How Much are Poodles?
We’ve heard you, and we understand that many people ask, how much are poodles?
Look no further as we have a comprehensive post answering your question. It’s always good to know the cost of your desired pet so you can prepare for it. Likewise, it’s not just the initial cost that you have to think of. You also have to find out the regular expenses of owning one.
Let’s begin.
How Much are Standard Poodles?
Standard Poodle will cost you around $700 – $1200 for the average breed and $2000 – $5000 for high-end.
How Much are Miniature Poodles, Toy Poodle Price?
A Miniature and Toy Poodles will cost you $1,000 – $1,500 for average breeds and $1700 – $2200 for high end.
Why Do Prices of Poodles Vary?
While we’ve already provided the standard range for different Poodle breeds, the price can vary depending on different factors. Remember, there are purebred dog breeders and backyard dog breeders.
Purebred Dog Breeders
When we talk about purebred dog breeders, they usually provide show-quality dogs. Often, you will need to have an initial deposit and will have to wait for quite sometime before your puppy becomes available. These types of breeders prioritize quality over profit. They even pre-test the dogs to check if there are health issues.
The parent dogs and their puppies are fed with top-of-the-line food and receive the best vet care available. Best of all, they offer a take-back guarantee if your new puppy does not work well with your environment.
Having said this, you can expect that Poodles from purebred dog breeders are more expensive.
Backyard Dog Breeders
Apparently, getting your Poodle from a credible purebred dog breeder will always be the best choice. However, there are backyard dog breeders who offer good puppies as well. But you have to be extremely careful.
The main difference between a purebred dog breeder and a backyard breeder is that a huge percentage of the latter is not well-knowledgeable and untrained to breed Poodles. There will be no tests about the genetic makeup, so there’s no guarantee that your puppy will be show quality.
Should You Get Poodles from Shelter?
If you desire to have a Poodle but working on a budget, you might consider going to the shelter. Yet again, there’s no guarantee that what you will get is the best or even healthy. You can always ask the experts what to look for in a dog, so you can also get the right one according to your needs and preference.
For others, getting Poodles from the shelter is a better option. Most likely, these are already dogs, and you can skip the house training and teething.
Which Breed to Get?
You are probably asking, should you get a Standard Poodle or a smaller version such as Miniature and Toy? Here are some things you need to consider before buying.
Lifespan
Generally, bigger dogs have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. For Poodles, the same principle applies.
For the Standard Poodle, you can expect them to live between 11 to 13 years. But for Miniature and Toy Poodles, they could live for 14 years.
Size of Your Home
Logically speaking, when you have a smaller home, get a dog that is appropriate for the size. With that, they can have a vast space to play around even if you don’t go out to the park.
Why are Poodles More Expensive than Other Breeds?
Looking at the above prices, you can already tell that Poodle is more costly than other breeds. But there’s a good reason for it.
The expenses of breeding alone are high, and the maintenance can also be a bit hefty. It’s all worth it, though. Apart from their charming physical appearance, they are highly intelligent and love to be with their owners. It’s what you need for a companion dog.
Speaking of expenses, let’s break it down further in the next section.
Expenses for Your Poodle
Make sure that you are financially ready to take care of the needs of your Poodle. To give you an idea, here are the expenses that you must cover.
Vet visits
The initial visit to the vet would typically cost you $80 – $100. But this is not so bad because your Poodle can get so much from it. When you take your pet to the vet, they weigh it, examine the coat, eyes, ears, nose, feet, and even the genitalia. They would also take the temperature and listen to its lungs and heart. Other basic examinations or tests will be offered too.
You might think that the cost is too much, but knowing your pet’s overall health condition is a must. This could prevent more serious illnesses, which can turn out to be more expensive. Least to say, a vet visit is cheaper than treating a condition.
Spaying
It’s natural for pet owners to spay or neuter their Poodle. This will cost you $50 – $100 when you go to low-cost vets. But if you go to animal hospitals, the cost could be higher.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are necessary so your pet can avoid health issues. Other vaccinations are needed just once, while some might need to be done more frequently. You can have free vaccinations, and others could go as high as $100. Some of the diseases that can be avoided are Rabies, Heartworm, Lyme Diseases, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Distemper, among many others.
Food
Your Poodle will spend $35 – $45 a month for food. We encourage you to choose the best quality to ensure outstanding health. While there are cheaper options readily available, you must be cautious in choosing your Poodle’s food. The mediocre ones might lack the proper nutrients, and that could affect their overall health.
Poodle Grooming
Grooming can be more expensive for Poodles because other breeds don’t require a lot of it. Their hair is constantly growing and curly, and it’s more prone to getting matted. When we talk about matting, this means that your dog’s fur becomes tangled, together with a mixture of dander and dirt. If you don’t groom them regularly, you could end up shaving your Poodle to remove the mattes.
Your Poodle might also get skin infections if you don’t regularly brush the hair as the mattes could irritate your dog. It is a must that you do it daily and take them to professional dog groomers as necessary. This should cost you around $35 – $140.
For home care, you should purchase the following:
- Bristle Brush
- Clippers
- Dog Conditioner
- Dog Grooming Table
- Dog Shampoo
- Slicker Brush
- Trimming Shears
Meanwhile, here’s the summary of other expenses for your pet Poodle.
- Obedience training classes
- Water bowls
- Leash or tag
- Puppy bed
- Pet health insurance
- Puppy crates
The cost varies, depending on the quality of your chosen items or packages. Some of these expenses are just one-time purchases. But for most, you have to buy or purchase it monthly. On average, you need to have at least $100 per month to give your pet their needs.
Living With Your Poodle
When you get a Poodle, it’s not just about the cost that you have to consider. They also need your presence, attention, and time.
Give Your Pet Plenty of Time to Play Around
Poodles have extreme energies, and they need to use it properly. As much as you can, give them enough playtime. This will allow you to get along with your new pet. The recommended time for your Poodle to play would be 60 minutes per day.
Do Not Leave Them Alone for a Long Time
Poodles don’t want to be left alone for a long time. Otherwise, they might feel anxious. If possible, take them with you. It doesn’t matter if you will play with them. Just bring them wherever you go, and that would make your Poodle feel better.
Common Diseases of Poodles
Just like all living creatures, Poodles may face health issues too. Here are the common ones you have to watch out for. Regardless of the size of your dog, whether it is a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, they could encounter illnesses such as bloat, collapsed trachea, hypoglycemia, and thyroid issues, to name a few.
Bloat
When your Poodle experiences bloat, their belly will feel firm. This can cause them a lot of pain, and in worst cases, it could lead to death. You don’t have much time to wait, so make sure to bring your dog to the vet immediately. Some of the primary symptoms are anxious behavior, changes in temperament, swollen abdomen, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
Collapsed Trachea
This may be a congenital disorder, and your Poodle might have a hard time breathing. To check, you can apply pressure on their neck and see if they cough. Apart from that, they often gag or vomit or produce a wheezing sound.
Hypoglycemia
When we talk about Hypoglycemia, this means low blood sugar, and there are obvious signs to watch out for. For example, they are always lethargic, lose their appetite, constantly trembling, and sometimes go unconscious. As a treatment, they might be given glucose supplements.
Thyroid Issues
Poodles are prone to having hypothyroidism, where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. You need to check if they have dry skin or coat, are losing hair, or losing weight. More often than not, they will be given replacement hormones.
As always, be on the lookout for the early signs of these diseases so you can immediately seek professional help. The more that you delay it, the lesser chance that they will be treated. Plus, it will turn out to be more expensive.
Is Poodle the Right Breed for You?
Before you come up with your final decision, make sure that a Poodle is the right breed for you. Here are a few things to ponder on.
You Have High Energy
As we’ve said, Poodles have a high amount of energy, and they need to be active. If you are someone who would spend hours just watching TV series at home, you need to fine-tune your daily routine. Have an hour to play with your Poodle, or they can get overly playful at times that they don’t have to.
You Can Groom Them Everyday
While Poodles are not shedders, you still need to brush them practically every day. Remember that they have long hair, and it could matt if you don’t groom it.
When you brush your Poodle’s hair, think of it as bonding time with your dog instead of an added chore. As they always say, spending time with your dog for at least 30 minutes a day can boost your emotions.
You Have the Financial Means to Take Care of a Poodle
We cannot emphasize this enough, but you need to be financially stable to take care of a Poodle. They are high maintenance, and you need to shell out a significant amount every month for them to fully enjoy their lives as your pet.
Conclusion, How Much are Poodles?
When you are about to buy a Poodle, it’s not only the initial cost that you have to think about. Bear in mind that it’s a long-term commitment, and you need to give the best for your pet. This includes providing them quality food, toys, beds, and even the best professional and grooming services.
If you are ready for the responsibility, we say go ahead and get one. After all, Poodles can be an emotional support dog. However, if your time and budget will not allow you to become a pet owner, you might as well rethink of your plans. Every dog deserves the best treatment, and you should be able to provide it to them.
