Introduction

Standard Poodles are vibrant, agile, and remarkably intelligent water dogs originally bred for retrieving waterfowl. Their plush, curly coats come in a stunning array of colors, including classic black, pure white, rich red, shimmering silver, deep brown, and striking parti-color patterns featuring white with bold color patches.

As medium-to-large-sized dogs, Standard Poodles stand at 18–24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 40–70 pounds. They are the largest of the three Poodle varieties, which also include the Miniature and Toy Poodles.

Caring for a Standard Poodle

Known for their friendly disposition, Standard Poodles make exceptional family companions. Their signature curly coat has a lengthy growth cycle, which can lead to prone matting if not properly cared for. Consistent grooming—both regular brushing at home and periodic visits to a professional groomer—helps keep their coat silky, healthy, and tangle-free.

Beyond grooming, Standard Poodles require daily exercise and ongoing training to stimulate both their bodies and sharp minds, ensuring they remain happy and well-balanced.

Standard Poodle Health Issues

The average lifespan of a Standard Poodle ranges from 10 to 18 years. This breed generally enjoys robust health but, like all dogs, may face certain medical challenges that require veterinary attention.

Reputable breeders screen their Standard Poodles for inherited health conditions to ensure healthy litters, but early investment in pet insurance can provide peace of mind.

Here are several key health concerns to monitor:

Hip Dysplasia

Due to their size, Standard Poodles are susceptible to hip dysplasia—a genetic orthopedic condition where the hip joint fails to form properly, resulting in loose, unstable joints.

This condition can cause inflammation, painful scar tissue, and eventually arthritis. Watch for signs like limping, difficulty standing, or an unusual “bunny-hopping” gait. If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Management includes maintaining a healthy weight, tailored diet, controlled exercise, supplements, laser therapy, and medications, with severe cases sometimes requiring surgical intervention.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy manifests as recurrent seizures characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, and sometimes loss of bladder or bowel control.

Seizures often last one to two minutes, followed by a disoriented recovery phase lasting from minutes to hours. Typical onset occurs between 2 and 5 years of age. Epilepsy in Standard Poodles can be successfully managed with veterinary-prescribed anticonvulsant medications.

Von Willebrand Disease

This blood-clotting disorder, although rare, is more common in Poodles than other breeds. Von Willebrand disease impairs normal clotting, which can pose serious risks during surgeries or injuries.

A simple DNA test can detect this condition, enabling proactive management to protect your Standard Poodle’s health.

Skin Conditions

Standard Poodles may experience several skin issues, including:

• Skin infections secondary to allergies
• Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune disorder targeting the skin’s oil glands
• Sebaceous cysts, benign wart-like lumps that generally are harmless unless inflamed or injured

Any unusual changes in your Poodle’s skin warrant evaluation by a veterinarian.

Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Standard Poodles are at risk for GDV, a life-threatening emergency wherein the stomach fills with gas or food and then twists, cutting off critical blood flow.

If your dog exhibits symptoms such as:

• A visibly swollen, distended belly
• Excessive drooling and heavy panting
• Restlessness and pacing
• Retching without producing vomit

seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

A preventative gastropexy, often performed during spay or neuter surgery, secures the stomach to the abdominal wall and significantly reduces GDV risk, especially in deep-chested dogs.

What To Feed a Standard Poodle

As powerful athletes, Standard Poodles thrive on a nutritionally balanced diet formulated for large breeds. Highly active dogs benefit from sport formulas that deliver increased calories and nutrients.

There are also breed-specific diets tailored for Poodles available. Consulting your veterinarian can help you select the optimal food to meet your dog’s unique needs.

Avoid feeding human foods and table scraps to prevent digestive upset.

How To Feed a Standard Poodle

Caloric intake should correspond with your Poodle’s activity level and lifestyle. With their lean physiques and predisposition to joint issues like hip dysplasia, it’s crucial to avoid overfeeding and adhere to feeding guidelines on dog food packaging.

Feed your Standard Poodle twice daily and consider using a slow feeder bowl to reduce the risk of eating too quickly, which can lead to vomiting and bloat.

Additional tips to prevent bloat:

• Restrict exercise for at least an hour before and after meals
• Avoid raised food bowls
• Offer smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large serving

How Much Should You Feed a Standard Poodle?

While feeding recommendations provide a helpful baseline, your veterinarian is the best resource for determining precise portions, taking into account your Poodle’s age, weight, activity, and overall health.

Monitor your dog’s weight and body condition closely. Active Poodles burn calories quickly, but excessive weight can exacerbate joint pain related to hip dysplasia and arthritis. Your vet can help you maintain an ideal balance.

Nutritional Tips for Standard Poodles

Because of their susceptibility to joint problems, your vet might suggest joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and cartilage health. Popular, vet-approved brands include Dasuquin and GlycoFlex.

Standard Poodle Personality and Temperament

Standard Poodles are affectionate, intelligent, and lively. Their boundless energy means they flourish with plenty of physical activity and consistent training.

Eager to please, they respond excellently to positive reinforcement and appreciate having purposeful tasks, making training enjoyable and effective.

Thanks to their friendly nature, they often do well with children, though supervision is important, especially around younger kids, as their size and enthusiasm can inadvertently lead to accidents during play.

Standard Poodle Behavior

A mentally and physically engaged Standard Poodle is a well-behaved and content companion. These dogs typically require one to two hours of exercise daily to channel their high energy productively.

Their intelligence demands mental enrichment as much as physical. Puzzle toys, exploratory walks, and ongoing training sessions keep their keen minds occupied.

Without sufficient stimulation, Standard Poodles may develop problematic behaviors such as incessant barking or digging.

Proper puppy socialization is crucial for fostering confidence and good manners—consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.

Standard Poodle Training

With their sharp intellect, Standard Poodles quickly pick up new commands and tricks.

After mastering basic obedience, challenge your dog with advanced training to maintain mental sharpness. They excel in dog sports such as agility, dock diving, and flyball, where their athleticism and intelligence shine.

Fun Activities for Standard Poodles

• Agility courses
• Hunting and retrieving games
• Swimming
• Learning new tricks
• Flyball competitions
• Dock diving
• Hiking adventures
• Running alongside their owner

Standard Poodle Grooming Guide

One of the reasons Standard Poodles are beloved is their elegant, curly coats that shed minimally, making them a preferred choice for some allergy sufferers. Though no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Poodles are among the breeds that shed less dander.

Despite low shedding, their luxurious coats demand dedicated care.

Coat Care

Daily brushing with a slicker brush is essential to prevent matting and tangles.

Complement home grooming with professional trims every six to eight weeks to keep their fast-growing hair manageable and healthy.

Skin Care

Bathing every month with dog-friendly shampoos helps maintain skin and coat health. After each bath, ensure your Poodle’s coat is thoroughly dried to avoid irritation—using a high-velocity dryer or entrusting this step to a professional groomer can help.

Because Poodles may have sensitive skin, watch for any signs of itchiness, redness, or flaky patches, and consult your vet as needed.

Eye Care

Most Poodles require minimal eye care. However, white or light-furred Standard Poodles are prone to tear staining.

Regularly use tear stain removers like Optixcare wipes or supplements such as Zesty Paws Tear Stain Bites to minimize discoloration.

If you notice unusual eye discharge or redness, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Ear Care

Standard Poodles can be vulnerable to ear infections secondary to allergies. Signs include redness, unpleasant odor, and wax buildup.

To help prevent infections:

• Clean ears with a vet-approved solution after baths and swimming sessions.
• Discuss recurring ear issues with your veterinarian, as they may indicate allergies needing management.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Standard Poodles thrive in active homes where caregivers have the time and enthusiasm to provide daily exercise and mental engagement. Ideal environments include households with multiple adults or older children ready to play and interact regularly.

A securely fenced yard is advantageous but not required.

Families interested in advanced training, agility, or canine sports will find these intelligent dogs especially rewarding. Prospective owners must also be prepared for the time and financial commitment of daily brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain their Poodle’s iconic coat.

Is a Standard Poodle a good family dog?

Absolutely! Standard Poodles are friendly, social, and enjoy interacting with family members, making them wonderful companions for households.

Are Standard Poodles smart dogs?

Yes, they rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, able to learn commands and tasks quickly.

What’s the difference between Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles?

The primary distinction lies in size:

• Standard Poodles stand 22–27 inches tall at the shoulder
• Miniature Poodles reach 13–15 inches
• Toy Poodles measure 10 inches or less at the shoulder