You know that feeling when you see a poodle strutting down the street like they own the place? Their curly fur bouncing along, nose in the air, judgment in their eyes when they look at you and your normal dog? Yeah, we know that feeling. Poodles are the worst.
Everyone says they’re so smart and elegant, but there are plenty of reasons that just isn’t true. We’re here to set the record straight on why poodles are totally overrated. Get ready, because we’re about to lay down exactly why poodles are the worst dogs ever in four simple reasons.
#1 Poodles Are High Maintenance
Poodles require frequent grooming and pampering to keep their curly coat from becoming a matted mess.
Bathing And Brushing
You’ll need to bathe your poodle at least once a month and brush them several times a week to prevent painful mats and tangles. Also don’t forget to brush them a couple times a week. Those curly coats can get really matted and tangled up if you don’t stay on top of it. And their hair just keeps growing, so you’ll need to take them to the groomer every month or so to get trimmed up. That grooming ain’t cheap either, so be ready to shell out some cash to keep them looking sharp!
Strict Dietary Requirements
Poodles can be prone to digestive issues and food allergies, so they require a high-quality diet formulated for their needs. You’ll have to carefully monitor what your poodle eats to avoid upset stomach and other problems.
#2 Poodles Demand Constant Attention
Poodles are very social dogs and crave interaction, attention and mental stimulation. If left alone for long periods, they can become anxious, bored or even destructive. Be prepared to walk a lot, play with and train your poodle to keep them well-adjusted and happy.
Need For Exercise
Although poodles don’t require as much exercise as some breeds, they still need daily activity to stay in shape and release pent-up energy. Plan on at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, whether it’s a walk, jog, game of fetch or a trip to the dog park. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, your poodle may resort to unwanted behavior like excessive barking, chewing or other destructive habits.
In summary, while poodles can make loving companions, their high-maintenance needs and demanding personalities are more than many owners bargain for. Make sure you understand the responsibility required before getting one of these curly canines.
#3 Poodles Are Overpriced
Poodles are one of the most expensive dog breeds, often costing $1,000 to $2,500 or more for a puppy.
Why the hefty price tag? Poodles require a ton of grooming to keep their signature poufy coat. All that brushing, bathing, and trimming adds up and poodle owners end up paying a pretty penny in grooming costs over the lifetime of their dog.
Beyond grooming, poodles are prone to health issues that rack up big vet bills. Poodles are susceptible to conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye diseases. With their lifespan of 10-18 years, poodle medical care and treatment for chronic conditions really add up.
Breeders also charge a premium for poodles because they’re a popular pedigree breed. But in reality, you’re mostly paying for the name. Poodles don’t have any exceptional abilities or skills that warrant such a high price. They’re not ideal for service work, herding, or protection. Poodles are companion animals, bred to be pampered pooches for show.
Sure, poodles can make loving family pets, but the costs associated with the breed are just exorbitant. For what poodles provide as companions, their price is disproportionately high. You’re better off adopting a mixed-breed dog from an animal shelter. You’ll get a loving companion at a fraction of the cost.
#4 Poodles Have Serious Health Issues
Poodles are prone to quite a few health problems, unfortunately. Their lifespan is typically shorter than other similarly sized breeds. Some serious issues to be aware of include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This genetic disease causes vision loss and eventual blindness in poodles. The first signs are night blindness, then peripheral vision loss, eventually leading to total blindness. There is no treatment, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your poodle’s eyesight and make adjustments to keep them safe in their surroundings.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
This life-threatening condition, also known as bloat, can affect deep-chested breeds like poodles. Basically what happens is their stomach will twist around and fill up with gas, making it get all swollen and huge. This cuts off blood flow and requires emergency surgery to correct. To help prevent bloat, feed your poodle multiple small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal and avoid vigorous exercise right after eating.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, or recurrent seizures, occurs in poodles and can be difficult to manage medically. Seizures can be frightening to witness and require medication to help control them. There is no cure for epilepsy, so poodles with this condition require lifetime treatment and monitoring.
#5 Poodles Have Obnoxious Personalities
Poodles are often portrayed as prim, proper, and posh pups, but in reality, their personalities can be downright obnoxious.
They’re High Strung
Poodles tend to be high-strung, anxious dogs. They get worked up and bark excessively over any little noise or movement. Living with a poodle means enduring constant yapping, whining and fretting over things that don’t actually matter.
They Require Constant Attention
Poodles demand constant attention and affection from their owners. They do not do well when left alone for long periods and can become destructive if bored or lonely. Be prepared to spend most of your free time entertaining and doting on a poodle.
They’re Stubborn
While poodles are intelligent dogs, they are also stubborn. Poodles like to get their way and do not respond well to strict discipline. House training a poodle, in particular, requires patience and consistency. They will manipulate their owners to get treats, table scraps, and leniency when it comes to rules. You need to be firmly in charge, or a poodle will walk all over you.
Better Dog Breed Alternatives To Poodles
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are friendly, gentle and playful. They are very affectionate and eager to please, making them a great family dog. Goldens require daily exercise and grooming, but they’re worth it for their sweet nature.
Labrador Retrievers
Labs are one of the most popular dogs for good reason. They are energetic, fun-loving and excellent with children and other pets. Labs do require daily exercise and attention, but will reward you with their affection and enthusiasm. Black, yellow and chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that is easy to groom.
Beagles
Beagles are a great alternative to poodles. They are friendly, gentle and playful. Beagles are pack animals and love being around people. They do require daily activity and exercise, as well as mental stimulation, but make up for it in affection. Beagles come in a variety of colors and have a short, low-maintenance coat.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are playful, patient and gentle dogs. They are very affectionate and bond very closely with their owners. Cavaliers require daily exercise and grooming, but they are natural lapdogs and thrive on human interaction and bonding. Cavaliers come in four color varieties: Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby. They have a silky, medium-length coat.
Let’s Wrap This Up..
Sure, Poodles might look all fancy and prim, but underneath those poufy haircuts are some serious attitude problems. Their barking and nipping make them a pain to live with. And good luck keeping them from getting tangled up in their own fur.
We get it, you want a hypoallergenic dog. But there are plenty of other breeds out there that don’t require half as much grooming and won’t drive you nuts. Take it from us, you’re better off adopting literally any other breed. Poodles might have some fans out there, but they are hands down the most pretentious and high-maintenance floofs out there.
Our advice? Steer clear and find yourself a dog with an actual personality. You and your home will be better for it.