Poodles are bright, alert, and active.  According to a recent Yale University study, they are arguably the most intelligent breed of dog.  Historically, this intelligence has made them a popular breed for use as circus dogs.  Poodles also maintain keen sense of instinctual behavior.  In particular, the Standard variety is quite independent and has a noticeable hunting drive, but even Toys will point birds.  Because they are so intelligent, they may become bored easily, and can get quite creative about finding mischief.

Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and are often eager to please.  They are excellent watchdogs, and unlike some working breeds, don’t usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family.  Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children.  When they are from good bloodlines, all three varieties are fairly mellow dogs.  Poodles are adaptable and easy to train.  They don’t require as much exercise as other hunting or working breeds, but being agile and athletic, they appreciate a lot of exercise.

Poodles’ coats require plenty of grooming to keep their hair at a manageable length and to prevent it from matting.  Matted fur can be very difficult to untangle, and often the clumps must be cut out with scissors.  However, there are a number of short pet clips that make an easily maintained family pet.

Poodles also require dental care, as they are known to develop serious dental problems as they age.  Such care includes but is not limited to veterinary dental cleaning.

Today, most Poodles are kept as pets.  However, they are a versatile breed capable of hunting, tracking, protection, and entertainment.  French customs uses Poodles to search for illegal substances.  Because of their small size, they are less obtrusive when searching cars and train compartments than bigger breeds such as the German Shepherd.

Their intelligence and athletic build has made them popular as trick dogs or circus performers.  They can compete well in some dog sports, such as dog agility, although their independent and playful nature can sometimes distract them from the focus and drive needed for these sports.

Though Poodles were originally used for hunting dogs, Poodles are now used in a variety of jobs.  Some are used as hunters, guide dogs, truffle sniffing dogs, and therapy dogs.

Many hybrid dogs, such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos, have been created by crossing a Poodle with another breed, but these hybrids are not recognized breeds.  Many breeders promote Poodle hybrids as actual breeds and charge more for them than is usually charged for a mixed-breed dog.