About Standard Poodles!

🐩 Standard Poodle Information

📜 Breed Overview

Breed Name: Standard Poodle
Group: Non-Sporting Group (AKC)
Origin: Germany / France
Purpose: Originally bred as a water retriever
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Height: 18–24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45–70 pounds
Coat Type: Curly, dense, and hypoallergenic

🧠 Temperament & Personality

Standard Poodles are known for their:

High Intelligence – One of the smartest dog breeds; easy to train and quick learners.
Friendly Disposition – Loyal, affectionate, and good with children and other pets.
Energetic Nature – They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Loyalty & Sensitivity – Poodles are emotionally intelligent and bond closely with their families.

✂️ Grooming & Coat Care

Poodles require consistent grooming due to their curly, non-shedding coat.

Brushing: 3–4 times per week to prevent matting.
Professional Grooming: Every 4–6 weeks.
Common Clips: Puppy clip, Continental, Sporting, and Teddy Bear.
Ear Cleaning: Regular to prevent infections.
Nail Trimming & Teeth Cleaning: Monthly nails and weekly dental care.

🏃 Exercise & Activity

Standard Poodles are athletic and enjoy:

Daily walks (30–60 minutes)
Playtime in a secure yard
Swimming (they’re natural water retrievers!)
Canine sports: agility, obedience, dock diving

They thrive with both physical and mental challenges.

🍽️ Nutrition

A balanced, high-quality diet is crucial.

Feed based on age, weight, and activity level.
Choose food with real protein, healthy fats, and limited fillers.
Consider joint supplements and omega fatty acids for coat and joint health.
Avoid overfeeding; Poodles can become overweight without proper portion control.

👶 Family Compatibility

Standard Poodles are excellent family pets!

Great with kids when socialized early
Do well with other pets
Adaptable to various lifestyles, including apartment living if properly exercised

🧬 Breed History

Originally bred in Germany as water retrievers.
Became associated with French culture and grooming styles.
The "Standard" size is the original; Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred down from it.

Their iconic haircut wasn’t just for fashion — it helped them move efficiently through water while protecting vital organs from cold.

🐾 Training Tips

Poodles excel in training due to their intelligence:

Use positive reinforcement
Start socialization early
Crate training helps with housebreaking
Keep sessions short and fun
Challenge them with tricks and obedience games

They often thrive in obedience, rally, and even service work roles.

🏡 Is the Standard Poodle Right for You?

Consider a Standard Poodle if you want a dog that is:

✔ Intelligent and easy to train
✔ Non-shedding (hypoallergenic coat)
✔ Active and athletic
✔ Loyal, loving, and people-oriented

Avoid if you don’t have time for grooming or regular exercise.

🧐 Common Misconceptions & Myths About Standard Poodles

Despite being one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds, Standard Poodles are often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some common myths and misconceptions:

❌ Myth #1: “Poodles are prissy lapdogs.”

Truth:
Standard Poodles are athletic, intelligent, and originally bred as working dogs. The breed excels in hunting, retrieving, agility, and obedience. They’re anything but dainty!

❌ Myth #2: “They’re high-maintenance because of their fancy haircuts.”

Truth:
While Poodles do require regular grooming, the iconic “fancy” clip is optional. Many owners opt for low-maintenance, practical trims like the “puppy cut” or “teddy bear clip.” Grooming is more about upkeep than fashion.

❌ Myth #3: “They’re fragile or delicate.”

Truth:
Standard Poodles are strong, sturdy dogs. They have the energy, endurance, and athleticism to hike, swim, run, and play like any large breed. Don’t let their elegance fool you!

❌ Myth #4: “They’re not good with kids.”

Truth:
With proper socialization, Standard Poodles are amazing family dogs. They’re affectionate, patient, and love to play with children. Their gentle and intelligent nature makes them a great fit for homes with kids.

❌ Myth #5: “Poodles are yappy or overly vocal.”

Truth:
While Poodles will alert you to visitors, they are not inherently yappy or barky dogs. With proper training and attention, they’re typically quiet and well-mannered companions.

❌ Myth #6: “Hypoallergenic means allergy-free.”

Truth:
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. However, Poodles are one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers because they don’t shed and have less dander. Still, it’s important to spend time with one if you have allergies to be sure.

❌ Myth #7: “They’re too smart for their own good.”

Truth:
This one is sort of true — Standard Poodles are very smart, which means they need mental stimulation. Without it, they can get bored and act out. But with training, puzzles, and interaction, they thrive and love to please.

❌ Myth #8: “All Poodles are the same.”

Truth:
There are three sizes of Poodles (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and while they share core traits, their energy levels and temperaments can vary. Standard Poodles are the largest and often more active and versatile than their smaller cousins.

❌ Myth #9: “They’re just show dogs.”

Truth:
Standard Poodles can do it all — they’re not just for the show ring. They make excellent service dogs, hunting companions, therapy animals, and even excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and tracking.

📞 Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about our available Standard Poodle puppies?