
Proud, active, and very smart. Poodles are elegant dogs with a non-shedding coat and exceptional intelligence.
Personality and care at a glance
Height
45-61 cm18-24"
Weight
18-32 kg39.5-70.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barks when necessary
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
Balanced companionship
How well Standard Poodle matches your lifestyle
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Standard Poodle matches your lifestyle.
Standard Poodle comes in 7 recognized colors
Chocolate
Silver
Activity requirements for Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1+ hour daily of exercise and mental games
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
Coat care and maintenance for Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Training approach for Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Feeding guidelines for Standard Poodle
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Common health conditions to watch for in Standard Poodle
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Estimated expenses for Standard Poodle
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Standard Poodle's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
5 references for Standard Poodle
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research