Standard poodle: Dog breed characteristics & care

• Standard Poodles are from Germany. The Poodle name is derived from the German “pudelin,” which refers to splashing in the water.
• Poodles are service dogs. Poodles are used as guide dogs for visually impaired people and they also provide assistance to those with physical disabilities and serve as therapy dogs.
• One of the smartest breeds. According to Stanley Coren’s list of highly intelligent working breeds, the poodle can understand new commands in less than 5 repetitions.

The standard poodle is a majestic breed that has won the hearts of many over the years. Known for their intelligence, athleticism, and low-shedding coats, these dogs are an excellent option for families with children and other pets.

With kids, standard poodles are patient, gentle, and love to play, making them great companions. They also get along well with cats and other animals if they receive proper training and socialization from an early age. Standard poodles are usually charming and welcoming when it comes to meeting new people. However, this breed can be territorial Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , so teaching socialization early on is best!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard describes the poodle as an active and intelligent breed. Poodles of all three sizes, though especially the standard, indeed often carry themselves with an air of distinction and dignity.

The standard poodle is quite adaptable but truly thrives in larger homes with room to roam. These dogs are avid walkers and need daily exercise and play to keep them mentally stimulated. A large backyard to play fetch in is ideal for this larger-sized poodle.

Have you ever wondered what the “ideal” appearance of a standard poodle should be? Standard poodles, like other purebred dogs, have a specific set of traits that give them their unique and elegant appearance.

From their curly coats to recognizable facial features, these dogs know how to catch everyone’s attention! The AKC breed standard Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source states that both the general appearance and color of purebred standard poodles should adhere to the following criteria:

• General appearance. A well-proportioned, square build and sound movements with a proud carriage are deemed desirable in poodles.. They’re often clipped traditionally and carefully groomed with an air of distinction.
• Color. Solid colors, including blacks, whites, blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots, and creams, are acceptable in the dog show ring. Pet poodles can also come in a combination of any of these colors

Standard poodles are generally healthy dogs, but like many other breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Owners should be aware of the potential for skin allergies and problems with their eyes and ears. Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for monitoring your pup’s health and allowing early detection and treatment of any problems that may arise.

• Atrial septal defects. Canine atrial septal defect (ASD) Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source is an infrequently occurring heart problem in which there is a gap between the upper chambers of the heart. It is currently being seen more often in standard poodles, leading to theories that it may have a hereditary basis.
• Cushing’s disease. There are three varieties of canine Cushing’s disease, the most widespread being pituitary-dependent (PD). In this form, dogs develop a slow-growing tumor in the pituitary gland that causes the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol due to an excessive amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This condition commonly impacts all three poodle sizes.
• Sebaceous adenitis. Standard poodles are especially prone to this skin disorder, an inflammation of the sebaceous glands Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source . It has been suggested that this disease may have a genetic component, although it is not yet known how it is inherited. The Standard Poodle accounts for most cases but has also been seen in Miniature and Toy Poodles.
• Progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source encompasses a range of diseases that degrade the structures of the retina located in the back of the eye. These pathologies cause a gradual deterioration of retinal cells, typically leading to blindness.
• Idiopathic epilepsy. All types of poodles may be affected by a hereditary condition known as idiopathic epilepsy. This disorder can range from mild seizures to more severe episodes, which may include unusual behavior such as running around in a panicked manner, staggering, or hiding in the bathroom.

Cost of caring for a standard poodle

A purebred standard poodle will typically cost between $600 to $2,000 from a breeder.  Prices can vary depending on the quality of the dog, its pedigree, and other factors. Dogs adopted from shelters and breed rescues may cost less and are worth researching as many groups are Poodle ambassadors. They may also have puppies available.

The health issues affecting a standard poodle may become expensive as some treatment plans are ongoing and life-long. Regarding the expected or unexpected, pet insurance can also help pet owners manage ongoing health issues like allergies. Signing up your canine buddy early on is the best plan of attack. And always have a budget set aside for emergencies and a pet savings account.

The Poodle originated in Germany, but the French have regarded the breed as the national dog of their country. The “French Poodle” is simply used to refer to a breed with a continental clip but many people associate the breed with France! The Poodle has been employed as a hunting retriever and circus performer in both countries.

The Poodle name is derived from the German word “pudelin,” which refers to splashing in the water. The French call the breed the Caniche, which means duck dog. These water retrievers are still used in the field today. Poodles are commonly used as service dogs. This breed is also employed as guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities, and therapy dogs.

Caring for a new puppy of any breed can be overwhelming. You’ll need to make your first trip to the vet and schedule your dog’s vaccinations. It’s important to talk to your vet about parasite treatment or a preventative. We can even help you puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething. No one likes to think about losing their new dog, but FidoAlert provides a free Fido ID and tag, so you’re ready just in case.

An additional expense with all poodles is grooming! Poodles of all sizes are known for their luxurious, wavy, fluffy coats. To maintain their beautiful appearance, regular brushing is needed daily to keep tangles and mats away. For optimal results, it’s recommended to visit the groomer every six weeks for a trim.

Exercise

Exercise is just as crucial for pet owners as it is for dogs!

Pet owners should plan on spending at least 60 minutes per day exercising their standard poodle. This should be strenuous exercise, and mental stimulation is just as important and will keep them out of trouble.

As an intelligent and high-energy dog breed, exercise is essential to living with a poodle. Poodles are bred to be active sporting dogs, and a bored poodle may become destructive. Standard poodles thrive in dog sports like obedience competitions. Agility, flyball, dock diving, and canicross Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source are all good options for dog sports.

Grooming

Standard poodles require daily brushing, regular trims at the groomer every six weeks, and other grooming services such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. An additional expense with all poodles is grooming! This is true for all three sizes – even the toy poodle.

The coat is non-shedding, and most owners find the shorter clips easier to maintain than the continental clip seen in the show ring. This clip began to keep the dog warm during the cold weather. The tufts of hair over the joints and torsos insulate them in the cold water.

Diet and nutrition

Feed poodles a high-quality, balanced diet with good-quality protein. When in doubt, pet owners should always ask their vet for nutritional advice. There is little to no difference in the nutritional needs of the different-sized poodles. The only difference is in portioning. Your standard poodle’s meals should be adjusted based on their activity, and pet owners need to watch their pet’s weight to avoid issues like obesity

Your poodle must receive the proper amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Most commercial diets are formulated to standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about the diet you plan to feed your dog.

Poodles’ intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train. The poodle was ranked as the second smartest breed according to Stanley Cohen’s famous 1994 canine intelligence test, behind only the border collie.

Given poodles are intelligent dogs, experts recommend daily 15-minute training sessions. These need to be frequent enough to build on the previous session. Always hire a positive reinforcement trainer.

Is a standard poodle breed right for you? It’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds.

Here are a few breeds similar to the standard poodle to get you started:

• Spanish water dog. The Spanish water dog is a working breed known for its natural swimming ability. This breed is intelligent, loyal, and playful. They have a thick, curly coat that requires frequent grooming to keep it looking its best.
• Airedale terrier. The Airedale terrier is an independent yet affectionate breed. Originally bred for hunting rats and other small prey, the Airedale terrier has a double coat of medium length, which needs regular brushing and grooming.
• Lagotto Romagnolo. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a rare Italian dog with a beautiful curly coat. They are very active, so they require plenty of exercise. plus, their coats need daily brushing to prevent tangles.