Poodles are one of Malaysia's most popular dog breeds. They've been around for centuries and are popular with many royals worldwide, including our neighbour Thailand.
These intelligent canines were initially bred to be water retrievers, so their name was derived from the German word "pudel".
We won't sugarcoat it; owning a poodle is a long-term commitment that requires extensive training and financial investment! But don't let that put you off. Becoming a dog owner in Malaysia is a rewarding experience.
Here's everything you need to know about Poodle dogs in Malaysia: sizes, price, personality, grooming, health issues and where to buy.
What we'll cover:
- The 3 sizes of Poodles compared (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
- How to choose a Poodle that fits your lifestyle
- Grooming, training and exercise needs
- Health issues to watch for
- Price and where to buy in Malaysia
The Three Sizes of Poodles
There are three main types of poodles: Toy, Miniature and Standard. Here's how they compare:
| Size | Height | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle | Up to 25 cm | 3 - 4 kg | Apartments, small homes |
| Miniature Poodle | 28 - 37 cm | 6.8 - 8 kg | Condos, medium-sized homes |
| Standard Poodle | 38 cm+ (avg ~56 cm) | 20 - 31 kg (male) 20 - 27 kg (female) |
Landed homes with garden |
Because of their smaller size, Toy and Miniature Poodles are more common in Malaysia. Most dog owners prefer smaller-sized pooches to keep maintenance costs low.
Toy Poodle
The smallest of the three would be a Toy Poodle. At up to 25 cm and only 3-4 kg, they're perfect for apartment living in KL or Selangor.
Miniature Poodle
A Miniature Poodle is the middle option. They grow to between 28-37 cm tall and 6.8-8 kg in weight.
Standard Poodle
A Standard Poodle is much larger. They are typically 38 cm or taller (averaging about 56 cm), with males weighing between 20 and 31 kg and females between 20 and 27 kg.
Poodle colours and crossbreeds
Poodles come in various colours including black, white, cream, brown, blue, grey, apricot and red.
It's common to see Poodles selectively bred with other dog breeds in Malaysia:
| Crossbreed | Mix |
|---|---|
| Shih-Poo | Poodle + Shih Tzu |
| Maltipoo | Poodle + Maltese |
| Labradoodle | Poodle + Labrador |
| Cavapoo | Poodle + King Charles Spaniel |
The infamous teacup poodles result from selective breeding rather than a natural variation of the poodle breed.
Nature of a Poodle Dog
Poodles are well-known for their intelligence. They're frequently featured performing tricks like catching balls, jumping through hoops, balancing on two legs and walking backwards.
They are much more intelligent than other smaller dog breeds in Malaysia, such as the Shih Tzu, Schnauzer and Pomeranian. They can quickly learn new commands and rules.
A Poodle requires more mental stimulation than other breeds. When left alone for too long without proper attention, obedience training and playtime, they can become irritable or destructive.
Characteristics of a Poodle Dog
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Living space | Toy/Mini: apartments OK. Standard: needs a landed home with garden. |
| Weather tolerance | Handles Malaysia's tropical climate well. Tolerates hot and moderately cold weather. |
| Training | Needs firm, consistent training from a young age. Very intelligent but can be destructive if bored. |
| Personality | Friendly, playful, affectionate. Good with strangers and other dogs. |
| Sensitivity | Sensitive to harsh punishment. Train with positive reinforcement and treats. |
| Separation anxiety | Develops attachments quickly. Don't leave them alone for too long. |
If you lead a hectic lifestyle, getting a Poodle may not be the best choice. They need proper training and firm leadership from early on. You'll have to invest time during the early stages of their life.
Exercise Required for Poodles
Despite appearances, these little furballs are bursting with energy! A couple of walks a day would tire them out. Playtime activities such as catch or frisbee would help with their energy levels too.
Poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers, so they naturally enjoy water. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that's great for them.
Pet swimming is available at some Petsmore Malaysia locations, including Desa Park City (DPC) and Kota Damansara in Kuala Lumpur. DPC also has a large dog park that's popular with dog owners.
Grooming for Poodles
Poodles have hair instead of fur, so they rarely shed. Great news if you're allergic to dog fur! But because they rarely shed, you must comb them out frequently to prevent matting.
| Grooming Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing / combing | Daily | Prevents matting under their coat |
| Eye cleaning | Daily | Use alcohol-free wipes to prevent tear stains |
| Ear check | 3 times/week | Floppy ears trap moisture; check for dirt, odour, redness |
| Nail trimming | 1-2 times/month | Too long if you hear clicking on the floor |
| Professional grooming | Every 6 weeks | Keeps coat manageable; prevents overgrowth |
Be careful with wipes. Most Malaysian wipes contain a small percentage of alcohol. If you use an alcohol-based wipe near the eyes, it can irritate your pet's eye and cause an infection.
Health Issues in Poodles
Poodles, like any other dog breed, can develop certain health issues. Here are the common conditions to watch for:
| Health Issue | What It Is | Signs to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Poorly formed hip socket causing joint degeneration | Arthritis, pain, lameness |
| Patellar Luxation | Knee joint slides in and out of place | Limping, skipping steps, pain in hind legs |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Progressive retina deterioration | Bumping into things, poor night vision |
| Optic Nerve Dysplasia | Congenital failure of optic nerve development | Blindness, abnormal pupil response |
| Addison's Disease | Insufficient adrenal hormone production | Vomiting, poor appetite, sluggishness; can be fatal if untreated |
If you are unsure about your pet's symptoms, videotape them and bring the recording to your veterinarian. Early detection makes a big difference.
Price of Poodles in Malaysia
Poodles' retail prices range from RM2,000 to RM5,000 in Malaysia.
| Poodle Type | Price Range (RM) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle | RM2,000 - RM4,000 | Most common, easiest to find |
| Miniature Poodle | RM2,500 - RM5,000 | Common, good selection available |
| Standard Poodle | RM3,000 - RM5,000+ | Harder to find, fewer breeders |
Toy and Miniature Poodles are more commonly bred and sold than Standard Poodles. If you're looking for a Standard Poodle, the search might be more challenging.
Where to Buy Poodles in Malaysia
With their rising popularity, Poodles can be easily found in most places in Malaysia. Before you begin your search, join Facebook groups started by Malaysian poodle owners for recommendations and tips.
| Source | Type |
|---|---|
| Malaysia Free Dog Adoption | Adoption |
| MyPetsHaven | Adoption |
| SPCA Selangor | Adoption |
| PetFinder | Adoption |
| Poodle Malaysia Online Store | Buy |
| PuDoRu Teddy Poodle Malaysia | Buy |
| The Malaysian Kennel Association | Buy (accredited breeders) |
Please conduct your due diligence before adopting or buying a poodle. Oyen is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned.
FAQ
How much does a Poodle cost in Malaysia?
Poodles in Malaysia cost between RM2,000 and RM5,000 depending on size, colour, pedigree and breeder. Toy and Miniature Poodles are more commonly available, while Standard Poodles are harder to find and may cost more.
What are the 3 sizes of Poodle?
The three main sizes are Toy (up to 25 cm, 3-4 kg), Miniature (28-37 cm, 6.8-8 kg) and Standard (38 cm+, 20-31 kg). Toy and Miniature Poodles are more popular in Malaysia due to smaller living spaces.
Are Poodles good dogs for Malaysia's climate?
Yes, Poodles tolerate hot weather well and adapt to Malaysia's tropical climate. Their hair (not fur) means they rarely shed, which is a bonus for indoor living. Regular grooming every 6 weeks keeps their coat manageable in the humidity.
Do Poodles need a lot of grooming?
Yes, Poodles need daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6 weeks. You also need to clean their ears 3 times a week and wipe their eyes daily to prevent tear stains.
What health problems do Poodles have?
Common health issues include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Addison's disease and optic nerve dysplasia. Regular vet checkups can catch these early. Dog insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills for these conditions.
Protecting Your Poodle
Poodles are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and Addison's disease that can result in expensive vet bills. With Oyen Pet Insurance, you can get coverage up to RM10,000/year for vet medical expenses at any licensed vet clinic in Malaysia.
Oyen covers 1,000+ illnesses and injuries with reimbursement rates of 50%, 70% or 90%. Your Poodle must be microchipped to be eligible.
Check your dog's eligibility now — it takes less than 2 minutes.
