When well-bred, and in this case we mean properly socialized or trained as opposed to meeting AKC Standards, the Poodle has a reliable, easy going temperament. Poodles are much loved for their high intelligence, affectionate loving nature and sometimes mischievous ways. They truly are a breed of dog who bond very strongly with each member of their human family - they are not a “one person dog”. Each individual Poodle has their own unique and special personality - that’s one of the reasons why we become so attached to them.

Poodles as a breed tend to be more intuitive that most of the other breeds, and are extremely sensitive to their human companions feeling. The breed as a long and valued history when it comes to a work ethic, but paradoxically seem to have a sense of humor and are known for making people laugh.

Along with being intuitive, Poodles are noted for their strong sense of instinctual drive.

Specifically, the Poodle has a more evident, natural instinct when it comes to marking and hunting behavior when compared to breeds. Even Toy Poodles can and will point birds. The Poodle as a breed is known to be extremely energetic. They easily get bored which means that they can be quite creative when it comes to looking for mischief. Most, but not all, Poodles enjoy being in the spotlight, partly because they are very intelligent and attentive and partly, we believe, because in “in their genes.” In fact, the poodles as a breed are easily trained and can perform astonishing tricks which makes use of their mental and agility skills.

Even though the Poodle has a playful enthusiasm and a highly developed sense of adventure, it is one of the most obedient, as well as, smartest dogs of any breed. Although the Poodle can often be shy with strangers, it gets along with familiar people and is very gentle and even tempered with children. Because of that Poodles are well suited to families with children. However, because of their size the Miniature Poodle and Standard Poodle are considered more suitable for living with young children. The smaller Poodles can at times be aggressive to people outside their families or with other dogs. To avoid this type of behavior they should have early socialization to other people and pets and a gentle but firm and consistent hand in training.

Poodles generally make excellent watchdogs. They alert to any unfamiliar disturbances that happen around the house and will sound an immediate alarm, by barking, when they believe the need arises. Because they are lively , active and thrive on attention they can develop bad habits such as nuisance barking if ignored or left alone. Training and paying close attention to detail and the poodle will prevent that.

As a breed, Poodles retain the keen hunting instincts for which they were originally bred. This is the reason they love play fetch and other games like hide and seek at the park, and being retrievers, they love to swim at any opportunity.

Poodles are a social animal, they love their humans as well as other dogs and for that reason the one thing they are not good at is being alone! They thrive on human companionship and to not like being left alone and/or isolated for long periods of time each day. At home they like nothing more than to be right there with you sitting in front of the TV or following you around the house.

Overall the Poodle has a naturally even temperament, and when “well-bred,” or “socialized” is loving, loyal and not timid or shy, and in no way aggressive.

Remember that Poodles are by instinct basically a hunting dog at heart and require exercise and training to grow into the best companion dogs they can be.