How Much Does a Poodle Cost? (2024 Updated)

If you’re considering getting a Poodle, you’re likely asking, “What is the cost of a Poodle?” Given their intelligence and popularity, it’s no surprise that this breed can come with a hefty price tag. But what does owning a Poodle actually cost?

When buying a Poodle, it’s essential to comprehend the complete financial commitment involved in owning this unique breed, including initial costs, ongoing expenses, and any additional potential charges.

In this article, we’ll thoroughly explore the costs associated with owning a Poodle, breaking down all the related expenses. We’ll also offer some helpful tips on how to save money without compromising the quality of care for your dog. Let’s dive in!

How Much Does a Poodle Puppy Cost?

A Poodle puppy typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000. However, some unique or champion-line variants can be more expensive. The price is influenced by various factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the pedigree of their breeding stock, and the overall quality of the Poodle.

Other aspects, like the Poodle’s gender, coat color, and size, also play a role in determining the price.

For example, the Toy Poodle, being the smallest recognized variant of the breed, often commands a higher price. More commonly, Standard and Miniature Poodles are priced less than Toy Poodles.

Certain distinctive Poodle varieties, like the rare red and apricot Poodles, usually carry a higher price tag. Similarly, merle Poodles and blue Poodles also have unique pricing due to their distinct appearances.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Poodle From a Shelter?

On average, you can expect the adoption fee for a Poodle to range anywhere between $300 and $600. This adoption fee is considerably lower compared to purchasing a Poodle from a reputable breeder.

Even better, opting to adopt a Poodle from a shelter or rescue organization means you are likely to bring home a dog that’s already been trained, vetted, dewormed, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

In my many years in the pet industry, having owned dozens of dogs, including Poodles, I can attest that adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences.

As long as you know where to find a healthy, adoptable dog, you can avoid unnecessary problems later on. Plus, the satisfaction and savings you experience in the process are truly unparalleled.

First-Time Expenses of Poodle Ownership

Taking on the joy of owning a Poodle comes with other costs. For starters, you’ll have to purchase some essentials required for Poodle care. 

These include food and treats, feeding bowls, toys, and beds, among others. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of initial vet fees and other medical procedures. 

To get you started, here’s a rundown of some of the initial expenses your Poodle needs:

• Food and Treats: At the top of your shopping list should be dog food and treats for your new furry friend. These can be found in any local supermarket or pet supply shop. The cost of high-quality food and treats for purebred Poodle puppies can range from $30 to $150 for the first month.
• Bowls: You will need to invest in some bowls for your Poodle’s meals and hydration — one for food and one for water. Preferably, these bowls should be made of stainless steel or ceramic as these materials outlast plastic ones. The cost can range between $10 and $40 for a high-quality set.
• Toys: Poodles are one of the most energetic breeds. Hence, it’s crucial to buy toys that will keep your Poodle engaged and entertained for extended periods. Expect to pay between $20 and $100 for food puzzles, balls, and squeak toys.
• Beds: When choosing a bed for your Poodle, it’s essential to pick one that’s high-quality and suits your dog’s size. Make sure to take into account whether you have a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. The price of dog beds can range from $30 to $200, depending on their quality, size, materials used, and brand.
• Collars and Leashes: Leash training is a must for the Poodle breed. Therefore, a good collar and leash that fits well and won’t slip off easily are necessary. You can find these for an average cost of around $15 to $50.
• Crates and Carriers: If you plan on traveling with your Poodle, a crate and carrier that will accommodate your dog’s size are recommended. These items can be found at any pet store or online, costing you around $30 to $500, depending on the type of Poodle you have.
• Grooming Essentials: While Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles do not shed a lot, they are prone to matting. That said, your dog will need grooming essentials to stay tangle-free. Set aside around $50 to $250 for a set of pet-friendly shampoo, brush, detangling comb, shedding rake, trimming scissors, wipes, and nail clippers.
• Initial Vet Visits: Whether you’ve adopted your Poodle or bought it, it’s highly recommended to have an early vet visit, either for vaccinations or just for a general check-up. The average cost of initial vet visits for Poodle health checks is typically around $100 to $500.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: In the first few months of your Poodle’s life, it will need a series of vaccine shots to protect against diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Expect these shots to cost between $50 and $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Like all dogs, Poodles are susceptible to parasitic diseases. Thus, medications for deworming, fleas, and ticks are necessary to prevent future problems. The first round of these preventative medicines will typically cost around $40 to $300.
• Neutering or Spaying: To avoid unexpected puppies, you might want to consider neutering or spaying your Poodle. These procedures are safe and can also help prevent reproductive health issues. The cost for neutering or spaying can run anywhere from $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: For about $40 to $60, you can have your standard Poodle implanted with a microchip. This might seem pricey, but it’s a great way to keep your dog safe. If your dog ever goes missing and is found, the microchip can be scanned to identify your pet.
• Dog License: Contact your local government to find out if you need a license for your Poodle puppy. Typically, dog licenses help track the number of dogs in a community and ensure that they can be identified if lost or stolen. The cost for this is between $10 and $20.
• Other Essentials: Allocate about $20 to $50 for other essential items for your Poodle. These may include lint rollers, pee pads, poop scoopers, pet blankets, and poop bags.

To summarize, here’s a table detailing all the initial expenses associated with owning a Poodle:

Based on the above table, the initial expenses of owning a Poodle can cost thousands of dollars. However, it must be noted that these estimates encompass all three sizes of the Poodle breed; hence, the wide range. 

In summary, welcoming a Poodle dog into your life demands a fair bit of initial investment. Also, it’s worth emphasizing that these expenses go on top of the price of the Poodle puppy itself.

Annual Cost of Owning a Poodle

After exploring the initial costs of acquiring a Poodle, it’s essential to consider the recurring expenses that come with caring for one.

Poodles typically live around 13 to 15 years, so as a prospective Poodle owner, it’s crucial to be prepared for your pet’s long-term maintenance and care.

Here is a breakdown of the annual costs you can expect when owning a Poodle:

Not all of the items listed above require yearly replacements. For instance, beds and crates don’t normally break after just a year of use, especially if they are of good quality. 

However, it is wise to factor it into your yearly expenses just to lean on the safe side. 

In reality, there are a handful of factors affecting the cost of dog ownership. While it can get expensive, there are ways to cut down on costs, which we’ll touch on in a later section of this guide.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Aside from the upfront and continuing costs of owning a Poodle, there are several other expenses that prospective fur parents should consider.

To provide a sneak peek, here are some of the other potential costs that may come with owning a Poodle:

• Professional Grooming: As Poodles tend to get matted, you might need to get your Poodle groomed professionally on a regular basis. These grooming sessions usually range between $30 and $60. Professional grooming is also recommended if you want to give your Poodle one of those cool-looking Poodle haircuts.
• Pet Hotels: Poodles are known for their clinginess. That said, it is not ideal for your Poodle to be left behind. So, for Poodle owners who are out at work during the day, a pet hotel can be a big help. Pet hotels host dogs and will make sure your Poodle gets the socialization and care it needs. The typical price for this service is around $10 to $20 per hour.
• Pet Walking: If you’re too busy to walk your Poodle regularly, you’ll be relieved to learn about pet walkers. For around $20 to $30 per hour, pet walkers will take your dog for a stroll, ensuring it gets the exercise it needs for the day.
• Dog Training Classes: Training sessions can be useful for first-time pet owners or those with hectic schedules. These classes help your Poodle learn how to bond, cooperate, and follow commands. This expense may cost between $50 and $200.
• Emergency Medical Treatment: No matter how much you take care of your Poodle, emergencies can strike. Hence, should your Poodle ever need to visit the vet for an emergency, it’s best to have everything arranged in advance. As such, setting aside around $1,000 to $5,000 is recommended.

While most of these expenses are optional, some are non-negotiable, depending on your lifestyle. That said, it is important to consider these expenses before bringing a Poodle home.

Best Places to Find Poodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

There is an abundance of sources where you can find Poodle puppies for sale or adoption with just a few clicks.

However, it’s crucial to be cautious, as Poodle prices can vary significantly and not all sources are reliable. It’s advisable to avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders, as these sources may not provide the best conditions for the puppies.

To assist in your search for a high-quality Poodle puppy, here are some recommended sources:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a platform managed and run by the AKC. That said, all breeders listed on this marketplace have gone through thorough background checks and are deemed reliable. On this website, you’ll see dozens of breeders listing their Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodle puppies for sale. 
• Mount Bethel Poodles – With over 20 years of experience, this breeder prioritizes conformation, health, intelligence, and temperament in their Poodles. Mount Bethel Poodles ensures their puppies undergo comprehensive health tests and are well-prepared for their new homes. They also provide AKC Reunite microchips for all Standard, Toy, and Miniature Poodles they sell.
• Keri Poodles – Situated in Ohio, Keri Poodles is a respected breeder of health-screened purebred Miniature and Standard Poodles. These purebred dog breeders raise their puppies with temperament and socialization in mind. They are affiliated with the Poodle Club of America, the Cleveland All-Breed Training Club, and the Western Reserve Poodle Club.

If you are unable to find an available puppy from the breeders listed above, you can try checking out our round-up of the best Poodle breeders.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to adopt a Poodle from a shelter, there are numerous local shelters and rescue organizations across the country ready to help.

Here are a few places where you can find Poodles for adoption:

• Petfinder – If you prefer a large, searchable database, Petfinder is a fantastic choice. Connected to over 11,000 shelters and rescue organizations, Petfinder aims to make pet adoption easier. Make use of Petfinder’s handy search filters to locate a quality Poodle from a reliable source.
• NorCal Poodle Rescue – This rescue organization is dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming Poodles and Poodle mixes. They’ve helped over 2,000 dogs since 1985, providing them with much-needed medical care and a safe foster home until they are adopted. Currently, they have purebred Poodles and adult Poodle mixes for adoption.
• Caroline Poodle Rescue – This no-kill rescue, serving the Carolinas and nearby states, provides a sanctuary for Poodles and other breeds. They offer adoption services for healthy Poodle dogs, and their thorough adoption process ensures each Poodle finds the perfect home.

Drawing from my own journey as a Poodle owner, I’ve found that in addition to the resources above, joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to the Poodle breed can be beneficial.

It was in one such forum that I connected with reputable Poodle rescues that eventually introduced me to my first Poodle.

Keep in mind, however, that you must properly do your research to avoid puppy scams.

Money-Saving Tips for Poodle Owners

Poodles can be quite expensive to care for, particularly if you’re not aware of effective ways to save on Poodle-related expenses.

Fortunately, there are several tips that you can use to manage these costs more efficiently:

• Regularly brush your Poodle’s coat. Poodles are praised for their unique curly hair, which might need a bit more attention than other breeds. However, their curly coats are prone to matting. Once matted, you will need to spend on expensive grooming fees to detangle your Poodle’s coat. By simply brushing your Poodle’s coat regularly, you can cut down on these expensive fees.
• Groom your Poodle at home. In addition to brushing your Poodle’s coat regularly, you can also groom your Poodle entirely on your own. This will require some practice, but it will definitely save you a few hundred dollars from expensive grooming fees.
• Look for pet deals. Before you shell out your well-earned cash for Poodle essentials, look for shops that have promotional offers. Snagging discounted deals can lower your Poodle-related costs, but don’t forget to verify the quality of the items before purchasing them.
• Visit the vet regularly. Frequent check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Poodle’s health, as well as detecting any possible problems early. This preventative approach can spare you from costly vet bills down the line.

By making use of the tips mentioned above, you are sure to get the most out of your Poodle-related spending while not going overboard. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Toy Poodles Expensive?

Toy Poodles can cost $1,000 to $3,000 when sourced from a reputable breeder. While these tiny dogs cost a lot, they are not the most expensive toy breed. Usually, designer dogs, such as Doodles, are priced higher.

How Much Do Toy Poodles Cost Without Papers?

Toy Poodles, without proper documentation, usually cost between $500 and $2,000. Keep in mind, though, that getting a Poodle without papers could mean that the Poodle’s health and lineage may not be guaranteed.

Are Poodles Expensive to Maintain?

It’s common for aspiring Poodle owners to ask questions like “How much are Poodles?” and “Are Poodles costly to maintain?”

To put it simply, Poodles can be expensive to maintain. This is especially true when it comes to their grooming needs. 

Given that the Poodle’s curly coat is prone to tangling and matting, this breed may require more frequent grooming than many other breeds.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, the cost of a Poodle puppy can vary a lot, depending on numerous factors. A breeder’s location and reputation, as well as the dog’s gender and physical qualities, are only some of these factors.

Also, owing to their popularity, Poodles can be more expensive if you are after unique colors and variants. Likewise, champion Poodles are also priced higher.

It’s worth noting that the initial purchase is only the start of your Poodle ownership journey. These dogs demand continuous care, nourishment, and regular check-ups with a vet or groomer.

So, before you decide to bring home a Poodle, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the financial commitment it takes to raise one. 

Feel free to drop your thoughts about this Poodle price guide in the comments.