Poodle (Standard)
Group: Utility
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: Every day
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Poodles come in a variety of sizes: Standard (the largest), Miniature (smaller) and Toy (smallest) although some countries also recognise a Medium-sized which sits between Standard and Miniature. They all have a generally square look, a long, straight muzzle and hanging ears. They do not shed but their curly coat is normally close cut and comes in a variety of usually solid colours. The coat can be corded but keeping it curly is more popular.
The original Standard Poodle was bred in Europe, as a water retrieval dog and the Miniature and Toy poodles have been bred down from that. The smaller types were sometimes used to hunt truffles but they have mainly found favour as performers and companions.
The Standard Poodle is normally a good-natured dog. Like all Poodles, they are highly intelligent and trainable. They also tend to be less busy and calmer around the home than the smaller varieties. Of all the Poodles, they tend to be the most naturally friendly towards, people, children and other dogs. All Poodles need plenty of exercise but the Standard type retains the stamina of a working dog so needs more than the smaller varieties. They particularly love any exercise involving water.
The Poodle needs their long ears checking and their coat clipping regularly. There are a variety of clips. Sometimes the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. Although this looks showy, it stems from the time hair was shaved to help the dog to swim when retrieving game but hair was left in specific areas to protect their joints against cold and reeds.
Although generally long lived, Standard Poodles are prone to certain diseases: eye problems, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, ear infections, bloat and Von Willebrand's Disease.