Poodles are non-shedding and make excellent pets for those with allergies. However, their dense, curly hair needs to be maintained properly or it will become matted causing their skin to become irritated and possibly infected; thus requiring medical treatment. Poodles need to be brushed daily (by you) and groomed professionally on a regular basis (every six weeks).

Poodles are prone to dental problems, which can lead to serious health implications including heart and kidney problems. This can be regulated with high-quality dry food, daily teeth brushing by you (this can be made fun!), and dental cleanings by your veterinarian.

Poodles are inclined to develop ear infections. Their full, floppy ears provide the ideal warm, moist environment for yeast and bacteria. Healthy poodle ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and kept free of hair which can clog the ear canal and create infections. Regular trips to the groomer will ensure that the ear canal is free of hair.

Poodles can be expensive to maintain. If you’re thinking about adopting a poodle, you need to consider both the attention they need and the cost of maintaining them, including annual vet exams, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick preventatives. In addition to the normal expenses of dog ownership, grooming costs can be high. Professional grooming is recommended at least every 6-8 weeks and can cost anywhere from $30-$90 depending on the size of the dog.