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Breed Characteristics
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Standard Poodle
| Other Names | Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne, Grosse Pudel, French Poodle |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | Males: 45 - 70 lbs. (20 - 32 kg) Females: 45 - 60 lbs. (20 - 27 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 15 in. (38 cm) or more. The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Standard Poodles that are 15 inches or less cannot compete in the AKC show ring as Standard Poodles. |
| Coat | The coat is either curly or corded. |
| Colour | It comes in all solid colours including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown or café-au-lait. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-coloured Poodles. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 8 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | The Standard Poodle has been found throughout Europe for at least the last 400 years. Its origin is a bit controversial, but is thought to have originated in Germany and was bred as a water retrieval hunting dog. The English word Poodle seems to come from the German word pudel or pudelin, meaning "to splash in the water." Some Poodles are still used as hunting dogs and show a strong retrieval drive and eagerness to please. Some believe that it descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog called the Barbet and possibly a Hungarian Water Hound. The Poodle was used in both Germany and France as a gun dog and a retriever of water fowl. It is believed that the traditional Poodle haircut came out of this use. Owners cut their dogs' hair in tufts around the joints to keep them warm in cold water. Because of their high intelligence and trainability the French began to use them as circus performers. Their high popularity in France lead to the poodle to be called the French Poodle although the French themselves call it Caniche or "Duck Dog." The Poodle has also been called the Truffle Dog and was used search out truffle mushrooms in the woods. In modern times the Poodle remains a popular pet and these dogs have also been used as service dogs, leader dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, and participate in all of the available dog sports. Their varied history is a statement of how trainable and versatile the Poodle really is. |
| Personality | The Standard Poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. This highly intelligent dog is one of the most trainable breeds. Some can be trained to hunt. The Standard Poodle is generally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give it the proper amount and type of exercise. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. It are not the type of dog to live outside in a kennel, as it enjoys being with its owners and dislikes being alone. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some can make good guard dogs. 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. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Poodles are prone to many of the same Health Problems as other large breeds such as Bloat, hip dysplasia, and Ear infections. Eye problems such as Cataracts, runny eyes, and retinal atrophy are common as are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, von Willebrands Disease, and skin conditions. There have also been some problems with Addisons Disease and Epilepsy. It is important to make sure that your breeder has the puppy's parents OFA certified and that they are aware of any genetic problems with the dogs they own and those they have breed. |
| Grooming | Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. |
| 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. |
| Other Considerations | 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. Famous poodles; Boye, pet of Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619–1682), was killed at the Battle of Marston Moor. Charley, pet of Nobel Prize–winning author John Steinbeck, a black (referred to as "blue" in the book) Standard Poodle, played Charley in the TV miniseries Travels with Charley: In Search of America, based on Steinbeck's 1961 book of the same name. Derek, pet of Patrick Swayze. Rhapsody in White ("Butch"), the Standard Poodle featured in the movie Best in Show. Roly was featured in the BBC's EastEnders for eight years. Atma and Butz, poodles owned by philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. In Goethe's Faust, Mephistopheles first appears to Faust in the form of a black poodle. Darla the Poodle who plays Buffalo Bill's poodle Precious in The Silence of the Lambs. Sancho, was found during the Battle of Salamanca by the grave of its then former master, a French officer, who was killed in the war. When found he was nearly exhausted and starved to death and was rescued by Marquis / Marquess of Worcester (Lord Worcester, Henry Somerset, 7th Duke of Beaufort). Sancho became his loyal pet, and was admired by many including princesses. |
