Standard Poodles: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Many people have misconceptions about Poodles -- that they look and act like "sissy" dogs.

That is one of the biggest myths in dogdom.

First, ignore the silly show-ring clips. Poodles can be clipped into shorthaired, normal -looking dogs who are a snap to brush. Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds.

Second, Standard Poodles are elegant, energetic athletes who move with a light, springy gait. They excel in advanced obedience competition, where retrieving and jumping skills are required, and in agility (obstacle course) competitions, where they fly over and under and through the obstacles with a strength and grace that is breathtaking to watch.

Even better, a good Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. He is a "thinking" dog who pays rapt attention to his owner, learns quickly, and responds eagerly to positive training methods. Indeed, Standard Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulation in order to be happy -- advanced obedience classes (not just basic), agility classes, or challenging games such as hide 'n seek, or fetching a variety of named toys. This intelligent breed cannot simply sit in the backyard and be ignored.

Most Standard Poodles make great watchdogs and some even have mild (and sensible) protective instincts, but this is not an aggressive breed. Their attitude toward people varies from friendly to politely reserved. Early socialization is important to avoid excessive watchfulness or timidity.

With other dogs and cats, Standard Poodles are usually peaceful and accepting.

However, this breed is by no means perfect or low-maintenance. Besides the regular clipping (every 4-6 weeks), they need a good deal of daily exercise. Their energy level varies from moderate to high and they require brisk walks, jogging, swimming, and/or vigorous play sessions to keep them fit, satisfied, and calm indoors.

Standard Poodles also need a lot of daily companionship. They suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much.

Most Standard Poodles are "soft" and sensitive dogs, sometimes hypersensitive. If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are not good with small children.

Similarly, Standard Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household -- they prefer peace and harmony.

You do have to watch your lines: some Standard Poodle lines are high-strung, nervous, even neurotic.

If you want a dog who...

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Standard Poodles have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the Standard Poodle

If I was considering a Standard Poodle, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. If you like poodles but you have limited space in your home and yard, get a Miniature Poodle, not a Standard. Standard Poodles do differ, from dog to dog, in how much exercise they want and need. But to keep them fit and healthy, you should be able to provide a good-sized yard where they can run, and regular play sessions at the park. Some Standard Poodles want even more opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things; otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored, which they usually express by hyperactivity, barking, and destructive chewing.

   It makes me sad to see these extremely intelligent and capable dogs relegated to homes where the owner just wanted a casual pet. It's a waste of a brilliant breed. I strongly encourage you to get your Standard Poodle involved in advanced obedience classes and agility (obstacle course) classes at your local dog club. These dogs deserve it.

2. Bounciness. Young Standard Poodles (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people.
3. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Standard Poodles need early exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become skittishness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with.
4. Emotional sensitivity. Be honest... is there tension in your home? Are people loud or emotional? Poodles are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home.
5. Grooming. To keep their curly coat short and free of mats, Standard Poodles require regular brushing, plus clipping every 4 to 6 weeks. Don't like the frou-frou look of most Poodles? Just clip him to look like a normal dog, with a short coat and no pompoms.
6. Barking. Standard Poodles are alert dogs, which can make them quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them so that it doesn't become an established habit.
7. Serious health problems. Inbreeding is extremely high in Standard Poodles, which has led to a host of health problems becoming embedded in the gene pool. Standard Poodles are at risk for eye diseases, skin diseases, digestive diseases, immune system diseases, seizures, and more. Read more about Standard Poodle Health.