Purchase from parents you have met and liked, and even ask to see the grandparents if possible. They tend to be quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. They do tend to bark a lot.
Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets.
A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness. Runny eyes and ear infections are also common. They are also prone to PRA, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray.