Standard Poodles Are An Intelligent and Dignified Breed
The Standard Poodle is a clever and friendly dog. They have existed since the 17 th century and were a popular hunting dog throughout Western Europe. They are believed to have been developed in France, but the name Poodle comes from the German word “Pudel” which means “one who plays in water”. They are excellent swimmers and their main purpose as a hunter was to retrieve waterfowl.
The Standard Poodle is the largest of the Poodle variety and stands 15 inches or higher at the shoulders, and weighs 45-70 pounds. The Standard Poodle requires plenty of exercise, and loves to be taken on long walks. He should be provided with at least two walks per day for 20 minutes or more each time. The Standard Poodle should also be provided with the freedom to run and swim whenever the opportunity presents itself. He should also be given playtime.
Due to the exercise the Standard Poodle requires, this dog is not ideal for apartment life and will do best in a home with a moderate sized yard. Furthermore, in addition to plenty of exercise, the Standard Poodle should also be socialized as a puppy. Without the proper socialization, Poodles can be reserved towards strangers and may be overprotective of their family. However, the Standard Poodle makes for an excellent watchdog and can even be trained as a guard dog.
The Standard Poodle is generally accepting towards their fellow canines, but is not as accepting with cats and other family pets. The Standard is tolerant of small children, but supervision and great care should be taken to teach a young child how to play with the dog to avoid any problems. The Standard Poodle will not tolerate abuse, even if it is unintentional, from children.
The Standard Poodle is considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in existence. This makes them highly trainable and fast learners. However, they do require proper obedience training and should be taken to obedience classes for best results. In addition, be warned that their cleverness can also be used for mischievous purposes.
Standard Poodles can live up to 15 or more years, but they are prone to a number of health conditions including eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, as well as hip dysplasia, skin problems, Von Willebrands’s disease, bloat and allergies.
The coat of a Standard Poodle is curly and is virtually non-shedding. They do require daily grooming to keep the coat from mats and knots. The Standard Poodle can be clipped in four different cuts:
- Pet/Puppy clip – Hair is clipped short all over the body.
- Continental clip – Rear half of the body is shaved, but bracelets of hair remain around the ankles, and the tail features a pompom.
- English Saddle clip – The face, throat, forelegs, feet and the tail base are shaved, but puffs of hair remain on the front legs and the tail features a pompom. The back legs feature two shaven bands, while a small portion of both flanks are shaved in a curve.
- Sporting clip – The face, throat, feat and base of the tail are shaved, but the tail has a pompom. In addition, the top of the Poodles head has a clipped cap.
The coat of a Standard Poodle is available in the following solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, silver and white. Some Standard Poodles are also available in bi-colored coats.
Also, aside from being clipped every 6 weeks, and a daily brushing, the Poodle also requires a monthly bath and their teeth need to be scaled occasionally.
The Standard Poodle is a high-energy dog that is happiest when with their family and does not enjoy being alone. They are a wonderful and active companion, and are beautiful dogs.
