Standard Poodle
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Standard Poodles are intelligent, athletic water retrievers bred as German duck hunters despite their French association. These highly trainable dogs excel at all dog sports and make wonderful family companions, though their curly coats require extensive professional grooming every 6-8 weeks and daily brushing to prevent matting.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Non-sporting
Life Expectancy
10-18 years
Height
15 in
Weight
40-70 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #7
Non-sporting context: Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Standard Poodle
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Standard Poodles are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Standard Poodles in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Standard Poodles, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Standard Poodles generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
High
High
High
High
High
Training & Behavior
Very High
High
High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Very High
Very Low
High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
High
High
High
Moderate
High
Grooming & Coat
Very High
Very Low
High
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Standard Poodle originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Standard Poodle lines were developed for water retrieving. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Non-sporting. Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Standard Poodles are the largest Poodle variety and were originally developed in Germany (despite French claims) to retrieve waterfowl from marshes.
The breed's ridiculous 'poofed' show cuts are actually functional—the hair protects joints while the shaved legs reduce drag during water retrieval.
Standard Poodles are the second-most intelligent dog breed (after Border Collies) and have been used as circus performers, military dogs, and truffle hunters.
Standard Poodles require 1.5–2 hours of grooming per week and can cost $100+ per professional grooming session—making them equivalent to a car payment.
Standard Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous Standard Poodle Dogs
Versatile pop-culture dogs
Fame in this group is diverse, from family companions to show and media standouts.
Modern breed ambassadors
Notable examples are often linked to ownership visibility and broad public appeal.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Standard Poodles
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Grooming Kits
Professional-quality grooming supplies to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Shop Grooming →Is Standard Poodle right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Standard Poodle compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Standard Poodle are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/