Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is the first and largest Poodle. The Standard Poodle has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Origin
The Standard Poodle is often considered to be the national dog of France, but is believed to have originated in Germany. The name “Poodle” is derived from the German word “Pudel,” which means “to splash in the water.” German hunters used the Standard Poodle as a water retrieving dog and were responsible for creating the unusual clipped look of the dog’s coat. The Standard Poodle was strategically clipped to allow the dog to move through water more efficiently while also protecting their organs and joints from the cold.
Size
The Standard Poodle weighs 45 and 70 pounds and measures 15 or more inches.
Grooming Needs
The Standard Poodle requires regular grooming to maintain their thick, curly coat. If the Standard Poodle is being shown, they will need to be professionally trimmed and bathed every three to six weeks. If the Standard Poodle is not being shown, they can go six to eight weeks between trips to the groomer or they may be able to be groomed at home with the right tools and a willing owner.
Like all dogs, the Standard Poodle needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis. The Standard Poodle also has runny eyes that tend to stain the hair on their face. Their faces should be wiped clean every day to minimize the chance of any staining.
Character
The Standard Poodle is faithful, humorous and among the most intelligent dog breeds.
Temperament
The Poodle is often thought of as nervous, frail and shy. In reality, the Standard Poodle is energetic and confident. The Standard Poodle loves to play and spend time with their family. They crave attention and will behave like a clown to get it.
The Standard Poodle is very loyal to their family and does quite well with children. Their greatest desire is to be with their family and they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Since they are so devoted to their family, the Standard Poodle also makes an effective watchdog. They do like people, but are wary of strangers and will bark when someone new approaches.
Training Needs
The Standard Poodle is quite intelligent and can be easily trained. The Standard Poodle enjoys learning new tricks and likes to be challenged. They typically excel at agility and obedience competitions. One of the keys to training a Standard Poodle is consistency. The dog thrives when their routine is the same from day to day. The Standard Poodle also needs to know that their owner is the pack leader or they will try and take over as the alpha of the home.
Activity Level
The Standard Poodle was originally bred to be a working dog and still requires a daily walk. They especially love to run and play in the water. The Standard Poodle generally needs more activity than other types of Poodles. Without regular exercise, the Poodle can become hyperactive.
