How Much Are Poodles (Poodle Cost Guide)

The striking Poodle needs no introduction. Even people unfamiliar with dog breeds can easily identify one. But aside from their striking good looks, Poodles have many desirable traits, like their loyalty, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat.

It’s no surprise that they ranked as the sixth most popular dog in 2021.

But the beauty of a Poodle doesn’t come cheap. If you’re interested in having one, there are plenty of costs to consider before making your decision.

The typical cost of a purebred Poodle ranges from 600-2000 USD. Smaller (Toy and Mini) Poodles typically cost towards the higher range. Papered show Poodles or genetically strong breeding dogs can fetch far higher prices.

poodle sits on a outdoor lounge — A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. Beautiful!

How Much Are Poodles?

First things first: Poodles are expensive dogs. The reason? Poodles cost a lot to breed and maintain. A reputable breeder puts a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—and money—to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-maintained.

Where you get your Poodle also affects how much you pay for it. You can get Poodles from the following places, which I’ll discuss below:

A breeder
An accidental breeder
A puppy mill
A rescue shelter

If you rescue or rehome one, you may likely pay nothing. But if you purchase a Poodle from a reputable breeder, the cost can range anywhere from $600 to more than $2000, depending on the type of Poodle you get. There are three types, which differ based on size:

Standard: the largest of the three types
Miniature: a medium-size Poodle
Toy: the smallest of the three types

naught parti poodle has torn up a pillow — A guilty looking two color Poodle

Reputable Poodle Breeder

Anyone who wants a purebred Poodle should find a reputable breeder.

A reputable breeder is someone with a specific breeding business whose job is to produce the best dogs. The higher standards that breeders uphold are reflected in the cost of the puppy, but you know what you’re getting. You know where the dog came from, its parentage, and that it’s been well taken care of.

As I mentioned above, the cost varies depending on the Poodle type you choose. Standard Poodles cost between $600 to $1500, while miniature and toy versions are more expensive. They are usually anywhere from $1000 to $2000.

Accidental Breeder

An accidental breeder is exactly what it sounds like–someone who is not in the business of breeding but has a pregnant dog.

Getting a puppy from an accidental breeder is cheaper than getting one from a breeder, but there’s one primary disadvantage. You won’t receive information about the dog’s history and parentage because accidental breeders usually don’t have that information. If knowing your pup’s history is less important to you, you may want to choose this option.

chocolate toy poodle eats food from a bowl — A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl

Puppy Mills

You’ve probably heard of puppy mills or unethical breeders who sell their dogs for what seems like bargain prices. While these prices are indeed cheap, there’s a reason they’re so low.

In most cases, people who run puppy mills do not prioritize the health and safety of their pups. They have lots of dogs, usually more than they can take care of, to make the greatest profit possible. Getting a dog from a puppy mill is risky; you may get a dog with long-term health problems, a shorter life span, or genetic issues.

So how do you avoid puppy mills? The most reliable indicator that you’re dealing with shady breeders is the price. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Before deciding on a breeder, it’s critical to do lots of research. Online forums are an excellent place to look, especially ones specific to your area. Be sure to also check out breeder reviews.

Rescue

Finally, you have rescue shelters, which are excellent places to obtain a Poodle for cheap. The big downside in going this route is that finding the dog you want is a matter of luck. Not all shelters will have a Poodle, so you’ll likely have to wait with no guarantee that one will show up.

The main advantage of shelter dogs is the price. Additionally, most of the time, the shelter ensures that the dog already has all its shots before it goes home with you, saving you some of the healthcare costs.

Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll know much about the dog’s history if you adopt from a shelter. However, if knowing that is not important to you, you can find a fantastic dog for cheap.

two poodles in a forest with a graphic of budget over the top — Monthly cost of Poodle ownership

How Much Does Owning a Poodle Cost?

In addition to the initial fee to take the dog home, you should be aware of the other many Poodle costs.

Some are one-time, while others are recurring. It’s vital for potential pet owners to consider these costs as well, keeping in mind that a Poodle’s life expectancy is from ten to fifteen years. You already know that you have to feed the dog throughout its life. However, it’s easy to forget about things like vet visits, grooming supplies, and toys—all of which add up.

To help you make an informed decision about Poodle ownership, let’s take a look at some of the costs of owning one.

super cute cockapoo and poodle — Choosing between a Cockapoo vs Poodle can be tricky – they are both super cute, hypoallergenic, and can be non-shedding!

Spaying/Neutering

Unless you want to breed your Poodle, it’s best to spay or neuter your dog. This service can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential to keep dogs healthy. Some are free, while others are not. Expect to pay up to $100 in vaccination fees.

Health Care

Just as you would take a child to the pediatrician for regular checkups, you should take your Poodle to the Vet for an six monthly visit. Standard visits usually cost minimum $30USD a session (up to $120 USD not including medications). Your vet may also advise certain medications to keep your dog healthy, like deworming meds.

poodle sitting on the lap — A super cute Poodle sitting on its owners lap

Training

Training is critical to ensure that your dog is well-behaved. You may feel confident training your dog yourself, but most people choose to send their Poodles to puppy school. Dog training represents another hefty cost in dog ownership, with some training classes costing around $100 a session.

You can start Poodle training with potty training at home. There are milestones that Poodles should meet at different ages.

Grooming

All dogs need to be groomed to some degree to keep their fur and skin healthy. Poodles are no exception, but if you compare them to other breeds, their grooming requirements are much higher. It’s all too easy for their curly hair to get matted, which could lead to nasty skin infections.

Depending on your preferences, your dog should visit the groomer every month or two. The cost of grooming can vary significantly based on your location, the size of your dog, and what services you need, but expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $140 per session.

Wrapping Up

If you’re considering adding a Poodle to your home, I hope you found this article informative. While this breed makes a loving and intelligent family dog, the high cost of having a Poodle—both to purchase it and to maintain it—is not for everyone. It’s critical to be realistic about what you can afford before making this life-changing decision.

Adopting a Poodle? Check out our list of 213+ actually good Poodle dog names.