The Standard Poodle is an elegant, medium to large-sized dog, with a profuse, but well groomed and clipped, wiry curly coat. The head and muzzle are long. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are wide and hanging close to the head. The eyes are oval and generally very dark. Brown and cafe-au-lait colored Poodles have dark amber eyes, while apricot dogs may have amber eyes, but dark eyes are considered better. The Poodles length from breastbone to rump is approximately the same as the height at the withers. The topline is level except for a slight depression behind the withers. The croup is rounded and the feet are compact, small, and oval. The tail is docked to half the original length. All solid colors are allowed. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the entire body, the "English saddle clip," and the "Continental clip," with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tail and hips. The Standard Poodle has a delightful springy gait.
Temperament :
The Standard Poodle is proud, elegant, dignified and good-natured. These dogs are highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. They are pleasant, happy and sensitive. The Standard Poodle tends to be a bit calmer than the smaller variety of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give them the proper amount and type of exercise. They need to be with people and dislike being alone. They are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some Standards are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader, providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues.
Height :
15 (38cm) or more
Weight :
Dogs 45-70 pounds (20-32kg.) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg.)
Health problems :
A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness, allergies and skin conditions are common... possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer. Hip dysplasia, runny eyes, and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat, so it is wise to feed your Standard 2-3 small meals a day, rather then one large one.
Living condition :
If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice.
Exercise :
The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties.
Life expectancy :
About 12-15 or more years.
Grooming :
Extensive grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming while protecting the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip - the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. (See description for different styles of clips.)
Origin :
Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place on the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water. The Poodle was used as a gun dog. Originally the breed was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help him swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breeds high intelligence, trainability and innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breeds common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle is called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodles varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything.
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