Travelling with a Poodle

Poodles are exceptional travel companions - intelligent, athletic, and adaptable. Whether you have a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, these elegant dogs thrive on new experiences and adventures with their people. Their non-shedding coats are travel-friendly, though they require maintenance. This guide covers all sizes.

Understanding Poodle Travel Needs

Breed Characteristics

What Makes Them Excellent Travellers:

• Highly intelligent
• Athletic and active (especially Standards)
• Adaptable to new situations
• People-focused
• Learn routines quickly
• Generally friendly
• Non-shedding coat (accommodation bonus)

Important Considerations:

• Coat requires regular grooming
• Intelligence needs mental stimulation
• Can be sensitive
• Standards need significant exercise
• May be reserved with strangers initially

Size Variations

Standard Poodle:

• Over 15 inches at shoulder
• Athletic and active
• Need substantial exercise
• Excellent hiking companions

Miniature Poodle:

• 10-15 inches
• Still active and athletic
• Moderate exercise needs
• Versatile size

Toy Poodle:

• Under 10 inches
• Smallest but still active
• Lower exercise requirements
• Easy transport

All sizes share the Poodle intelligence and trainability.

Best Destinations

Standard Poodles

Athletic Dogs Need Active Holidays:

Lake District provides challenging terrain for athletic Standards. Scottish Highlands offers space and adventure. Peak District delivers varied walking.

Coastal: Standards often love water activities. Many swim enthusiastically.

Cornwall, Devon, and Norfolk provide beach and swimming opportunities.

Miniature Poodles

Versatile Size Suits Many Destinations:

Gentle countryside like Cotswolds works well. Yorkshire offers variety. Coastal destinations provide exercise options.

City breaks work for Miniatures - manageable size, adaptable nature.

Toy Poodles

Smaller Adventures:

Gentler terrain suits smaller frames. Cotswolds villages perfect. Suffolk Coast provides easy walking.

City breaks very manageable with Toys.

Exercise Needs

By Size

Standard Poodles:

• 1-2 hours daily
• Active, varied exercise
• Swimming excellent
• Mental stimulation essential
• Proper athletes

Miniature Poodles:

• 45 minutes to 1 hour daily
• Moderate exercise
• Enjoy activities
• Mental engagement important

Toy Poodles:

• 30-45 minutes daily
• Shorter walks
• Still need activity
• Play and mental games

Activity Ideas

Perfect Poodle Activities:

Swimming: Many Poodles are natural swimmers (bred for water retrieval). Lakes, rivers, sea - often enthusiastic. See our Water Activities guide.

Hiking: Standards especially excellent hiking companions. Athletic and capable. See our Hiking guide.

Beach Adventures: Most Poodles enjoy beaches. Swimming, running, exploring. See our Beach Holidays guide.

Mental Challenges: Intelligent dogs need brain work. Training, tricks, puzzle solving. Include on holiday.

Agility-Style Play: Athletic and agile. Enjoy challenges and games.

Grooming on Holiday

The Poodle Coat

Characteristics:

• Curly, non-shedding
• Requires regular maintenance
• Mats easily if not brushed
• Professional grooming typically needed regularly

Holiday Grooming

Daily Needs:

• Brush/comb daily
• Prevent mat formation
• Check ears (floppy ears need attention)
• Keep face clean

After Activities:

Swimming:

• Rinse fresh water
• Dry thoroughly (especially ears)
• Brush when dry
• Check ears for moisture

After Walks:

• Remove debris
• Check for tangles
• Brush through coat

What to Pack:

• Slicker brush
• Comb
• Ear cleaner
• Coat spray/detangler
• Towels

Include grooming supplies in your packing list.

Grooming Tips

Before Holiday: Consider professional groom before trip. Clean start makes holiday maintenance easier.

Shorter Clips: Shorter cuts reduce holiday maintenance. Discuss with groomer.

Accommodation

Non-Shedding Advantage

Poodles Are Accommodation-Friendly: Non-shedding coat means less hair left behind. Often appreciated by accommodation providers.

What Works

All Sizes:

• Standard cottages suit Standards
• Various accommodation suits Miniatures
• Most accommodation suits Toys

Considerations:

• Space for grooming
• Drying area after swimming
• Secure garden for exercise

For booking tips, Poodles are generally welcome.

Travel

Car Journeys

Usually Good: Poodles typically travel well.

By Size:

• Standards: Boot/cargo area, crate, or guard
• Miniatures: Various options
• Toys: Can travel on seats with appropriate restraint

See our Travelling with Dogs guide.

Train Travel

Manageable: All sizes can manage trains. Toys especially easy. Standards need space management.

Social Aspects

With People

Generally Good: Often friendly, though may be reserved initially. Warm up when comfortable.

With Other Dogs

Usually Fine: Generally sociable. Some sensitivity possible.

In Public

Well-Suited: Intelligent and trainable. Usually well-behaved in pubs and cafes.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Benefits:

• Swimming weather
• Outdoor activities
• Long days

Considerations:

• Dark coats (black, brown) absorb heat
• Manage temperature
• Plenty of water access

See our Summer guide.

Winter

Benefits:

• Coat provides some protection
• Enjoy cold weather generally
• Good walking conditions

Considerations:

• May need coat (especially shorter clips or Toys)
• Dry thoroughly
• Paw care

See our Winter guide.

Health Considerations

On Holiday

General Health:

• Generally healthy breed
• Ear care important (floppy ears)
• Joint health awareness (Standards)

Ear Attention: Floppy ears trap moisture. Dry thoroughly after swimming. Check for problems.

Know emergency vet locations - see our Emergency Vet guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Poodles good travel dogs?

Excellent - intelligent, adaptable, trainable. Non-shedding coat is accommodation-friendly.

How much exercise do Standard Poodles need?

1-2 hours daily. Active and athletic. Need proper exercise opportunities.

Can Poodles swim?

Many are excellent swimmers (bred for water retrieval). Most enjoy water activities.

What about grooming on holiday?

Daily brushing essential. More attention after swimming. Pack proper grooming tools.

Are Toy Poodles too small for adventures?

No - they're active and enjoy outings. Just adjust distance and terrain appropriately.

Best holiday type for Poodles?

Active holidays suit Standards. Versatile destinations for Miniatures. Gentler adventures for Toys. All enjoy being with their people.

Intelligent Adventures Await

Poodles bring elegance, intelligence, and athleticism to every adventure. Whether you have a water-loving Standard, versatile Miniature, or compact Toy, these remarkable dogs make wonderful travel companions who adapt to new experiences with enthusiasm.

Luke appreciates the intelligence and versatility of Poodles. Their trainability, adaptability, and athletic ability make them excellent adventure companions.