What Questions Should You Ask Before Adopting a Poodle Puppy?
How to Choose the Right Program, the Right Poodle Puppy, and the Right Time
Adopting a poodle puppy is a beautiful and life-changing decision. You are not simply choosing a pet. You are welcoming a soul into your home. If you are reading this, it likely means you are someone who takes that responsibility seriously. We do too.
At Peterson Poodles, we believe every puppy should be raised with love, intention, and a meaningful future in mind. Therefore, before you bring home one of these intelligent and affectionate companions, it is essential to reflect on a few key questions. These eight thoughtful prompts will guide you toward the right choice for your family, your lifestyle, and your future poodle.
By the end of this post, you will be able to:
- Identify the deeper reasons behind your desire for a poodle
- Determine whether your current lifestyle is ready for a puppy
- Understand how a breeder’s practices impact long-term health and behavior
- Recognize the difference between ethical and irresponsible breeding programs
- Ask insightful questions and know what types of answers to expect
- Select a puppy from a program that aligns with your values and priorities
Now let’s explore each of these questions together, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
1. Why do I want a poodle puppy?
First and foremost, ask yourself why this breed speaks to you. Poodles appeal to many for a variety of reasons, including their intelligence, low-shedding coats, elegant appearance, and emotional depth. They also excel as service or therapy animals and adapt well to many types of households.
However, there is more beneath the surface. Poodles are observant, emotionally attuned, and crave connection. Originally bred for retrieving waterfowl, they bring with them a legacy of focus and partnership. They learn quickly, respond deeply, and thrive when they are involved in your daily life.
Rather than being content to simply live near you, a poodle wants to know you. They follow your tone, your gestures, and even your mood. They are the kind of dog that seeks eye contact, observes your routine, and rests beside you without needing to be called.
So take a moment to reflect. Are you looking for a dog who is more than a companion, one who becomes a steady and intuitive presence in your life? If that resonates with you, a poodle might be exactly what your heart is calling for.
2. Is this the right season of life?
Welcoming a puppy shifts more than your daily schedule. It reshapes your routines, priorities, and the energy of your home. Poodles, in particular, require engaged leadership. They do not need a quiet house, but they do need structure and consistency.
Consider the following:
- Can you maintain a daily routine that supports both affection and boundaries?
- Are you willing to observe your puppy’s behavior and respond to their needs?
- Will you stay committed to training, even on the challenging days?
- Do you have the time and presence to guide a dog who learns quickly and watches everything?
You do not need to have all the answers yet. What matters most is your willingness to show up, stay engaged, and provide a consistent foundation. If that feels doable in your current season, then you are likely ready to begin.
3. What kind of poodle puppy fits my lifestyle?
Poodles are available in three official sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. You may also hear the term “Moyen,” which refers to a mid-sized variety not formally recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Here is a quick breakdown of each size:
Toy Poodles
These are the smallest and most delicate. They form strong bonds but are best suited to calm homes without small children or larger dogs.
Miniature Poodles
These poodles are slightly sturdier and highly adaptable. They thrive in homes with structure and offer a good balance for first-time owners.
Standard Poodles
As the largest and most versatile, they bring emotional depth and physical capability. They adapt well to both active and relaxed households.
Instead of choosing based on your square footage, think about your energy and lifestyle. Do you want a trail buddy, a quiet companion while you work from home, or a playful friend for your children?
At Peterson Poodles, we focus on small Standard Poodles. We find that this size offers a wonderful balance of strength, gentleness, and versatility for a wide range of families. play, gentle enough for close connection, and intelligent enough to grow alongside your lifestyle.
4. Am I prepared for grooming and coat care for a poodle puppy?
Poodles require consistent grooming. Whether you use a professional groomer or learn to do it yourself, coat care must be part of your regular routine and budget.
Professional Grooming
This typically costs between one hundred to one hundred fifty dollars per visit, with appointments every six to eight weeks. It helps maintain coat health and saves time, especially if you prefer not to groom at home.
Home Grooming
This approach requires an initial investment in tools, but it offers control and can become a bonding experience. Many owners enjoy learning to groom their poodle and take pride in the results.
Even with professional grooming, daily or every-other-day brushing is still important. This prevents matting and keeps your poodle comfortable, especially around the ears, legs, and tail. If your dog swims often, brushing after water play is essential.
Starting these habits early builds trust and makes grooming something your poodle can enjoy. For more guidance, see our full grooming guide.:
5. How are the puppies being raised?
Puppyhood is a fast-paced stage of development. What happens in the first eight weeks has a lifelong impact on temperament, social confidence, and resilience.
Ask your breeder about:
- The environment: Are the puppies raised inside the home with daily exposure to people and sounds, or are they kept isolated?
- Handling: Are they being gently introduced to touch, grooming exercises, and vet-care simulations?
- Exposure: Are they experiencing varied textures, noises, and mild challenges to build confidence?
- Structure: Is there a routine that supports sleep, play, potty learning, and self-regulation?
At Peterson Poodles, we follow the Badass Breeder method. This evidence-based program includes confidence-building activities, early neurological stimulation, sound desensitization, and thoughtful socialization. We treat puppy development like early childhood education, meeting each one where they are and helping them grow with intention.
6. What health testing has been done?
Responsible breeders complete specific health tests on both parents before breeding. This ensures genetic integrity and minimizes the risk of inherited conditions.
For Standard Poodles, here is what to ask about:
- Hip Dysplasia Ask for an OFA or PennHIP evaluation. Poor hips can lead to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.
- Eye Disorders Look for a recent ACVO eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out inherited diseases like PRA and cataracts.
- Thyroid Function A thyroid panel can detect autoimmune thyroiditis, which affects metabolism and long-term health.
- Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS) Ask for DNA results or confirmation that both parents are clear by parentage.
- Von Willebrand Disease Type I This clotting disorder can be detected through DNA testing or confirmed as clear by parentage.
Optional but valuable tests:
- Heart Evaluation While not required, an exam by a board-certified cardiologist may offer extra peace of mind, especially in lines with known history.
- Sebaceous Adenitis Biopsy Rare, but available if the breeder has had past concerns with coat or skin conditions.
Other known concerns in the breed include:
Addison’s disease, bloat, epilepsy, and chronic liver conditions. While there are no standard tests for some of these, a good breeder should be aware of family history and able to discuss known risks in their lines.
At Peterson Poodles, we follow the health guidelines set by the Poodle Club of America and complete all recommended testing before breeding. We are happy to show results, explain what they mean, and walk you through how we make breeding decisions that protect our puppies and their future families.
For a detailed breakdown of these tests and why they matter, visit our full guide:
7. What kind of support does the breeder offer?
Once a puppy goes home, questions usually follow. Feeding, crate training, sleep schedules, early behavior, and the first vet visits all come with a learning curve. A responsible breeder does not leave you to figure it out alone.
Here is what to ask:
- Will you be available for follow-up questions A good breeder will check in and answer questions in the first few days and weeks. Ongoing communication helps prevent small concerns from becoming bigger issues.
- Do you provide written materials or transition guides Clear guidance on feeding, crate training, daily structure, and first vet visits should be part of your go-home folder. These basics set new owners up for a smooth start.
- Do you offer access to health insurance Many ethical breeders partner with companies like Trupanion to provide a trial policy or pre-approved coverage. It is easy to set up and shows that the breeder is thinking beyond just the pickup day.
- What happens if something goes wrong A quality breeder will help talk through unexpected issues. Whether it is a behavior concern, a medical question, or a change in your life situation, there should be a clear path for support or rehoming if needed.
At Peterson Poodles, we offer lifetime breeder support. That includes a structured transition plan, resources for early care and training, and a Trupanion health insurance connection at pickup. We want our families to feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
If a breeder offers no support, no education, and no follow-up care, it may be a sign that their program stops at the sale rather than focusing on the long-term wellbeing of both the dog and the family.
8. Does this breeder’s philosophy align with mine?
The way a breeder makes decisions reflects how they think about long-term wellbeing. It is not just about how the puppies look or how fast they go home. It is about ethics, health, and whether their practices are grounded in education and intention.
Here are a few areas to explore:
- Vaccination and veterinary care Does the breeder follow a standard vaccine schedule through a licensed veterinarian, or do they take a minimal or holistic approach? Some breeders delay vaccinations or substitute essential oils and natural remedies. Make sure you understand what they do and why.
- Deworming and parasite control Ask whether the puppies are dewormed on a schedule and if fecal checks are performed. Holistic alternatives exist, but their effectiveness varies. Ask for clarity.
- Tail docking and dewclaw removal Some breeders remove tails and dewclaws for appearance or tradition. Others leave them intact to preserve structure and function. These choices affect movement, balance, and long-term joint health.
- Temperament evaluation and placement Does the breeder observe each puppy and place them intentionally based on personality and home environment, or are selections made at random or by pick order?
- Clarity and communication Can the breeder explain their practices and reasoning? Do their answers feel informed and consistent, or vague and defensive?
At Peterson Poodles, we follow a veterinarian-guided vaccination protocol and use traditional veterinary care for disease prevention. I bring a background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and a childhood spent on a working farm, where I saw how quickly disease can spread when basic health practices are overlooked. We do not use essential oils in place of tested medical treatments. We also do not dock tails or remove dewclaws. These body parts contribute to balance and movement. Changes to that structure can affect how a dog stabilizes and moves throughout their life. Every decision we make is guided by long-term function, comfort, and the wellbeing of the dogs in our care.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a poodle puppy is a serious commitment. These eight questions are meant to help you slow down, ask the right things, and make a decision based on real information, not pressure or emotion.
The puppy you choose should come from a program that values health, structure, and early development. And you should feel informed and prepared to bring them home.
If this approach feels right for your family, we invite you to learn more about how we raise our poodle puppies at Peterson Poodles. We are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Born with purpose. Raised with love. That’s the Peterson Poodles promise.
🐾 Ready to learn more?
Check out our Puppy Perks or Meet the Parents, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
✨ Feeling a connection?
If your heart is saying this might be the one, we invite you to apply for a puppy or join our waitlist to begin your journey. We’re here to walk this path with you, every step of the way.
Because bringing home a Peterson Poodle isn’t just an adoption.
It’s a soul-aligned decision for both of you. 💛
