One of the great advantages of the poodle breed is that Poodles do not shed their coats seasonally, making for a cleaner home. Poodles need professional grooming every 4 - 8 weeks, depending on home care and a chosen style. Regular grooming contributes to the poodle's hypoallergenic qualities. A clean, well-kept coat doesn't smell and is less likely to carry allergens. Poodle coats are thick and bouncy and lend themselves to various trims to try.

 

 

Poodles can look classic in trims with shaved feet and face, fun and cuddly in full-bearded Teddy trims, and spiffy in German trim with ears and tail clipped short. Whichever style you choose, your dog will look amazing and be a point of conversation.

 

Despite cute trims and smaller size of miniature and toy poodles, all poodles are very real, agile, and active dogs who can keep up with active owners. To be happy, poodles need walks, play time, and more importantly, mental stimulation. Poodles have a good "off switch" and are happy to cuddle once their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.

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Rival to Border Collie in intelligence, poodles are also creative, sensitive, and possess a sense of humor, all amazing qualities once harnessed by consistent and gentle training. Poodles respond very well to no force and positive training techniques and clear instructions. When done right, poodles can learn basic commands and advance to more complex tricks easily and willingly. When left to their own devices or expected to perform without clear directions, poodles tend to use their intelligence to problem solve on their own, which may not be to their owner's liking. 

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Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great as guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with other physical disabilities, and therapy (PAT) dogs. They’ve even been utilized as truffle hunters due to their keen noses.