About the Standard Poodle Breed:
Today there are three sizes of Poodles: toy, miniature and standard. The standard, or largest size, is actually thought to be the original Poodle.
If you've never met a Standard Poodle, chances are you think they're like the typical small poodles...floofy and hyper. You may even have seen the Standards clipped for show, and they look identical to the little ones, only bigger. If you have met a Standard, though, you already know that they are very different from the smaller varieties!
It comes as a surprise to most people that Standard Poodles are very large, and are listed as a Sporting breed. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Being bred to be water retrievers is how they acquired the goofy haircut. The haircuts were originally designed to protect the dogs' joints and vital organs against damage from the cold water they were going into as a retriever of ducks and other birds.
Standard Poodles are one of the most highly intelligent, trainable and versatile breeds of dog out there! Governments have often used them in a variety of ways because of this. They originated in Germany, as a working/sporting dog. When they arrived in France, however, they were developed as show dogs and companions for the wealthy. They have a very regal, elegant look about them and carry themselves gracefully.
The larger size makes Standards a wonderful and sturdy family pet. They are a very agile, athletic breed, and an excellent companion. Their quick wit, enthusiasm, and eagerness to please, make them great fun to be around. They love their people, are loyal, want to be a part of the family, are protective, and make a decent watchdog, though they tend not to be agressive. They're excellent with other animals, children, and pretty much everyone and everything they meet. Naturally outgoing and social, these dogs have a steady temperment, and as we have discovered, make excellent farm dogs!
Standard Poodles are not well suited for someone who wants to sit around and do nothing. They enjoy getting out, and do need a fair amount of exercise. They are great house dogs, though as well, and if exercised will be calm when indoors and more than happy to lay at your feet.
The puppies need to be properly socialized or they can occasionally be timid or shy around new things. All Poodles are non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs, so are great for people with allergies. This does require that they have regular grooming.
They are an elegant, sturdy dog who fits right into the family circle and makes himself yours!
Life Expectancy: 10-15 Years.
Height: Over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the 22-27" range
Weight: Dogs 45-70 pounds, bitches 45-60 pounds
Below are lists we've compiled on Standard Poodles' possible Good and Bad Traits as well as Health Concerns. This should not be considered a complete list, and you should always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions. Do not take our word over his/hers!
Good:
- Non-Shed and hypoallergenic
- Probably the most intelligent dog breed
- Excellent with children, other animals, and new people and situations
- Devoted family dogs
- Suitable for the first-time dog owner as well as the experienced owner
- Are good watchdogs, but are not agressive
Possible Bad:
- Not suited for someone who doesn't want to get out and exercise. They're highly intelligent, and lively, so need attention in both aspects.
- Are a larger dog, so may accidentally knock over very small children, or a frail or unstable person in their enthusiasm. They tend to be quite attentive that way, though, and are quite dainty for their size.
- Their coat needs regular brushing and clipping. They also have floppy ears, so those need to be properly cleaned regularily.
Possible Breed-Related/Genetic Health Concerns:
(Neither Roxy or Monty is known to have any of these health issues, and both have tested 'Good' with the OFA)
- Bloat is something many large, deep-chested breeds are prone to. Can often be prevented by feeding a few smaller meals rather than one large meal per day.
- Cataracts
- Renal disease (Usually in Toy and Miniature poodles. Rarely in Standards)
- Sebaceous Adenitis is something any size poodle is susceptible to. The Apricot poodle seems to be more prone to this.
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Addisons Disease
- Hip Dysplasia is something many large breeds are prone to. Parents of puppies should be OFA screened.
Hopefully this information is of some assistance to you when choosing the special new addition to your family. Remember, each dog is different, so when we talk about the breed traits, they are not 'set in stone'.
Poodles in Performance
Poodles are always ready to demonstrate just how versatile they can be and how ready and willing they are to work. Below are a few of the performance areas one can explore with their poodle:
* Agility
* Obedience
* Rally
* Working Certificate/Working Certificate Excellent Trial
Certificate Excellent Trial * Hunting
* Canine Good Citizen
* Tracking
Lots More
Standard Poodle
Information
I've discovered a really good resource for information specifically about Standard Poodles. I've contacted the owner of this website, and have her permission to link you to it.
Thank you so much, Sandy, for all your research, and all the work in setting up this fantastic website!!
