Standard Poodle Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Beneath the fancy haircut, the Standard Poodle is a hardworking water retriever with one of the sharpest brains in the dog world. It is athletic, graceful and surprisingly goofy at home.

Origins and appearance

The Standard is the original Poodle size, developed in Germany and France to retrieve waterfowl. The pompoms on the classic clip had a function, protecting joints and vital organs in cold water. Today's Standard is a square, elegant dog with a long muzzle, drop ears and a dense, curly coat in solid colors. Many weigh between forty and seventy pounds.

Temperament

Standards are intelligent, sensitive and playful. They bond deeply with their family and often shadow their owners. Many are cautious with strangers at first, and they need socialization to stay confident. They tend to be good with children and other pets but can be exuberant, so teach calm manners. They dislike being ignored and may pace or bark if bored.

Exercise

A Standard needs about an hour or more of exercise daily. Swimming, fetch, running and hiking suit them, and many love dog sports such as agility, dock diving and obedience. Mental work like scent games and trick training is equally important. Under-exercised Poodles can become anxious or destructive.

Training

This breed learns quickly and loves to please. Use positive training with variety and humor. Teach a reliable recall, since many enjoy chasing birds or squirrels. See recall training guide. They tolerate heavy-handed methods poorly, so keep a gentle approach. Early manners prevent jumping.

Coat and grooming

The dense curly coat needs brushing several times a week, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. Book a professional clip every four to six weeks. See poodle coat care and grooming guide. Pluck or clean ear hair as advised, trim nails and brush teeth. Grooming is a significant ongoing cost.

Health considerations

Frequently discussed concerns include:

• Bloat and GDV, a risk in deep-chested dogs. See bloat and GDV in dogs and how to reduce bloat risk
• Addison's disease. See Addison's disease in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition
• Eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy and thyroid disease
• Cancer, including splenic tumors in older dogs

Ask breeders about health screening, DNA tests and family history.

Living with a Standard Poodle

They can live in homes of various sizes if exercise is met, but they do best with a fenced yard or regular outings. They enjoy family involvement and are poor candidates for kennel life.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clever, and need early socialization and training. Start grooming practice immediately. Feed measured meals and avoid heavy exercise just after eating. Avoid forced running while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Standard Poodle suits active people who want a trainable, low-shedding athlete and can afford grooming. It may not suit someone who is away all day or wants minimal grooming. For a smaller choice, see the Miniature Poodle.

Common owner mistakes

New owners underestimate the exercise and thinking time needed, and some neglect grooming until the coat matts. Others feed one large meal and exercise straight afterwards, which is a risk factor for bloat in deep-chested breeds. Give two meals, rest around feeding and learn the signs of bloat. Avoid isolating a Standard Poodle, since they do best as part of the family.

Costs to plan for

Expect substantial grooming costs, high-quality food for a large dog and routine veterinary care, plus savings or insurance for emergencies such as bloat surgery. See emergency vet costs for dogs and dog pet insurance guide.

The takeaway

Standard Poodles are smart, active and elegant, and they need exercise, training and regular grooming.