Are Poodles Good With Kids (Parents Should Know)

Updated in March, 2024 | By John Robert
We earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Poodles are considered one of the best dog breeds for children, thanks to their friendly disposition and intelligence. They are very good with kids in general, but they need to have plenty of exercise if they are expected to be around them all day. If you’re looking for a pet that has a disposition that is both gentle and playful, then the poodle might be the breed for you!

poodle with kids

Poodle and Children

There are few things in life as rewarding as watching your children play with your dog. And if that dog happens to be a poodle, you can rest assured that they’re in good hands.

Poodles are known for their intelligence and loyalty, two traits that make them excellent companions for kids.

So if you’re searching for the perfect family pet, look no further than the poodle. Here’s everything you need to know about these wonderful dogs and why they make such great friends for your children.

Which type of poodle is good with kids

Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.

Toy Poodle:

The smaller the poodle (Toy poodle) is more suited to a family with children.

A toy poodle usually weighs less than 10 pounds and will generally get along well with kids of all ages. The only thing to be careful about is that younger children might accidentally hurt a very small dog by sitting on its head or pulling on its ears. In general though, smaller dogs are more tolerant of rough handling from children than larger ones are because they tend not to be as fragile physically.

Miniature Poodle:

A miniature paddle usually ranges from 12-15 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere between 15-20 pounds. This size is often good for families where one parent works outside the home and needs a dog that they can take to work with them.

StandardPoodle:

The standard poodle is between 15-20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs anywhere from 45-60 pounds. These dogs are very active and need a lot of exercise, which makes them a good choice for an active family.

Check are poodle good watch dogs

How Poodle helps with Kids

Poodles can play with kids for as long as they like, because these dogs love to play with children!

Some poodle owners even claim their pets love playing with kids more than anything else!  They’ll fetch toys from across the room, roll over on command, or perform any number of other tricks just to please a child’s whim.

Some people say this makes them good therapy animals for traumatized children. In fact, some shelters use abandoned poodles as therapy animals because they know these dogs will be patient and gentle with the most troubled young people around.

Nobody knows exactly why some types of dogs enjoy being around kids so much, but there’s no denying it: children and poodles make a perfect match.

Temperament of Poodle With Kids

The first thing you should know about poodles is they are highly intelligent-as intelligent as any human being! They also tend to get along well with other animals including cats so long as the cat doesn’t object too much to their playful antics. Poodles also need to be included in your family’s activities including regular outdoor walks or jogs so they get the exercise they need.

Poodles are affectionate and loving and do well with children of all ages even toddlers who can accidentally pull on their ears and tail without meaning to. However, if you have a younger child at home then you should get a poodle puppy because an older dog might develop too much independence.

Poodles are also hypoallergenic which means they do not shed hair the way other dogs do, making them one of the more popular breeds among families with small children who are allergic to dogs. They are very clean animals and require only minimal grooming.

Conclusion on Poodles With Kids

Poodles are a good choice for any family. They have been bred to be gentle and non-aggressive with children, but they still need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Poodle puppies should not be left alone with young children because their fur can get caught in the child’s mouth or nose. 

Photo of author

John Robert

John Robert is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Owner of the most gorgeous dog on the planet, developed an interest in dog nutrition after finding the best food for his pet's allergies. The most impactful motive of his life is educating dog owners about dog nutrition and improving the lives of pets.