Standard Poodle
Standard Poodle Facts
Characteristics
Although the origin of the Standard Poodle is widely disputed, with some saying they are from France and others insist they come from Germany, there is no doubt that this majestic dog is fascinating in every way.
In terms of appearance, the Poodle is large and boxy in shape. It possesses long dangling ears and a protruding nose. Its fluffy fur, which is curly and dense texturally, comes in colors like black, red, silver, white, or brown.
Taking second place as the most intelligent dog breed, the Standard Poodle thrives in activities that showcase its showmanship and athleticism. This breed tends to dominate at dog shows. The Poodle breed has captured 6 “Best in Show” titles in past years.
Height
Under the umbrella of the Poodle breed, there are 3 sub-breeds that are based on the different sizes Poodles come in.
The American Kennel Club lists the following sizes of Poodle that are officially recognized:
- Standard Poodle: The Standard Poodle must be at least 15 inches tall.
- Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle must be under 15 inches tall but no less than 10 inches.
- Toy Poodle: The Toy Poodle cannot be taller than 10 inches.
Weight
After seeing some pictures of the Standard Poodle, many may wonder, “how big do Standard Poodles get?” This is because they can appear larger than they are in pictures.
The Standard Poodle males can weigh up to 70 pounds, and the females can get up to about 50 pounds. Naturally, there are significant weight differences for the Miniature and Toy Poodle types.
Popular Standard Poodle Mixed Breeds
There also exists a wide variety of mixed Poodle breeds that are popular. A dog that is a Poodle mixed with another breed is called a Doodle. Most Doodles have the classic tight, curly fur and Poodle-like coloring. Doodle owners are often delighted to know that these mixed breeds usually shed very minimally, which is a trait specific to Poodles.
However, every type of Doodle also possesses unique characteristics specific to the other breed it is mixed with.
Enumerated below are the most popular Doodle breeds and the type of breed the Poodle is mixed with:
- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever mix)
- Labradoodle (Labrador mix)
- Bidoodle (Bichon Frise mix)
- Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix)
- Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog mix)
- Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog mix)
- Newfypoo (Newfoundland mix)
- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel mix)
- Rottle (Rottweiler mix)
For interested Doodle owners, it is important to research each of these mixed breeds extensively before purchasing. Mixed breeds, as fascinating as they may be, usually come with a multitude of health issues due to factors associated with crossbreeding.
For more information on Poodles, Doodles, or mixed breeds in general, the AKC National Breed Clubs and Rescue website has an abundance of valuable information. The site also offers dog lovers information on how to help with dog rescue outreaches.
Standard Poodle Personality Type
As mentioned before, the Standard Poodle is regal, dignified, even posh in both its temperament and its appearance. It walks with a graceful gait and maintains a curious gaze.
This sharp breed requires frequent mental stimulation. It can quickly get bored with monotonous activities. It is recommended that training and challenging games be part of its daily routine. This breed does well with calm, yet firm commands from its owner.
Interestingly, the Standard Poodle is prone to experience separation anxiety when left alone for too long. This breed loves to please its owners and will respond in kind to any affection it receives.
Besides its claim to fame as a dog show champion, the Standard Poodle is a fun-loving dog that adores people, and it is often a delightful companion for many.
Caring for Standard Poodles
Grooming
One of the most important aspects of caring for a Standard Poodle, is to keep its coat trimmed and healthy. Because of their dense, almost coarse hair, it can easily mat into tangled knots. Unless the hair is kept very short, it will need to be thoroughly brushed every day to keep matting at bay.
If professional grooming is used, the Poodle should be brought in every 6 weeks or less for grooming.
In terms of shedding, this breed is known to do it little to none. In fact, they are one of the few breeds that are hypoallergenic. This means that their coats produce little to no dander, which is a common trigger for people suffering from allergies. This is music to the ears of those that struggle with severe pet allergies.
Exercise
This breed, due to their muscular physique and love of training, requires daily exercise. Whether it be tracking, training, or playtime games, Poodles flourish when they are active throughout the day. This breed also loves swimming and playing water-based games.
Food
Energetic breeds such as the Standard Poodle require ample food and water throughout the day. Of course, this should be regimented. Any dog that receives too much food or too many treats is at risk for excessive weight gain or bloating.
Since this breed is frequently trained, treats should be strictly used for training purposes.
Standard Poodle Health Issues
A few notable assets that the Standard Poodle breed retains are a long life and robust health. The Standard Poodle lifespan ranges between 12 to 18 years. As with all canines, Poodles should receive core vaccinations (such as those for rabies and parvo) and should receive heartworm and flea and tick medication each month.
Even so, every dog breed has several common health issues that are particular to them. The American Health Club suggests all Standard Poodles receive evaluations of their hips and eyes during their life. This is because Standard Poodles in particular are often afflicted with joint and eye issues.
Here are the common health concerns that Standard Poodles tend to have:
- Hip dysplasia
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Sebaceous adenitis
While there are several other notable health issues that Standard Poodles face, these are some of the most frequently seen.
It is highly recommended that, just like every breed dog, Standard Poodles should regularly be seeing a vet for check-up and examinations. If any questions or concerns arise about a dog, a vet is the most valuable source of accurate information. You can find small dog breeds being added to our site each month, too!