Standard Poodle Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: Standard Poodles come in a wide variety of solid colors and mixed coats. The Poodles of Old Europe were usually parti-colored (color patches over a white coat). These days, the AKC lists many different base colors and combinations as acceptable in competition. “Phantom”, bridle, and sable coats are excluded from shows under many countries’ breed standards.

Standard Poodles stand out in the crowd with highly-groomed fur and beauty accessories. They need weekly grooming even if you go with a simple cut. For competition, the AKC requires a “show clip” for all Standard Poodles. Adult dogs must be clipped in the “Continental” or “English Saddle” style, while puppies under a year old can be clipped in the “Puppy” style for AKC competitions.

As it is with all dogs, your Standard Poodle really needs your help and attention to properly maintain their good health and happiness. Remember to stay on top of their teeth and ears with regular cleaning. Their nails can grow in quite quickly, so make sure to pay attention and trim their nails. Remember to do this grooming practice often to avoid cracking and infections.

Shedding: Since they don’t have a double coat like most breeds do, Standard Poodles don’t really shed like most dogs do. If they do shed a lot, you should consider a precautionary visit to the clinic to make sure there isn’t a health problem. Extreme hair loss is often a sign of distress or serious medical issues in a Poodle. If you make sure to attend to their needs with regular brushing and bathing them often, you will enjoy a clean home without too much work.

Training: The Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that can succeed at doing anything with the right training regime. Poodles enjoy games as well as being out in the fields with their hunting party. Like with all dogs, the Standard Poodle benefits greatly from proper training and obedience school early in life.

Barking: Poodles aren’t that chatty or loud, but they will make a sound with a sharp bark to get your attention if necessary. The Standard Poodle might get excited and bark around larger pets or children. A couple of short barks isn’t unusual if a stranger calls, but excessive and aggressive barking are signs of a problem brewing. Check out your local dog organizations and bring your Standard Poodle to any obedience classes available. It help to expose them to a wide range of environments, experiences, and people to help them get settled into their new life. Take the opportunity to do early socialization to help them feel safe and secure as they grow up in the world.

Personality: Standard Poodles are usually quite friendly and personable after some time to warm up to you. A well-trained Standard Poodle might seem standoffish at first contact. Once they get to know you, they should display all the love and affection you could ever want. They are very intelligent and perceptive dogs.

Temperament & Behavior: Standard Poodles are usually quite patient and obedient with correct training and the proper early socialization. With slow introductions along with love and support, your Standard Poodle will be a loving companion to you and your family. Poodles are often very protective of the home, but they aren’t overly aggressive or noisy as they go about their business.

Behavior with Kids: Generally, Poodles make excellent family dogs. They are often a little protective and very loving when it comes to their family. Standard Poodles are not really the best choice of Poodle for small children. This breed can be fragile with weak joints and delicate bones. Make sure to always keep an eye on any young children or strangers not familiar with dog handling safety.

Protection: Poodles are typically welcoming, but they can be wary of any strangers who show up on their turf. After a pleasant introduction and a little time to get acquainted, your Standard Poodle shouldn’t be overly-protective. Standard Poodles are typically not very aggressive or “scary”, but they are proud protectors of their family (to a point).

Life span: On average, Standard Poodles live to be about 14-16 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: All breeds have certain health conditions that can be either inherited from their parents, or are simply seen more commonly in that particular breed. Some diseases are recognized to be more common in Poodles in general (all sizes) and some are more prevalent in Standard Poodles specifically. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Sebaceous adenitis, Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), Hypothyroidism, Cancer, Gastric dilatation and volvulus, Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, Epilepsy, Cataracts and Glaucoma.

Preventive Care: Standard Poodles can be a bit delicate for large dogs, and it’s important to pay attention to subtle clues in their health status so that you and your veterinarian can intervene early before things get serious.

If you get a Standard Poodle puppy, talk with your veterinarian about performing a procedure called a prophylactic gastropexy. Because Standard Poodles are one of the highest-risk breeds for gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), this procedure should be seriously considered at the time of spaying or neutering. When GDV occurs, the stomach fills with air and then flips over, effectively cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if not treated urgently. The gastropexy procedure prevents the stomach from flipping over, and prevents GDV from occurring.

Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal weight for your Standard Poodle, as well as the appropriate amount of food to feed. It is a good idea to offer some canned food along with dry, as canned food helps to add important moisture to the diet. In breeds predisposed to the development of urinary stones, like Poodles, a diet that is high in water can help to lessen those risks.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Standard Poodle is 1.5-3 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Poodles require regular exercise and plenty of human interaction. They want to be included as part of the family, being around the living space with you and yours. Poodles like to be close to their friends and family at home.

Since ancestral Poodles were often used as sporting and hunting dogs, the Standard Poodle kept some of the behaviors more common to traditional hunting dogs. They can be a bit territorial, spreading their scent around their territory. Standard Poodles are also used for hunting, agility, flyball, dock diving, and many other competitive dog events. Even though Poodles are good swimmers, they don’t really seem to enjoy the water much.

Climate: Poodles are found playing and running outdoors in many different climates around the globe. Standard Poodles, like many dogs who pant to stay cool, can be prone to overheating when it’s hot or exposure in cold weather. Always keep an eye out for signs that you dog is distressed, especially after periods of activity. Buy a warm dog coat for those cold winter nights if you live somewhere with a harsh winter.