Standard Poodles are one of the three sizes of Poodle, along with Miniature and Toy Poodles. They are also the oldest of the three varieties and were originally bred in Germany as water dogs.

Standard Poodles stand between 18 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. In addition, standard Poodles are hypoallergenic, producing less dander than other dogs, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

They have a thick, dense coat that can be either short, medium, or long and curly and comes in a wide range of colors, including black, white, brown/chocolate/liver, cream, fawn, red, gold/yellow, gray, and blue. Standard Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats.

 If you’re thinking about adding a Standard Poodle to your family, here’s what you need to know. 

History

The Standard Poodle is one of the three sizes of the Poodle breed and is the oldest of the trio. Although their country of origin is up for debate, many people believe that Standard Poodles originated in Germany.

However, what we do know for certain is that Standard Poodles have been around since at least the 16th century. The AKC recognized the Standard Poodle in 1887.

The Standard Poodle’s job description has changed dramatically over time. They were initially bred to be proficient hunters who could help their owners find and retrieve game fowl from water.

In fact, “Poodle” is believed to be derived from the German word “Pudel,” which means “one who plays in water.” These days, however, Standard Poodles are more likely to be found competing in agility trials or obedience competitions than they are hunting alongside their owners. 

While the Standard Poodle’s job description has changed over the years, some things about the breed have stayed constant. For instance, Standard Poodles have always been known for their athleticism and intelligence.

In fact, these qualities are what originally made them popular as hunting dogs. Their dense, curly coats are also believed to have contributed to their success as hunting dogs, as they provided protection against cold water and briars. 

Nowadays, Standard Poodles are just as likely to be found in obedience or agility trials as they are in the show ring. Yet, they continue to excel in these arenas thanks to their athleticism, intelligence, and willingness to please their owners.

Appearance

Standard Poodle has a long, rectangular head with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is relatively long but not too pointy. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark in color. The ears are pendulous and drop down close to the cheekbones.

Coat

The Standard Poodle is a breed of dog known for its distinctive curly coat. The coat comes in various colors: black, white, brown/chocolate/liver, cream, fawn, red, gold/yellow, gray, and blue.

Standard Poodles are also hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to dogs. A Poodle’s coat comprises a wiry outer layer and a cotton-like undercoat. The two can quickly become matted, especially when the dog comes into contact with materials like sticky tree sap or mud.

Standard Poodles are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, and their coats can be challenging to keep clean. But for many people, the Standard Poodle’s coat is one of the breed’s most appealing features.

Size

Standard Poodles are one of the three sizes of Poodle, the other two being the Toy and Miniature Poodles. They are the largest of the three, with adult dogs measuring between 18 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.

Lifespan

Standard Poodles are notoriously long-lived, with many living well into their teens. In fact, the average lifespan of a Standard Poodle is between 12 and 15 years. While this is undoubtedly impressive, it is important to note that the lifespan of a Standard Poodle can vary depending on several factors.

For example, Standard Poodles that are well-cared-for and have access to good medical care tend to live longer than those that do not.

Additionally, diet and exercise play a role in the health and longevity of all dogs, including Standard Poodles. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a Standard Poodle as part of your family, be sure to give them the best possible care to help them enjoy a long and healthy life.

Environment

Standard Poodles were originally bred as water dogs, and they still love the water today. Whether it’s swimming, playing in a sprinkler, or just taking a walk in the rain, these dogs enjoy being outdoors.

They also need plenty of exercise, so a home with a large yard or easy access to walking trails is ideal. Standard Poodles are intelligent and easily trained, making them good candidates for obedience or agility trials.

And despite their reputation for being high-maintenance (thanks to their need for regular grooming), Standard Poodles are actually fairly low-maintenance when it comes to their living environment. As long as they have plenty of space to run and plenty of water to splash in, they’re happy.

Temperament

The Standard Poodle is a friendly dog that is easy to train. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. Standard Poodles excel in obedience and agility trials. They are also known for being great hunting companions.

Despite their reputation as being aloof or even snobbish, Standard Poodles are actually very friendly dogs. They enjoy being around people and do well in families with children.

Standard Poodles should be socialized early to learn how to interact with other dogs and people. Standard Poodles can be shy or aggressive around new people and animals without socialization. 

Grooming

As with all breeds, they come with their own set of unique grooming requirements. 

Brushing

Standard Poodles have a dense coat of curly hair that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles. Aim to brush your dog’s coat at least twice weekly, using a slicker brush or comb. Be sure to start at the head and work your way down the body, taking care not to pull too hard on the hair. If you find any mats, gently work them out with your fingers or a mat rake before brushing.

Bathing

Your Standard Poodle will need a bath every few weeks, or more often if it tends to get dirty (for example, if it likes to roll in the mud). Use a mild shampoo that is designed for dogs, and avoid getting water in your dog’s ears. When you’re finished bathing, use a towel to dry your dog off as much as possible before allowing it to air dry the rest of the way.

Ears

Check your dog’s ears weekly for signs of infection, such as redness, discharge, or excessive wax buildup. Clean the inside of the ears with a cotton ball dipped in an ear-cleansing solution recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid putting anything into the ear canal, which can damage delicate tissues. If you notice any signs of infection, take your dog to the vet right away.

Nails

Trim your dog’s nails every few weeks using canine-specific nail clippers (human nail clippers can be too sharp and damage the quick). If you can see the quick—the pink part of the nail—do not trim that area, as it will bleed and be painful for your dog. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how to properly trim your dog’s nails if you’re unsure how to do it. 

As you can see, there is quite a bit involved in grooming a Standard Poodle. However, by taking care of these grooming tasks on a regular basis, you’ll help ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy for years to come! And if you’re ever unsure about how to groom your dog properly, always err on the side of caution and consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Nutrition

The Standard Poodle is a highly active breed that requires a diet rich in nutrients and calories. Like all dogs, they need a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to stay healthy.

However, the Standard Poodle’s high energy level means they need slightly more calories than other breeds. In addition, they are also prone to certain health problems, such as joint pain, which can be alleviated with supplements.

As a result, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your Standard Poodle is getting all the nutrients they need.

Training

Standard Poodles are one of the most intelligent breed of dogs, and as a result, they are also one of the easiest to train. The key to successful Standard Poodle training is patience and consistency.

Like all dogs, Standard Poodles need to be taught basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. However, because they are so intelligent, they learn these commands quickly. Therefore, the real challenge with Standard Poodle training is teaching them tricks and behaviors that are more complicated.

But with a little patience and a lot of practice, even the most complex behaviors can be mastered by a Standard Poodle. 

Exercise

Standard Poodles need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks are a great way to provide your Standard Poodle with the physical activity they need, but they will also enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and even exploring new trails.

And because Standard Poodles are so intelligent, it’s also important to keep their minds active. Regular sessions of training or working on obedience exercises will help to keep your Standard Poodle mentally stimulated.

With a little bit of daily exercise, your Standard Poodle will be able to enjoy a long and healthy life by your side.

Conclusion

So there you have it – an overview of the Standard Poodle breed. If you’re looking for an intelligent, affectionate, and easy-to-train dog that will make a great addition to your family, the Standard Poodle might be the perfect breed for you!