Back to all breeds
Characteristics, History, and Health
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a noble, intelligent, and versatile breed, appreciated for its grace, agility, and exceptional trainability. Known alternately as Poodle, Caniche, Barbone, or Pudle (derived from the German term for a puddle, Pfütze), it is one of three recognized sizes of poodles, the other two being the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The Poodle's ancestry is widely debated, with many historians arguing that the breed originated in Germany, while the French have long claimed it as their own. Despite this contention, the breed's name comes from the German Pudeln, meaning to splash, hinting at its history as a water retriever. The breed’s development is often associated with France because it was in France where the Poodle's popularity soared. Poodles were used in several roles throughout history, from hunting and retrieving waterfowl to performing in circuses. They were originally bred for their water-resistant coats and excellent swimming abilities. They were particularly appreciated by duck hunters. The breed's famous haircut was designed to protect their vital organs and joints in cold water while not impeding their swimming ability. Over time, these functional trims have evolved into the more elaborate styles seen in dog shows today.
Main Info
- Origin
- Germany, France
- Alternate Names
- Caniche, Duck Dog
- Life Expectancy
- 10-18 years
- Average Male Height
- 15+ inches
- Average Female Height
- 15+ inches
- Average Male Weight
- 60-70 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 40-50 pounds
- Coat Length
- Long
- Coat Type
- Curly
- Coat Colors
- Apricot, Black, Black & Brown, Black & Cream, Black & Gray, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black & White, Blue, Blue & White, Brown, Brown & White, Cafe Au Lait, Cream, Cream & White, Gray, Gray & White, Red, Red & White, Red & Apricot, Sliver, Silver Beige, White, White & Apricot, White & Silver, Black & Apricot, Brown & Apricot
- Coat Pattern
- Black Points, Black Mask, White Mask, White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Standard Poodles can suffer from gastric torsion, sebaceous adenitis, Addison's Disease, distichiasis, and hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. They can also be susceptible to eye disorders such as entropion, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, progressive rod-cone degeneration, and rod-cone dysplasia 4. Genetic testing for these and other conditions including degenerative myelopathy, neonatal encephalopathy with seizures, von Willebrand Disease I, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, GM2 gangliosidosis, multidrug resistance 1, chondrodystrophy (with or without chondrodysplasia), and osteochondrodysplasia can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
Standard Poodles are known for their intelligence and their eager-to-please disposition. They are generally friendly, social, and get along well with children and other animals. They are versatile and adaptable, doing well in various activities from obedience and agility competitions to therapy work. They require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Fun Facts
The coat of a Standard Poodle is dense and curly. It can be groomed to almost any style and is hypoallergenic, making the breed a good choice for people with allergies.
Poodles rank as the second most intelligent dog breed, just after Border Collies.
The elaborate Poodle cut seen in dog shows was originally designed to keep the dog’s joints warm in cold water while minimizing drag during swimming.
The French love this breed so much that it's the national dog of France.
Poodles have hair, not fur. Their hair grows continuously and doesn’t shed like most breeds.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_poodle-standard
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/21/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/standard-poodle
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/POODLE-172.html
Screen for health risks and diseases Learn More
Recommended by top vets with decades of experience
21 breeds
64 genetic health markers
50 genetic trait markers
