The Poodle is a non-shedding breed and a good choice for people with allergies. Many allergic people are able to keep a Poodle with no reaction. The coat comes in many colors: blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream. The hair is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes. If your dog is going to compete in the show ring, however, you can’t go too wild with the styling; the American Kennel Club allows four specific clip styles for Poodles in confirmation competitions. Grooming a Poodle isn’t for the faint of heart. Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. He requires regular grooming every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat in good condition.

If you are considering a Poodle, consider the coat’s upkeep and the grooming expense. Don’t be scared, though. There are many ways to style the coat for easier care. In fact, many owners simply shave it off. That said, easy care doesn’t mean without care. Even when clipped short, your Poodle must be brushed, bathed, and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat clean, short, and tangle-free. Most owners pay a professional groomer, but you can learn to groom your Poodle yourself if you’re dedicated and have the time. You’ll need a good set of electric clippers and blades, a quality pair of scissors, brush, comb, toenail trimmer, and a good how-to grooming book or video — there are many on the market just for Poodle owners. Even if you let a professional handle the complicated stuff, your Poodle needs daily brushing. Because Poodles don’t shed like other breeds, loose hair collects in the coats, and unless it’s brushed out daily, the hair will mat very quickly.

Many Poodles have weepy eyes that stain the hair under their eyes. The lighter your dog’s coat, the more noticeable the tearstains. To cut down on staining, wipe around the eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dampened with warm water. Be sure to check your Poodle’s ears often every week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection, then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Breeds with drop-down ears are prone to ear infections because the ear canal stays dark and moist. Also, hair grows in the Poodle’s ear canal. Sometimes, this hair needs to be plucked. Ask your groomer or veterinarian if it’s necessary for your dog.

Brush your Poodle’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. They’re too long if you hear them clicking on the floor. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from scratching when your Poodle enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Begin accustoming your Poodle to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.