Are Poodles Expensive to Own? Estimating Monthly Costs

The monthly costs of poodles can be difficult to calculate without knowing your poodle’s unique needs. Each poodle is different, and the breed itself has needs and health concerns that will increase the costs.

Are poodles expensive to own? Monthly costs for poodles will be dependent on the type of poodle, health needs, age of the poodle, and other factors. On average, monthly poodle costs are between $80 to $150 but can be much higher if your poodle needs anything in addition to basic supplies.

When choosing the type of poodle to get, and when you decide how you will obtain your poodle, it is important to consider the independent costs and the factors involved. To start, the age of your poodle, how you obtain your poodle, and the type of poodle you choose will play a big part in deciding the initial costs of having your canine friend.

The Five Types of Poodles

There are 5 main types of poodles. Each with their own distinguishable features, popularity, and costs.

• Standard poodles are the largest of the poodle breed. They often weigh between 45 and 85 pounds and stand around 20 inches tall.
• Miniature poodles are mid-sized–typically around 11-15 inches tall. They also weigh about 15-18 pounds.
• Toy poodles are the smallest of the American Kennel Club-Recognized sizes. They weigh less than 10 pounds, and they are usually between eight and ten inches tall.
• Klein (Moyen) poodles are similar in size to the standard size poodles, though they often weigh only between 40 and 50 pounds. They are also not recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official size variant.
• Teacup poodles are also not recognized by the American Kennel Club size variants, but they are the smallest size in poodles. They typically weigh between 5 and 7 pounds and suffer from many health issues due to being bred to be exceptionally petite.

How to Obtain Your Poodle

Purebred Dog Breeder

This means that extra care and precaution were taken to assure the quality and breed of the dog. The two types commonly bred in these situations are “show” quality and “pet” quality. Pet quality poodles will likely have a foster home of sorts where they are well cared for. Show quality will compete in shows and competitions.

A common practice is for owners to pay a deposit well ahead of time for a puppy, which they will receive when one becomes available. Purebred puppies from a breeder like this may cost upwards of $8,000 or more.

A reputable breeder will provide these things when you purchase your poodle:

• Guarantee of health, medical records, and vaccination records.
• Proof of pedigree and registration, as well as information regarding the breed and type of poodle you have.
• A guarantee that they will take the poodle back should it not work out.

The dogs are also prepared for their new homes by being fed high-quality foods, receiving behavior and obedience training, and being potty trained. They are also often socialized around other animals to prevent adverse reactions if their new family has other pets.

Backyard Dog Breeder

These dogs have no guarantee behind them. There is no quality assurance regarding breed or type of poodle you may receive, and there may also be dangers related to the circumstances they are being bred or kept. It isn’t uncommon for backyard breeders to get into the gig due to their animal getting pregnant accidentally or simply to make extra cash. They generally have no expertise and may not take the best care of the animals they are selling.

Backyard breeders generally sell their poodles between $800 and $1,500. It is common to come across these breeders out of a car or at a local flea market. You may also see them post on social media without proof of breed. It is not likely there will be a registration with the AKC or other pedigree papers.

Puppy Mill and Import Breeder

These breeders or importers are in it only for the money. They are notorious for mistreating the animals and take measures to reduce the likelihood they will go to jail for animal cruelty by shipping animals from overseas. These breeders sell their puppies at lower costs to pet stores compared to other breeders, but they still make a substantial profit in order to keep mistreating and selling animals.

Signs to watch for to avoid puppy mills and import breeders:

• The breeder has not asked you questions about yourself or your home. This is a warning sign as a breeder should be concerned about the future well-being of their animals.
• There are no records or proof of medical treatments or check-ups. This means that they either have not seen the dog’s health, or they are hiding a possible problem or illness.
• The breeder sells their dogs to animal stores. Proper breeders just don’t do this as they know how harmful it can potentially be for the animals. Pet stores, for one, have no humane way of keeping animals cared for and safe. There are also plenty who will dispose of these animals to kill shelters if they aren’t purchased quickly.
• The breeder won’t let you see the puppy’s mother. This is a really good sign that something is not right for the mother, the other animals they may have, or even the environment where they are kept.
• Their puppies are dirty or not taken care of. If they look unclean, malnourished, or otherwise mistreated, not only should you avoid this breeder, but you should call authorities.
• The Breeder is unaware and unknowledgeable. If a breeder doesn’t know information pertaining to the animal, breed, type, or even who the stud for the dog is, then there is something wrong. A proper breeder should have information for all of their animals in their care.
• The breeder doesn’t feed the dogs high-quality food. A proper breeder cares about what their animals consume and understand it can change the outcome of their future well-being. If you see a breeder feeding their animal low-quality food or using cheap and unreliable supplies, then beware of this breeder as they are likely part of a mill.

While these aren’t a complete list of signs, these are some of the most prominent to be aware of.

Source here

Cost of Adopting a Poodle From a Rescue Shelter

These shelters offer more benefits than lower costs. Helping a shelter puppy, or more likely an adult poodle can reap rewards for both you and your newest family member. For one, you can typically avoid having to potty train or assist in teething.

The typical cost of a shelter adoption will range in price from $50 all the way to $600 or even more. Each shelter is different, and you should make sure the rescue organization is registered correctly. However, some shelters focus strictly on finding their animals a new home and not on the income they could receive.

Rescue organizations will likely offer assistance and resources for new pet owners. They are also going to have advice that you should listen to relating to how the dog was living before coming to them. Abused and mistreated animals will have their own emotional, environmental, and monetary needs associated with them.

Cost of Taking in a Stray Poodle

It is not likely you will come in contact with a poodle stray. However, it can happen. You will want to have them checked out to see if they have a chip implant with owner and vet information in case someone’s poodle simply decided to wander too far from home and found you interesting enough to stick around a bit. Not every animal that runs from home is being mistreated, but there is a possibility, so seek out a vet or someone else who can check for a way to find its home.

Stray dogs will need a wealth of medical check-ups, screenings, blood work, tests, treatments, and even spaying or neutering. Typical costs range from $300 to $500 to start if nothing is seriously wrong. Stray dogs may also need training, so keep that in mind before taking your found pup home.

Cost of Training a Poodle

If you hire a trainer, the cost usually runs approximately $50 per class and can amount to roughly $2,000 per month, on average. The prices can vary per trainer, origin, type of training, length and regularity of training, and more.

Here is a chart that shows the different kinds of training needed through the different stages of a poodles life:

	Potty Training	Behavioral Training	Obedience Training
Puppyhood	Potty training is one of the most obvious forms of training that applies to a puppy. Potty training mats, stain removers, carpet cleaners and deodorizers are just some of the costs related to potty training a puppy.	Puppies are harder to train than older dogs due to their active natures. It is not impossible, but it is more likely to train an animal’s behavior when they are a bit older. This is the training that helps them learn how they behave around people and in situations.	As with behavioral training, obedience training will come easier and with more consistent results. This training teaches your dog what is expected with commands of various sorts. This is also where they would learn how to lay down, sit, and so on.
Adolescence	While dogs are typically potty trained while in the puppy stage of life, some are not.	This is an excellent stage in life to start more advanced training. It is ideal to begin behavioral training in adolescence after the basics that was presented in puppyhood.	Obedience training should be presented to your dog in puppyhood but not trained heavily until adolescence. Dogs are more likely to catch on as they grow.
Adulthood	It is important to remember those animals who are moved often will likely need adjustment time and be taught where they should potty in the new area.	Behavior training is most often taught in adolescence but is regularly needed in adulthood for animals being adopted or rescued.	Adult dogs have typically already learned a bit of obedience training. However, adult dogs are still more than able to learn some new tricks.
Senior	As dogs get older, their bladder and bowel functionality may change, and you may need to provide training pads for your dog once again. Older dogs don’t always have control over their bodily fluids or their health may call for other measures to be taken.	A senior dog is not ideal to start training and will likely require less training if they have not already been taught expected behavior.	Obedience training of a senior animal will need to take into consideration any medical needs of the animal. It is not common for older dogs to get their first obedience training in their senior years.

If you need some help training your Poodle, but without the high cost, there are plenty of online courses that can assist you as you teach your dog new things at home.

I found the Brain Training for Dogs online training program to be extremely helpful when training my dog, Angus. I really liked the private member’s area where I was able to connect with other dog owners to get solutions to issues I had with his training. I would highly recommend this course and I know it can help you too! Check out their website here to see if this course is right for you.

Costs Associated with The Age of a Poodle

Cost of Medical Care For Poodles

Medical costs of dogs throughout their lives are going to vary vastly.

• Puppies will need the initial vet costs of proper spay or neutering, vaccines, health checks, and so on. This initial visit will usually cost around $250-$500 depending on the type of poodle, the type of tests needed, and the specific vet you take them to.
• Senior poodles will need more medical care, check-ups more often, and they may require end of life care, as well. Extra vet and supplies costs for a senior poodle range from an additional $50 to $200 per month. Prices can be drastically higher or even a bit lower.

This is exactly why I always recommend pet Insurance to every dog owner I meet. Vet visits, and medical care in general, are extremely expensive and there is real peace of mind knowing Insurance is in place to offset these expenses.

Grooming Costs Specific to the Poodle Breed

There are costs that come from owning a poodle, specifically, as well. Not all dog breeds will have these costs or demands for their health and wellbeing, but they are common and often required for Poodles of all types. Ideally, your poodle should be groomed once a month, but no longer than every six weeks in between each grooming.

Grooming can prevent serious health concerns for your poodle. Grooming costs range from $50-$100 per visit. These trained, highly-skilled groomers don’t merely make your poodle look pretty, they also make sure basic care is done for your pet to ensure their quality of life.

Skin Care	Poodle hair mats easily and requires proper and regular grooming. If the fur becomes matted, it can cause skin irritation, which may then lead to infections. Sensitive canine shampoos are recommended.
Eye Care	Poodles are prone to tears, which can lead to drying of the area under the eye. There is also a higher risk of an eye infection or other eye problems due to this.
Anal Glands	Your poodle is prone to ruptures and infections in the anal glands. This is why it is essential for your groomer, vet, or even for you to inspect the anal glands regularly.
Dental Care	Poodles are prone to dental troubles. These problems can lead to more significant health concerns such as heart and kidney problems. It is important that you get good food for dental care, as well as chew specifically for your dog’s teeth.
Ear Care	Cleaning your poodle’s ears on a regular basis is key to preventing infections, which they are prone to. Their floppy ears are an ideal spot for bacteria and even yeast to form. Your groomer should include ear care in their services, so check with them when you book them for their appointment.

Supplies Needed for Properly Grooming Your Poodle by Yourself

• Canine toothpaste and brush. A proper toothbrush for your canine, as well as high-quality toothpaste, can make all the difference for your poodle’s dental health. Not only will it improve their smile, but it will also prevent related heart and kidney concerns. Ask your vet how often you should brush your dog’s teeth if you don’t see improvement when following the directions on the toothpaste package. A quality toothbrush and paste can be found here on Amazon.
• Canine shampoo and conditioner can be the difference between soft fur and more matted fur. Without quality, mild products, your poodle may not be relieved of mats or skin irritants.
• A brush is an essential tool you can have when it comes to grooming your poodle. Therefore, you should take your time and get the best brushes and combs you can find.
• Clippers and sheers are important when it comes to removing bad matting or even just for maintaining their coat. Poodles need regular trimming to avoid bad matting and to keep them healthy.
• Coat spray keeps your poodle’s coat looking healthy, shiny, and it keeps it manageable. A good coat spray will not leave greasy residue where your poodle lays, nor will it easily transfer onto your hands or clothing.
• Nail clippers Are just for protecting yourself and your furniture from scratching. Nails that are too long can lead to hip, knee, and other joint problems due to your poodle walking in uncomfortable positions due to the overgrowth of nails. This can also lead to infections in their feet and nails due to the build-up of dirt and bacteria. BOSHEL nail clippers are very popular and can be found here on Amazon. They are one of the highest-rated nail clippers at an affordable price.
• Towels and drying products may seem to be common sense when bathing and grooming a dog, but poodle fur, and dog fur, in general, can be tricky to get properly dry. You should consider a special towel and even a blow dryer when drying your poodle. SHELANDY makes a wonderful pet hairdryer, which can be found on Amazon here.

Additional Costs for Poodle Ownership

Poodles are dogs, and therefore need things that all dogs need, such as food and other supplies. Some supplies you poodle may need include, but are not limited to:

• High-quality food can cost anywhere between $30 and $80 a month, depending on the size of your dog, the amount your dog needs to eat, the cost of the food, and how many animals you are feeding. Your poodle’s health and lifespan rely on eating the best food you can provide them.
• Flea medicine usually runs about $25 a month and is crucial during spring, summer, and fall months. Some vets may suggest not using it during winter months if you are in an unusually cold area, and your poodle stays inside more than they remain outside.
• Regular medications and supplements are most often a factor for older dogs. However, as stated above, poodles are at risk for specific ailments that may require daily medication or even supplements. Vitamins and food additives are common for older dogs or dogs with digestive troubles. Calcium is also common for older dogs, as are vitamins for pregnant and nursing dogs. These can cost anywhere from $20-200 a month, depending on needs.
• Health screenings and appointments are often required if your animal is using any medication or supplement on a regular basis, as it is usually in correlation with an underlying health concern. Make sure to keep an eye on your pet’s health and follow the vet’s advice. There may come a time when a vet may need to visit your animal for an extra cost if they can’t safely travel. While it varies, regular visits cost around $30-$100.
• A dog sitter will be required if you plan to leave home for an extended period of time. Typically, it is okay to simply have someone take them out to potty regularly and feed and water them if you will only be gone for a day or two. However, if your absence will be more prolonged, you should seek a more permanent sitter who will play and spend time with your pet. Long absences without proper care can lead to anxiety for your pet.
• A dog walker may be required if you aren’t home during the day to let your dog out to potty or get exercise. This may cost around $20 per day and even up to $1,000 a month or more, depending on how often they are needed. Some dog walkers visit the same dog more than once a day. A few walkers may also combine their services with dog sitting if clients need it.
• Toys may not seem like a need, but they are. Just as humans need entertainment and exercise, so do your canine pals. Toys are not merely for playing, either. Many toys promote dental health, exercise, muscle strength and wellness, and more. Toys can cost as little as a few cents and as much as a few hundred dollars.
• Dental chews and other medical improvement chews, such as ones designed specifically for coat health, can mean the difference between a healthy pet and a sick pet. These chews are usually not overly expensive, around $5, but sometimes can be as high as $30 or so.
• Treats can also hold benefits for health but are often regarded as rewards for good behavior or a way to spoil your pet. These rewards give your dog the knowledge that they are doing good and can be a way to bond with your pet. Treats can be a $1 bone or a big box of high-quality dog biscuits for $20 or so.
• Bedding seems like pampering and spoiling to some people. However, if you consider how sore you may feel after sleeping on the hard floor rather than your own bed, you may reconsider. Pet beds, blankets, and pillows are all supplies that can improve your dog’s quality of life. These can range from $5 to $100, depending on the size and type of bed or supplies.
• Insurance may not be something everyone can qualify for or can afford. However, it works much like your health insurance and can be the difference in being able to provide emergency care for your pet, or not being able to. It can range from $10 a month to $50 a month in most cases.

The Takeaway

Poodles can be expensive, but most owners will tell you they are well worth the costs. One can potentially save money by doing certain things yourself, such as grooming and caring for your animal during the day if you learn the skills to do so and are able to. However, if you work or have other obligations, you may feel more comfortable having someone who is trained to take care of your pet.

Before you make the choice to take in a poodle, by whatever means you choose, consider the costs that will be and could be related to their care and quality of life. If you don’t believe you can afford a poodle, consider another breed or avoid getting a pet at this time, all together.