Brilliant, athletic, and low-shedding โ far more than a fancy haircut.
Origin
Germany, refined in France
Size
Large
Weight
18โ32 kg
Lifespan
12โ15 years
Apartment-friendly
Not ideal
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
Behind the show-ring image, the Standard Poodle is an athletic water retriever and one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They excel at training, sports, and family life.
Their coat sheds very little, which appeals to many people with allergies, but it grows continuously and needs professional grooming every few weeks.
With children: Very good โ gentle, playful, and patient when well socialised.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home โ unlocks with a short ad.
๐ Temperament
Clever, playful, and sensitive. Poodles bond closely with their families and can be reserved with strangers.
๐พ Exercise
An hour or more daily, plus training or puzzle games. Many love swimming and retrieving.
๐ชฎ Grooming
Curly coat that mats easily. Brush thoroughly several times a week, and book professional clips every four to eight weeks.
๐ Training
Very quick to learn and responsive to positive methods. Their intelligence means they also learn bad habits quickly, so be consistent.
๐ฅฃ Feeding
A balanced diet appropriate to size and activity, divided into two meals.
Health watch-list
Addison's disease
A hormonal disorder causing vague signs such as lethargy and vomiting; diagnosed by blood tests.
Bloat (GDV)
Deep-chested breeds are at risk; know the emergency signs.
Sebaceous adenitis
An inflammatory skin disease causing hair loss.
Hip dysplasia and eye disease
Choose breeders who screen hips and eyes.
The ideal home
Active owners who enjoy training and do not mind regular grooming appointments.
Fun fact
The poodle's traditional show clip originated as a practical cut: shaved areas helped swimming, while hair over joints and the chest kept them warm.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies โ every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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Keep reading
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