Standard Poodle

Good to know

• A real water dog: the Poodle was bred in Germany as a duck retriever, and the fancy show clip began as a way to help them swim while keeping joints warm.
• Athletic and active: Standards need good daily exercise, and many love swimming, retrieving, jogging and long walks.
• Coat commitment: the curly coat sheds little but mats without daily brushing, so most owners keep a shorter trim every four to six weeks.
• Very trainable: intelligent and eager to please, they shine in obedience, agility, tracking and even retriever hunt tests.
• Allergies note: their low-shedding coat is often suggested for allergy sufferers, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
• A low-shedding coat. Some people with allergies find that easier to live with, but no breed is allergen-free.

Getting out with a Standard Poodle

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Addison's disease
• Bloat

Common issues

• Ear infections
• Dental disease
• Skin issues

Bloat (GDV) risk: moderate. A swollen belly with retching but nothing coming up is an emergency: go to a vet straight away.

Not every Standard Poodle will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

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