The poodle is a regal pedigree dog that is so instantly recognizable it rarely needs an introduction!
Standard poodles, miniature poodles and toy poodles are great athletes, loyal companions, vigilant watchdogs and intelligent assistance dogs.
In this article we examine the question: “How much do poodles cost?” so you can purchase a new puppy with knowledge and confidence!
Poodle prices can vary based on a surprising number of factors. The typical price range is from € 1250 to € 2500 or more.
For an up-to-date price of poodle pups at Woefkesranch, you can view our available pups:
In this article we will go into much more detail about why such price differences exist!
Expensive puppies versus cheap puppies
If this is your very first puppy, you may not know that there are different types of breeders.
Here are the three main types of poodle breeders:
- Purebred dog breeder
- Backyard dog breeder
- Puppy mill / import breeder.
You can also choose to find a puppy or adult dog in a local shelter or dog rescue organization.
First let’s look at the three main types of dog breeders and some key elements that distinguish 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 prioritize the health and longevity of the dogs over profit.
Parent dogs and puppies are given high-quality food, receive ongoing veterinary care, and are well socialized prior to placement.
When you work with a purebred dog breeder or Woefkesranch, you receive:
- An initial health guarantee (up to 24 months)
- a record of all vaccinations
- Belgian passport
- dogs are microchipped and dewormed
- Ongoing access to that breeder’s knowledge and expertise.
Backyard dog breeder
It’s obvious 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 breeds dogs for two reasons: their female dog was accidentally mated by 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 unintentionally cause harm.
You can be fairly certain that a backyard breeder does not have official registration with the AKC.
It’s also unlikely that they know much, if anything, about canine genetics or breed health.
Parent dogs are not pre-tested for genetic health problems or temperament issues. They may sometimes not even be purebred poodles (even if the puppies look like them and the breeder tells you they are purebred).
There are many unknown variables involved in purchasing a poodle from this type of casual or accidental dog breeder.
So you really won’t be able to verify the quality of the puppy you take home.
Backyard dog breeders often operate out of their car, hawking puppies at local flea markets or supermarkets. They may also work with local pet stores, although this is usually more the domain of puppy mills.
Puppy mill / Import breeder
The puppy mill is a major reason so many dogs end up in shelters or are euthanized each year. One research organization estimates there may be as many as 10,000 puppy mills in the US alone right now!
There is only one reason puppy mills exist: to make money.
So 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 caught for animal abuse.
To that end, some puppy mills now import puppies bred in other countries to keep a lower profile.
These puppies may cost less than a reputable purebred breeder or even a backyard breeder, but the profit margin on each puppy is likely much higher.
Poodle puppy price?
Now let’s take a closer look at what reputable (purebred) dog breeders charge for purebred poodle puppies, standard or miniature/toy.
The most expensive is a show-quality puppy without breeding rights (‘limited AKC registration’).
The most affordable poodle puppy of any size from a reputable purebred breeder will be a puppy of pet quality.
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 in every other way (temperament, athleticism, …).
Other reasons a breeder might charge more or less include demand, sex, size, temperament, coat color, the price of the lineage/parent dog, and the breeder’s own expenses.
This means a poodle puppy costs between €1250 and €2500 per puppy. This is an estimated price based on the current market.
Hopefully it’s now much clearer why reputable purebred poodle breeders set prices the way they do!
Are there other costs associated with a poodle puppy?
If you plan to add a Poodle puppy to your family, don’t forget that the price tag on that precious bundle of fur is only one aspect of the puppy budget!
In addition to the price of your puppy, you will need to buy extra supplies to get ready to welcome your new fur baby at home.
Here are some supplies your dog may need:
- Puppy food: € 40 per month
- Food / water bowls: € 25
- Leash / collar / ID tag: € 40
- Neutering: € 100-200 (not mandatory, only in medical emergencies)
- Puppy school: € 100 per course (not mandatory)
- Microchip: € 45 (done by the breeder)
- Puppy crate for home: € 75
- Puppy travel crate: € 45
- Puppy bed: € 60
- Puppy toys, treats and minor puppy ailments: € 50
- Pet health insurance: € 15 per month
- Grooming supplies (home): € 75
- Grooming appointments (salon): € 60-80 per visit
Some of these are (fortunately) one-time or rare purchases, and some will continue throughout the 10 to 18 years of your Poodle’s life. (Read more here about the lifespan of a poodle)
If you can budget at least € 100 per month for expenses during the first year of your Poodle’s life, this will give you a little extra in case unexpected veterinary care arises.