limits the number of litters bred and keeps their dogs healthy.
Reputable breeders will not do business with pet stores and will ask buyers to sign a contract. This contract should include information on the parents, as well as a return to breeder situation should the match not work out. The Humane Society has information on how to find a responsible breeder and is a reliable resource to turn to when researching the price and breeders of Poodle puppies.
Genetics And Bloodlines
Poodles that come from championship breeders and winning bloodlines will be more costly than those puppies that do not. If one is looking to raise a show dog for competition, look for the breeders of champion Poodles. Be prepared to pay top dollar prices for puppies that come from these breeders.
Bloodlines will be less critical if one is not in the show dog arena and simply wants a fluffy, lovable addition to the family. If purchasing a Poodle to train as a show dog, the investment will be significantly higher.
Coat Color
In some cases, the color of a Poodle’s fur can lead to an increase in price. Specific colors, like apricot, cream, red, or silver, are rare and can be more expensive. Apricot Poodles are the rarest color of the coat, and puppies of any size start at about $2,000.
Season & Time Of Year
Most seasoned dog owners will agree that Spring and Summer are the best times to bring a new puppy home. Sunny days mean many hours outside for walks, playing fetch, and potty training. There is usually a higher demand for puppies in these warmer months, so adopting your new little sweetie in the winter may save you some money.
Location
Like the time of year, location will play a part in the price of a puppy. Both breeder location and location of the adopter will play a role. Also, travel expenses may affect the price. This can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Age
Adopting an older Poodle from a shelter or a retired show dog can cost less than a puppy. The range for older Poodles is large, anywhere from $50 to $1,200 or more. Check with your local veterinarian for reputable Poodle rescues if you are looking for an older animal.
Companion vs. Service Poodle
Poodles are wonderful when trained as service dogs. Those puppies will cost $2,000 or more. Pet and companion Poodles will cost less, though they can still have a price tag of over $1,000, depending on the specifics.
Costs For A Poodle
Expenses for a Poodle’s regular care, feeding, and medical treatment will vary depending on her size. Expect to spend at least $1,500 per year for any dog. Poodle care will likely be higher priced.
We have done some research to find out the estimated costs one can expect when adopting a Poodle. Standard Poodles will be more expensive to care for long term as they are larger, eat more, and need larger items.
Some supplies will need to be replenished as the puppy grows, collars, harnesses, leashes, toys, chew sticks, etc. Licensing, microchipping, or other fees for pets will depend on location and the codes in your city. For all dogs, general care and feeding costs apply. We have created a basic breakdown of those general pet care costs.
| Supplies | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Food (30lbs) | $50 |
| Medical Care & Medications | $50 |
| Insurance | $50 |
| Grooming | $50 |
| Training | $100 |
| Walking | $100 |
| Boarding/Daycare | $50 |
| Emergenices | $25 |
| Leash/Harness/Collar etc | $10 |
| Toys | $10 |
| Treats | $10 |
| Cleaning Supplies | $10 |
Food
Food costs for Poodles will vary. The size of the animal and the variety of food used will play a significant factor here. On average, a 30-pound bag of dog food costs $50.
Puppies often need to be on puppy formulated food for up to a year, costing significantly more. A healthy diet is necessary to keep your canine in top condition, and cheaper pet food will not provide that balanced diet.
Poodles are high-energy, so make sure the food you choose for her is full of the proper nutrients and offers enough protein. The investment in top-quality food will help prevent future health concerns and vet expenses.
Basic Medical Care And Medications
Regular medical and dental care is part of the responsibility of a puppy both when first welcoming home the little gal and throughout her lifespan. The first year will require more vet visits for checkups, vaccinations, and routine care. You can expect to visit the vet at least three times for physical exams and vaccinations in the first year. Some vets may space vaccinations longer due to the puppy’s size.
Your Poodle may require medications for different things throughout her life, and just like us, those may need to be purchased monthly. Initial vet care will cost at least $500. Expect about $50 or more a month for a healthy pup after that.
Emergency Medical Care
Let’s face it, emergencies are going to happen. Regardless of how careful and attentive pet owners are, life can throw some real curveballs. While we always hope that our pets will not need emergency care, it is advisable to plan for it with a dedicated savings account or pet insurance. Even saving $25 a month can help when an emergency happens. Do yourself and your sweet pup a favor and get in the habit of saving for emergencies.
Pet ownership is unpredictable, and pets can develop more needs as they age. Poodles can be susceptible to diseases like Hypothyroidism, Hip dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. Some like the Standard can inherit lifelong conditions such as epilepsy which require more medical care, and medication.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is not a necessity, though it can be a great benefit in the case of an emergency that can result in high, unexpected vet bills. Insurance is available for Poodles and Toy Poodles, Â but it is not something everyone chooses to purchase. Additionally, an add-on wellness plan can help balance out expenses for preventative care, and some employers now even offer pet insurance as part of their benefits package.
Do some research to find the company that best serves your needs and also be sure to get at least three quotes since each company offers different pricing and plan options. You can also see if any of your current insurance providers offer pet insurance or discounts.
The monthly cost will vary depending on the pet’s breed, age, and geographic location. Pet policies with accident-only coverage start around $10 monthly, and policies covering accidents and illness average about $50 per month.
Grooming
For some dogs, grooming is not a considerable expense. Poodles, however, are one of the breeds that require regular grooming. Poodles do not shed. However, their hair can get matted in on itself causing a big uncomfortable mess. To prevent this, your new girl will require regular grooming. Poodles need to be groomed every four to six weeks and brushed every two days in between grooming.
If you consider adopting a Poodle, plan to spend anywhere from $50 to $250 per month on grooming her. You can learn how to do it yourself. However, you will still need to purchase initial supplies like brushes, clippers, shampoos, and products, then replenish them regularly.
Other Supplies
Puppy training pads, treats, pooper scoopers, and trash bags are among the supplies you will need to purchase for your Poodle puppy. Many of these expenses will remain throughout the dog’s life. Expect to invest about $20 a month in these supplies.
Additional Costs
Some additional costs to consider when adopting any dog include professional training, walking, doggie daycare, and boarding. These will vary depending on your pet, lifestyle, and budget. Additionally, cleaning supplies, teeth cleaning, and outdoor play area maintenance will come up.
There are plenty of extras that can be added as well, from doggie spa days to entertainment to keep your puppy happy when you are gone. Again, this will depend on your puppy’s individual needs.
Professional Training
Professional training may be needed for your Poodle. The costs of this will vary. Professional trainers generally charge per hour with $50 about the average. Many pet stores and veterinarians offer puppy training packages, and you can expect to pay about $100 for an introductory puppy training course. Boot camps, high-end training for shows, therapy, or protection will cost more. Expect $80 to $100 at least for each session. Online training offers an affordable and flexible option if you are disciplined enough to put in the time and effort.
Walking
Walking is necessary to keep your pup happy and healthy. Employing a professional dog walker will cost about $20 per walk. There are plenty of options from hiring a friend to relying on a service like Rover. There are usually plenty of local options here, so you may save money by asking your veterinarian, or other dog owners for recommendations.
Boarding And Daycare
For pet owners who travel regularly, boarding may be necessary. Expect to pay at least $50 per day for basic boarding for your fur baby. Doggie daycare is usually charged by the hour, day, or half-day. These prices will be lower than overnight boarding. Expect anywhere from $10 per hour to over $100 a day. Price will depend on the options available in your area and your individual needs for doggie daycare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Poodles Expensive To Buy?
Poodles can be expensive to buy. Do thorough research into breeders, shelters, and rescues you may be considering adopting from. Poodles will have higher expenses than some other dogs when it comes to care, feeding, and maintenance. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars for a purebred Poodle puppy. Factors such as bloodline, age, breeder, and size will impact the price.
What Should I Know About Poodle Costs?
One thing to know about Poodle costs is that they will require more specialized care like grooming, than some other breeds. Make sure you can take on the financial responsibility of a dog before you adopt her. It is not the dog’s fault if you cannot afford what she needs to be happy and healthy. Dogs cannot get jobs and will require regular financial support, so give some due diligence to understanding the costs before you bring your puppy home.
Final Thoughts
The cost of adopting and raising a Poodle may be slightly more expensive than the average cost of owning a dog due to the purebred nature of this breed. Not all will cost thousands of dollars, and you may find one for adoption at a shelter or adoption event for much less. This guide focused on adopting and raising a purebred Poodle as a pet. By our calculations, the minimum lifetime costs for owning a Poodle are around $33,800
Please remember that this estimate does not include special training, emergencies, long-term illness, special medical conditions, or other expenses that may come up when raising a Poodle as a therapy dog or show dog. Dog ownership cannot be taken lightly, as it can get pricey. Some dog breeds like Poodles can be more expensive than others. While there is no price tag for the amount of love you will have for your new fur baby, consider the long-term costs when adopting any dog. If you can provide financial stability to give a Poodle a proper home and care, their impact on your life and heart will be priceless.
