PAW PAL

Standard Poodle Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

Standard Poodle Appearance

The Standard Poodle is a real showstopper, with a long coat of elegant, curly hair and a sleek, athletic build. Poodles come in a range of colors, from the more common black and white to the rarer shades of red and brown. This breed has a thin snout and curious, observant eyes that reflect their intelligent and intuitive nature.

Ears:

Standard Poodles have long, floppy ears that hang close to their head. Their ears grow long, feathery hair.

Eyes:

A Poodle’s eyes are oval and set far apart so they appear alert and perceptive. Most Standard Poodles have very dark—almost black—eyes. Those with brown and cafe au lait coats may have amber eyes instead.

Nose:

At the end of their long, thin snout, Standard Poodles have a dark, pointy nose. Their nose may be slightly lighter in dogs with brown or cafe au lait coats.

Coat Length:

The Standard Poodle’s coat is long and curly.

Coat Color:

There’s a wide range of Standard Poodle colors. The American Kennel Club recognizes 11 as breed standard: black, white, blue, brown, gray, apricot, cream, red, silver, silver-beige, and cafe au lait.

Tail:

A Standard Poodle’s tail is held high, straight, and alert. They’re often docked to meet breed standards, though this is a controversial cosmetic procedure that many vet organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose.

Standard Poodle Temperament

The Standard Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds and has no shortage of self-confidence, says Mary Olund, corresponding secretary for the Poodle Club of America and longtime Standard Poodle breeder. They’re independent thinkers but generally happy to do what you ask of them, so training and obedience are often fun and rewarding for both pup and pup parent.Social time is one of their top priorities, and they’re happy spending quality time with their family. Whether you have other dogs, cats, or kiddos, Standard Poodles are compatible. Although Standard Poodles are generally easygoing, this breed also loves a chance to show off their smart and confident spirit. “They are the most versatile breed,” Olund says, noting that these big Poodles are up for activities such as hiking, agility, nose work, dock diving, obedience competition, hunting, service work, and therapy. “They do it all,” Olund adds.This breed is bright and intuitive, making them highly adaptable to different people and circumstances.“Standard Poodles read the room,” says Allison Alexander, owner of Leading Edge Dog Show Academy. “They can really adjust their energy level to the situation that they’re around.”

How to Care for a Standard Poodle

Grooming

For the most part, the Standard Poodle is a low-maintenance dog … but not when it comes to grooming. Their long, curly hair needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Pet parents can try grooming themselves—but this requires an investment of time, money, and space, Alexander says. “If you’re not worried about your dog having the classic Standard Poodle cut, you can do the grooming at home,” she says. “But if you want your Standard Poodle to look fancy, that’s a lot of work and might be better left to a professional groomer.” A groomer will take care of bathing and drying your Poodle, which is also more complicated than many pet parents imagine. The Standard Poodle’s thick coat requires a high-velocity dryer to get it dry to the skin, which is necessary for avoiding skin irritation. In between baths and haircuts, your Standard Poodle also needs regular at-home care: Coat care: Brush your dog every day with a slicker brush. Ear care: Ask your vet how often you need to clean your dog’s ears. Standard Poodles love water; clean their ears with a vet-approved cleanser after they go for a swim or have a bath. Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails as needed (about once a month). When you can hear them clicking across the floor when they walk, that’s your cue to grab the nail clipper. Dental care: Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the best way to stop dental disease. Dental chews, supplements, dental diets, and water additives can help keep those pearly whites clean, too. Close

Training

The Standard Poodle is an extremely trainable breed thanks to their whip-smart personality and desire to please. The Standard Poodle “has always been rated No. 2 in intelligence, behind the Border Collie,” Olund says. This makes Standard Poodles a great dog for first-time pet parents who are new to training a dog. But don’t just expect your new pup to know how to sit and stay on their own. Training sessions need to be consistent, engaging, and filled with positive reinforcement like training treats and exclamations of “Good dog!” Standard Poodle puppies also need socialization early and often. Socialization helps pups learn that new people, animals, and situations are not something to fear; this helps them grow into confident adults. Close

Diet

Most high-quality commercial dog foods that are AAFCO-compliant work well for Standard Poodles, unless otherwise directed by your vet. Some brands, like Royal Canin, even offer formulas specifically for Poodles. Standard Poodle puppies need a large-breed, high-quality puppy food. Choosing an appropriate diet for your puppy is important for their bone and joint development; these pups grow fast, making them susceptible to certain joint problems. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food for your dog. Adult Standard Poodles are deep-chested dogs, which puts them at risk of a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Pet parents can help keep their dog safe with a few steps during mealtimes: Feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large meal per day. Most Standard Poodles do well with twice-daily feedings. Give your dog food in a slow feeder, snuffle mat, or puzzle toy. This forces your dog to eat slower and (bonus!) provides much-needed mental stimulation. Avoid elevated food bowls; these may increase the chance of GDV. Don’t let this active dog exercise for the hour before or after eating. Close

Exercise

Poodles are “as athletic as you want them to be,” says Alexander. Like all breeds, they need regular activity. Alexander recommends that, in addition to short walks, pet parents give their Standard Poodles a chance to really stretch their legs and let loose daily, whether that’s a long hike or a free run in a dog park. Standard Poodle puppies need extra time to run free and let out their puppy energy. The Standard Poodle is up for almost any type of activity—especially if you’re involved. Keep things interesting for them by rotating through the following: Hiking Running Dock diving Obedience competition Swimming Close

Environment

Most Standard Poodles will be happy living anywhere, as long as their pet parents spend plenty of time interacting with them. Having a fenced backyard is a plus, but these pups are happy to spend time outside through daily walks and trips to the dog park, too. Poodles make good family dogs and do great with kids and adults alike. They’re highly adaptable and can adjust to city life or country living. As long as there’s someone there to pay attention to them, they’re happy. Close

Standard Poodle Health

Expect to enjoy many happy years with your pup, since the Standard Poodle lifespan is 10–18 years. They are generally very healthy dogs, Olund says.

Bloat: Bloat is a condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas, liquid, and/or food. It’s extremely uncomfortable and can lead to serious complications (GDV) or even death if left untreated. Watch for symptoms like a distended abdomen, dry heaving, excessive panting, and restlessness, and take your dog to the emergency vet right away if these signs are spotted. Addison’s disease
Hip dysplasia: This inherited joint condition is common in the breed because of the Standard Poodle’s size and the super-fast growth spurts puppies go through. Hip dysplasia develops because of an abnormally formed hip joint, leading to instability, pain, and arthritis. Take your vet to the vet if your dog begins limping, struggling to stand up after resting, or moving in a bunny-hopping manner. Severe cases might need surgery. Sebaceous adenitis

Standard Poodle History

Although the Poodle is often associated with France, this breed actually originated from a different part of Europe.
Standard Poodles were bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl for duck hunters, which explains why today’s Poodles are such excellent swimmers. Their name comes from the German verb púddeln, which means “to splash.”
The Standard Poodle’s well-recognized haircut is rooted in the breed’s past as a water retriever. To keep them nimble and efficient in the water, the coat needed to be kept short. Long hair all around “would have tired them out and made it more likely they would drown,” Alexander says.
The hair that’s left behind in the classic Standard Poodle cut was there to provide strategic warmth during and after an outing. “We shaved the rear end so they could use those strong rear legs to tread water,” Alexander says. “We kept the big hair—their mane—to help them be buoyant, but also keep their heart and lungs warm.”
Because the Standard Poodle is so smart, Alexander says this breed has had a variety of occupations, from circus performers to truffle hunters. Over centuries, smaller versions of the Standard Poodle have emerged: the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle.
Standard Poodle puppies typically cost between $2,500–$4,000. If you’re ready to welcome a Standard Poodle puppy into your home, you can find reputable breeders on the AKC Marketplace. You can also find dogs for adoption at Standard Poodle rescues (like the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation) .

FAQs

How long do Standard Poodles live?

The Standard Poodle life expectancy is 10–18 years. As with any breed, their lifespan will vary depending on lifestyle, weight, and overall health.

Do Standard Poodles shed a lot?

No. In fact, Standard Poodles shed so little that they have a reputation for being a “hypoallergenic” dog breed. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for certain people with dog allergies.

How much does a Standard Poodle cost?

The price of an ethically bred Standard Poodle depends on the breeder, where you live, the dog’s lineage, and other factors. According to Alexander, most Standard Poodle puppies will cost $2,500–$4,000.

How big is a Standard Poodle?

Standard Poodles are the largest of the three types of Poodles, standing 15 inches or taller. Female Standard Poodles weigh 40–50 pounds, while males are larger at 60–70 pounds.

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Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Expectancy

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color