The Poodle

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Poodles come about as close as it gets. Their curly coat sheds minimally and traps dander rather than releasing it, which is why they're a top choice for allergy sufferers and the go-to parent for "doodle" crossbreeds. Regular grooming is what keeps that low-allergen coat working.

In grooming, yes — the coat needs professional attention every 4–6 weeks plus brushing at home, and skipping it leads to painful matting. In temperament, they're easy: highly trainable, eager to please and devoted. The honest summary is high-maintenance coat, low-maintenance mind.

Standard (over 15 inches at the shoulder), Miniature (10–15 inches) and Toy (under 10 inches). They're all one breed with the same temperament and intelligence — only the size differs. Standards are the athletic originals; toys and minis pack the same brain into a lap-sized frame.

Roughly $1,000–$3,000 from a reputable breeder in the US, with tiny toys and rare colours at the top end. The bigger ongoing cost is grooming — budget $600–$1,200 a year for that alone, on top of food and vet care. Poodles are affordable to buy but not to maintain.

Exceptionally — they're ranked the second-smartest breed and genuinely enjoy learning. The catch is that intelligence cuts both ways: they get bored fast, pick up bad habits as quickly as good ones, and will happily train you if you're not paying attention. Keep sessions varied and rewarding and they excel at almost anything.

They can — Poodles are alert and vocal, and the smaller sizes especially will announce visitors, noises and squirrels with enthusiasm. It's very trainable, though; a well-exercised, mentally-stimulated Poodle barks far less than a bored one looking for something to do.