Dog Profiles

The Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is an active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well-proportioned, moving soundly and carrying themselves proudly. The Standard Poodle still retains its ability as a gundog and swim well. Intelligent and eager to learn makes them popular in obedience trials. Steady, smart and loyal they will do anything an owner could wish for including obedience, shows, tricks, hunting and retrieving. The Poodle is happy good tempered dogs who make a good family pet. Favored among asthma suffers because of its wooly coat.


Other Names: Barbone, Caniche

Height: 22 - 27 in.
Weight: 45 - 70 lb.

Color: Solid colors
Coat: Very profuse and dense, harsh texture.

Temperament: The Standard Poodle is intelligent, lively.
With Children: Yes, though a Standard Poodle puppy may be too much for a small child.
With Pets: Yes
Special Skills: Hunting dog.

Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Medium

Care and Exercise: Frequent trimming, brushing and shampooing of the Standard Poodle coat. Ears must be kept very clean. Nails trimmed short and teeth brushed weekly. Even the pet poodle should attend the canine beauty parlor every six weeks or so. The Standard Poodle enjoys a fair amount of exercise like swimming and retrieving, walks or free run. Makes a great jogging partner.
Training: Fairly easy to train as the Standard Poodle is very intelligent and they learn quickly.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving - Very High

Activity: Medium - Low
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is preferred as the Standard Poodle is an energetic dog who enjoys exercise. An owner of a Poodle should desire a smart, happy, dog who excels in obedience.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia and stifle problems.

Life Span: 10 - 13 years
Litter Size: 3 - 8

Country of Origin: France
History of the Poodle: Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as the country of the Poodle origin though some authorities attribute Germany as the country of origin. There are also references to other dogs of similar type in Russia and several other southwestern European nations. The Germans probably gave them the name Pudel, which means to splash in water. Originally bred as a retriever and flusher of birds the Poodle became quite popular among French aristocracy and was designated the national dog of France.

First Registered by the AKC: 1887
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Class: Non-Sporting
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC (GB), UKC