Standard Poodle Traits

The distinctive Poodle has been known in Western Europe for over 400 years. It is not 100 percent clear where the breed first originated; a number of countries have been suggested including France, Denmark and Germany, where it was thought to have been used as a gun dog and water retriever. The Poodle comes in three sizes: standard, toy and miniature, and the standard is the oldest of the three. It is one of the most popular breeds in America, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics, and has been the national dog of France for years.

  1. Appearance

    • For a standard Poodle to be categorized as such, it must be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. The majority are between 22 and 27 inches tall, meaning they are medium- to large-sized dogs. Males weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, while females weigh slightly less. The coat is clipped into the distinctive "Poodle clip" to keep it tidy, as the curly hair can cord if left to grow naturally. To conform to the breed standard, the coat must be a solid color, and can be anything from white to black, and many colors in between.

    Temperament

    • The Poodle is a very smart dog and does very well in obedience training. The standard Poodle is calmer and less energetic than the smaller varieties of Poodle, but can easily become highly-strung if it does not get enough exercise. Poodles prefer to be with their owners, rather than outside in a kennel, and do not like being alone. This breed is generally great with children and other dogs and usually has a relaxed attitude with strangers.

    Health

    • Although standard Poodles have a relatively long life span of 12 to 15 years, they are still susceptible to several genetic conditions. These include hip dysplasia, ear infections, skin problems and allergies. The breed can also suffer from eye conditions like runny eyes and cataracts. Poodles may benefit from three smaller meals each day rather than one large one. This breed can be prone to bloating and smaller portions can ease this.

    More Facts

    • The distinctive way the coat of the Poodle is clipped did not originate for a decorative purpose. It was actually designed to protect the organs and joints of the dog when it was working in cold water. The coat is hypoallergenic, which may lessen allergic reactions, but it requires extensive professional grooming to keep it at its best. Poodles need to be bathed on a regular basis, and their coats should be clipped every six to eight weeks. Providing this breed has daily exercise, it will be fairly inactive indoors, and as a result can live in all domestic environments including apartments.