PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

Sarplaninac vs Poodle

Discover the differences between Sarplaninac and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.

Try different breeds

vs
Sarplaninac
North Macedonia

Sarplaninac

Working Group
Large

Loyal, protective, and independent, the Sarplaninac stands out as a natural guardian with a calm yet watchful presence. This breed thrives in active homes needing a steadfast companion.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

35–45 kg

Coat:

Dense double coat, straight outer hair

Lifespan:

11–13 years

Female:

30–40 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Sarplaninac

Friendliness
2/5

Wary of strangers, loyal to family members

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, independent decision-maker

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular exercise

Playfulness
2/5

Reserved, not highly playful or goofy

Adaptability
3/5

Adapts to rural environments, less suited to cities

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Sarplaninac

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (1–2 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Sarplaninac

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Requires experienced handling and strong leadership skills

Apartment Living
1/5

Not recommended

Needs space and is prone to barking in confined settings

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Good match

Enjoys outdoor activity and has strong stamina for exercise

Kids
3/5

Needs supervision

Protective instincts require careful introduction to small children

Multiple Pets
2/5

Potentially difficult

Can be territorial and may not tolerate unfamiliar pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Poor fit

Dislikes being left alone and may develop anxiety or destructive habits

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Sarplaninac

  • Strong guardian instincts for livestock and property
  • Loyal and deeply bonded to family
  • Independent problem-solving ability in rural settings
  • Tolerant of harsh weather and tough terrain
  • Minimal grooming needs for dense coat

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Sarplaninac

  • Can be wary or aloof with strangers
  • May show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs
  • Requires firm, consistent leadership and training
  • High exercise needs for mental well-being
  • Not suited for apartment or urban living

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Discover more helpful tools

Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours