Welcome to our article that answers the question, “What is the price of a poodle?”
The Poodle is a regal purebred dog breed that is so instantly recognizable that it rarely needs an introduction!
Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles make great athletes, loyal friends, vigilant watchdogs and intelligent service dogs.
In this article, we explore the question, “How much do Poodles cost?” So you can buy a new puppy with knowledge and confidence!
These prices can vary, based on a surprising number of factors. The typical price range is from $1250 to $2,500 or more.
For a current price of poodle puppies at Woefkesranch, check out our available puppies:
We will go into much more detail on why such price differences exist in this article!
Expensive puppies vs cheap puppies
If this is your very first puppy, or your first Poodle puppy, you really may not know that there are different types of powder breeders.
Here are the three main types of poodle dog breeders:
- Purebred dog breeder.
- Backyard dog breeder.
- Puppy mill / import breeder.
You may also choose to find a Poodle puppy or adult at a local shelter or Poodle relief organization.
First, let’s look at the three main types of dog breeders and some key elements that differentiate one type from another.
Purebred dog breeder
A purebred dog breeder focuses on breeding purebred poodles, either Standard, Miniature, Toy, or all three sizes.
Purebred dog breeders place the health of this breed and breed longevity before profit.
Parent dogs and puppies are fed high quality food, ongoing veterinary care and well socialized for placement.
When you work with a purebred dog breeder or Woefkesranch you will receive:
- An initial health guarantee (up to 24 months)
- a record of all vaccinations
- Belgian passport
- dogs are microchipped
- Ongoing access to that breeder’s knowledge and expertise.
Backyard dog breeder
It is clear that the purebred dog breeder is the crème de la crème in the world of dog breeding. But what is a backyard breeder?
A backyard breeder generally gets into dog breeding for two reasons: their bitch was accidentally mated to a male, or they want to make some extra money.
This type of breeder will not necessarily harm their dogs, although their sheer lack of knowledge can accidentally cause harm.
You can be pretty sure that a backyard breeder does not have an official registration with the AKC.
They are also unlikely to know much, if at all, about dog genetics or breed health.
Parent dogs are not pre-tested for genetic health or temperament issues. They can’t even be purebred poodles (even if the puppies look like they are and the breeder tells you they are purebred).
There are many unknown variables involved in purchasing this dog from this casual dog breeder type.
So you really won’t be able to control the quality of the puppy you take home.
Backyard dog breeders often operate from their cars, hawking puppies at local flea markets or supermarkets. They may also work with local pet stores, although this is usually more the purpose of puppy mills.
Puppy mill / Import breeder
The puppy mill is a major reason why so many dogs end up in shelters or are euthanized every year. One research agency states that there could be as many as 10,000 puppy mills in the US alone right now!
There is only one reason for puppy mills to make money.
That’s why their business model is simple: spend as little as possible to earn as much as possible, while flying under the local radar to avoid being fed up with animal cruelty.
To that end, some puppy mills are now importing puppies bred in other countries to maintain a lower profile.
These puppies may cost less than a purebred dog breeder or even a backyard breeder will cost, but the profit margin on any Poodle puppy is likely to be much higher.
How much does a poodle puppy cost?
Now let’s take a closer look at what reputable (purebred) dog breeders charge for purebred Poodle puppies, standard or miniature/toy.
You will pay the most for a ‘show’ quality puppy with breeding rights. The most expensive is a show quality puppy with no breeding rights (“AKC limited registration”).
The most affordable Poodle puppy of any size from a purebred dog breeder will be the “pet” quality puppy.
This puppy may not have the ideal coat color or conformation (appearance) to compete in the show ring. But they will be a great example of a purebred poodle dog in all other ways (temperament, athleticism,…).
Other reasons a breeder may charge more or less may include demand, sex, size, temperament, coat color, parentage/parent price, and the breeder’s own expense.
This means that a poodle puppy costs between $1250 and $2500 per puppy. This is an estimated price based on the current market.
Hopefully it makes a lot more sense now why reputable purebred Poodle breeders set puppy prices the way they do!
Are there other costs with a Poodle puppy?
If you’re planning to add this breed to your family, remember that the price tag on that precious bundle of fur is just one aspect of the puppy budget!
In addition to the price of your puppy, you will need to purchase additional supplies to get ready to welcome your new fur baby home.
Here are some typical “new puppies” that many new Poodle owners report:
- Puppy food: € 40 per month
- Food / water bowls: €25
- Leash / collar / ID tag: €40
- Castration: €100-200
- Puppy school: € 100 per course
- Microchips: €45
- Puppy crate at home: € 75
- Puppy travel crate: € 45
- Puppy bed: € 60
- Puppy toys, treats and teething problems: €50
- Pet health insurance : € 15 per month
- Preventive flea / tick / heartworm: € 15 per month
- Grooming supplies (home): €75
- Making appointments (Salon): € 60-80 per visit
Some of these are (thankfully) one-time or rare purchases, and some will continue through the 10 to 18 years of your Poodle’s life. (Read more about the life expectancy of a poodle here)
If you can budget at least $100 a month for expenses during the first year of your dogs life, it gives you a little extra in case unexpected veterinary care crops up.