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Pet Insurance for Standard Poodles

Find out all about Standard Poodles and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on June 6th, 2024       

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Price range

$1,500 –$3,000

Height

45cm - 62cm

Weight

18kg - 32kg

Personality

Intelligent, active, alert

Coat length

Curly, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 18 years

Standard Poodle

Overview

The Standard Poodle is an elegant and intelligent breed which probably originated either from France or from Germany. This breed's name probably comes from the German word ‘pudel, which means ‘to splash in the water.’ However, in France the breed is known as ‘Caniche,’ which is translated as ‘duck dog.’ This name reflects the Poodles historical role as water retrievers, especially for waterfowl hunters. Due to the fact that Poodles are recognised as possibly the most intelligent of all breeds, they are now used for a variety of tasks, including circus dogs, truffle-hunters and companion and service dogs. 

Modern-day Poodles come in different sizes, standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Generally, Standard Poodles are regarded as between 45cm and 62cm high, Medium Poodles between 35cm and 45cms, Miniature Poodles between 28cm and 35cm, and Toy Poodles between 24cm and 28cm. 

All Poodles have a curly coat that doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic. For this reason, the breed has been used extensively in the past three decades to produce a whole new type of crossbred dog, known as the ‘oodles.’ These are standard purebred dogs crossed with poodles, such as the the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle), Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle), Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle), and Moodle (Maltese + Poodle.) These ‘oodle’ dogs are now amongst the most popular breeds not only in Australia, but worldwide. 

Poodles are known for their friendly and trainable nature, and get on well with other pets and cats. They make excellent companions either for individuals or active families. They excel in obedience and dog sports, which they love participating in. 

Common diseases and conditions of Standard Poodles

  • Addison’s Disease: A deficiency of hormones made by the adrenal glands. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, it can cause poor appetite and lethargy, but it is a treatable condition if detected early.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of genetic eye diseases that lead to blindness. Responsible breeders screen for this condition to reduce its occurrence.
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health. 
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Bloat: Standard Poodles can be prone to gastric torsion, or bloat, where the stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself. This is a life-threatening emergency.  

Breed-specific issues:  

Poodles can tend to be vocal dogs, particularly if they are not given sufficient mental stimulation. As they are such intelligent dogs, they need mental stimulation otherwise they will get into mischief, including digging, chewing and excessive barking. They can also suffer from separation anxiety if they are apart from their owners for too long. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Standard Poodle?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Standard Poodles

Are all Standard Poodles hypoallergenic?

Yes, Standard Poodles are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair instead of fur. This means they shed less dander and are generally better tolerated by people with allergies. However, it's important to note that no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic. Regular grooming and cleaning are still necessary to minimise allergen exposure in sensitive people.  

How much exercise do Standard Poodles need daily?

Poodles are an active breed and require regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to keep them content. They typically need around 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day to stay healthy and happy. 

Do Standard Poodles require professional grooming?

Yes, Poodles have a curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their appearance. This breed's distinctive appearance often involves intricate grooming styles, including clipping and shaping. Regular home brushing at least weekly or more often is needed, and professional grooming is often required every six to eight weeks. 

Are Standard Poodles good family dogs?

Standard Poodles are known for their intelligence, versatility, and friendly disposition, making them excellent family pets. They are typically good with children and can adapt to various living environments, whether in an apartment or a house with a reasonably-sized back yard. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Standard Poodle

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