How Much Do Poodles Cost? (2024 Update)

Poodles are one of the most highly valued modern dog breeds available. All breeds of Poodle are exceptionally intelligent, second only to border collies. They have high trainability as well as a family-friendly temperament.

It is no surprise that such a historical, well-loved, and intelligent breed can be expensive both to buy and to own.

So, how much do Poodles cost?

The expense of owning a Poodle may be a concern for you if you have never owned one before. Several factors specific to the different breeds of Poodle will affect how much one costs.

In this post, I’ll break down the different elements of how much it costs to buy and own a Poodle. From grooming to the best food, you will find all the information you need to decide if a Poodle will work for your budget.

Buying From a Breeder Vs. Rescue

Generally, adoption fees will always cost less than buying a dog from a breeder. Adoption fees for dogs are usually no more than $200-$300, which is also true for Poodles.

If you prefer not to spend a lot of money upfront, getting a Poodle from a Poodle rescue organization might appeal to you. A small adoption fee means you can put that money towards initial veterinary care.

Some dog owners feel it is essential to know details about their new dog’s lineage and health history. Buying a dog from a breeder may help you prepare for potential health issues. Dogs that come from breeders also tend to have a more predictable temperament.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a dog to enter into competitions, an area in which Poodles excel.

The Up-Front Costs of a New Poodle

Aside from emergencies, the initial costs of bringing a new poodle into your home will always be the highest. The first expense will be the price of your new puppy or dog. The price of a puppy can vary greatly depending on where you get your new Poodle and what kind of Poodle you get.

The typical route of getting a Poodle is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Because of the rich history of Poodles, breeders have taken care to manage bloodlines and ensure that quality animals come from each generation.

The cost of a puppy will vary within breeders depending on factors such as:

• The puppy’s dam and sire
• The coat color
• Paperwork included
• Breed registrations

The attention to quality Poodle breeders typically employ results in higher prices. When you buy from a good breeder, you usually receive certifications and health histories for your animal.

Standard Poodles

A Standard Poodle puppy from reputable or AKC-registered breeders can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500.

Your single Standard Poodle puppy costs less than a Miniature or Toy Poodle partly because they produce more puppies per year.

Additionally, larger breeds are in less demand than small and Toy breeds.

Miniature Poodles

Miniature Poodles range in price from $1,500 to $5,000. As a more affordable and convenient breed in the long term, some would rather pay more upfront.

The popularity of Miniature Poodles makes for a higher price. People love the combination of a smaller breed’s cuteness combined with the athleticism of a larger dog.

Toy Poodles

These little cuties come in as the most expensive type of Poodle. Puppies can sell for anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.

Irresistible in appearance and unmatched in temperament, Toy Poodles are the most desired of Poodle breeds. Their small size comes with careful, specific breeding to reduce disease and enhance desirable traits.

There are several benefits to having such a tiny dog, from the cost of food to ease of travel.

Finally, Toy Poodles have a lower yearly birth rate than their larger Poodle counterparts. Therefore, each puppy is all the more precious for this reason.

Initial Veterinary Costs of Getting a Poodle

Veterinary costs will vary depending on the age of your new Poodle and whether you get it from a breeder versus a rescue organization.

According to CareCredit, veterinary costs for owning a dog can range from about $1,400 to $2,000 per year.

However, any dog can encounter health issues at any time in its life. Although these veterinary costs are estimates for healthy animals, emergencies can run in the tens of thousands.

Is Puppy Care More Expensive?

Puppies cost more than an already grown Poodle. Spay and neutering procedures can cost around $300, and puppies need multiple vaccinations throughout their first year.

Puppies also need vaccinations in their first year that can add up but are a critical part of care.

Pet Insurance and Preventative Care

An additional medical cost to consider is insurance to protect yourself financially. Some pet insurance companies also cover routine veterinary care.  

Too often have I heard of unprepared people getting slammed with a massive veterinary bill. On top of the stress of an emergency vet visit, a cost can cause even more anxiety.

Pet insurance is usually affordable, at no more than about $35 a month.

Preventative care is another essential part of your dog’s quality of life, including:

• Flea and tick medications
• Vaccinations
• Medications
• Supplements

Grooming and Health Maintenance

The trademark of Poodles is their fluffy, rounded Continental Cut. Though this style is not as common anymore, taking care of your Poodles coat must be factored into your budget.

Grooming costs will vary by region and how upscale the business is. For the most part, though, your Poodle can get in and out of the groomers for less than $100.  

Alas, the groomer isn’t the only one who needs to tend to your Poodle’s coat. Many owners prefer to keep their Poodle’s hair short to reduce the amount of brushing you need to do at home.

No matter the length of your Poodle’s coat, you should brush them every day.

Along with grooming, there are other expenses to keeping your Poodle happy and healthy. These may be things like:

• At-home grooming tools
• Treats
• Toys
• Dog walking services
• Doggy daycares
• Training
• Puzzle feeders

How Much Does It Cost to Feed a Poodle?

Once again, the size of your Poodle determines the size of this expense.

When choosing a dog food, pick a brand that feels healthy and trustworthy. There are more healthy options for our four-legged companions than ever. We are mindful about feeding ourselves healthy meals, and our dogs deserve them too!

Choosing high-quality food can mean better health and quality of life for your Poodle.

Dry dog foods range from about $30 to $70 for a 35-lb bag, and the price is similar for a monthly supply of wet dog food.

Up and coming brands like The Farmer’s Dog tout all-natural, nutritionally-rounded meals. These run about $2 per day and have resources to explore DIY dog food recipes at home.

Miscellaneous Expenses of Owning a Poodle

Owning a Poodle means having a loving, loyal, and energetic companion for life.

As with any pet, there are random or unexpected costs associated with owning a Poodle.

There are other necessities to having a canine companion that may not have come to mind, like:

• Microchipping
• Kennel services
• Registration fees
• Travel expenses
• Health emergencies

Item	Example Cost
Adoption fee	$100-$5000 (Yes it caries that much)
Spay/neuter surgery	$100-$300
Microchip	$20-$50
Initial vaccinations	$50-$100
Heartworm prevention	$10-$50/month
Flea and tick prevention	$10-$50/month
Leash and collar	$10-$50
Crate	$50-$150
Toys and treats	$50-$100
Food	$20-$50/month
Training classes	$100-$300
Professional grooming	$50-$100/visit
Emergency veterinary care	Varies

Note: These costs can vary widely depending on where you live, the specific needs of your puppy, and any unexpected medical issues that may arise. It’s a good idea to budget for additional costs, such as unexpected veterinary bills, and to consider purchasing pet insurance to help cover the costs of unexpected medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions regarding the cost of Poodles.

How much does a Standard/Miniature/Toy poodle cost?

Prices vary greatly depending on whether you adopt or buy from a breeder. However, most purebred Standard Poodle puppies cost $500 to $1,500+. The Miniature and Toy Poodle can sell for anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ for purebred puppies.

Are Poodles expensive to own?

All dogs cost a considerable amount of money per year to own, and Poodles have a few features that may incur extra costs, like grooming, training, and stimulation toys. However, there are ways to be smart about your Poodle budget.

Why are Toy Poodles so expensive?

Toy Poodles are expensive partly because they produce fewer puppies per year than larger breeds. They are also mindfully bred with exceptional value and personalities.

How much does it cost to take my Poodle to the vet?

An initial vet visit for a puppy can run from $150 to $300+ depending on where you live. The price depends on if the puppy needs to be spayed or neutered and the vaccinations the puppy needs.

How much does it cost to feed a Poodle?

The average cost to feed a Poodle per month can range anywhere from $35-$60+ per month, or $420-$720 per year.

Poodles: The Pup Worth Every Penny

Buying and owning a Poodle can cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars per year, depending on what kind of Poodle you have and where you live.

Poodles are one of the most impressive dog breeds available. Owning a dog is a multi-layered responsibility. Bringing a Poodle into the home can mean a significant financial expense.

However, if you are confident that you can be ready to take the best care of your Poodle and be prepared for emergencies, you will be rewarded with an exceptional family member.