Poodle (Standard)

Origins and History

The Standard Poodle originated in Germany as a water‑retrieving breed and was refined in France during the 18th century. Early references to "pudel" describe a curly‑coated gundog used for flushing and retrieving waterfowl. By the mid‑1800s the breed became popular in European circuses and later in the United States, where it was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1887. The breed’s intelligence and elegant conformation led to its adoption as the premier show dog of the Non‑Sporting Group.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑large, square‑built dog with a balanced, athletic frame.
• Highly intelligent, trainable, and eager to please; retains strong retrieving instincts.
• Originally bred for water work, today serves as a companion, performance, and show dog.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 22‑24 inches (55‑60 cm); Females 20‑22 inches (50‑55 cm) at the withers.
• Weight: Proportionate to height, typically 45‑70 lbs (20‑32 kg).
• Body: Deep chest, well‑arched ribs, level topline, strong hindquarters, and a straight, muscular gait.

Coat and Color

• Coat: Dense, curly, non‑shedding. Body length 1.5‑2 inches (38‑51 mm); longer on the ears, tail, and hindquarters. Must be uniformly curly without cords in the show ring.
• Accepted colors: Solid white, solid black, solid brown, solid apricot, solid gray, and parti‑color (white with any of the solid colors). No merle, brindle, or spotted patterns are permitted.

Temperament Considerations

Standard Poodles are keenly intelligent and highly responsive, but their strong retrieving drive can lead to over‑excitement if not channeled. They are sensitive to harsh correction and thrive on positive reinforcement.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization with people, dogs, and varied environments is essential to prevent shyness.
• Provide at least 60‑90 minutes of structured exercise daily, combined with mental enrichment (puzzle toys, obedience work).
• Common challenges include occasional stubbornness and a tendency to become "talkative" (barking) when bored; consistent, reward‑based training mitigates these issues.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the coat at least once daily with a slicker brush and a metal comb to prevent matting.
• Bath as needed; use a pH‑balanced dog shampoo to maintain coat health.
• Trim nails weekly; clean ears regularly to prevent otitis.
• Dental care: brush teeth several times a week or provide dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin the classic "continental" clip 6‑8 weeks before the show; maintain a neat, even length of 1‑2 inches on the body and longer feathering on the legs and tail.
• Perform a hand‑strip or hand‑scissor finish 24‑48 hours before the ring to ensure a smooth, glossy appearance.
• Present the dog with a high, proud carriage; the head should be level, ears set high, and tail docked or naturally short as per local regulations.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – screen with OFA or PennHIP radiographs.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – DNA test recommended.
• Sebaceous adenitis – monitor skin for alopecia and scaling.
• Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy – routine blood work and hormonal panels as indicated.
• Gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) – consider prophylactic gastropexy for high‑risk dogs.

General Care

• Exercise: Minimum 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily; swimming is ideal.
• Nutrition: High‑quality protein‑rich diet calibrated to maintain lean body condition; adjust calories for activity level.
• Lifespan: Typically 12‑15 years; regular veterinary wellness exams help maintain longevity.