Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is one of the most intelligent and versatile dog breeds, originating from Germany and France where they were initially bred as water retrievers.
Today, they remain celebrated family companions who combine athletic elegance with exceptional trainability and affectionate charm.
25-34kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Standard Poodle
Standing 51–61 cm tall and weighing 25–34 kg, Standard Poodles possess a distinctive sleek, muscular build crowned by a dense, curly coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance. Temperamentally, they are lively, alert, and deeply social, forming strong bonds with all household members and typically excelling with children and other pets. Their sharp intellect and eagerness to please make them outstanding candidates for obedience, agility, and competitive dog sports, thriving on both mental and physical challenges. Despite their friendly nature, they remain effective watchdogs. Standard Poodles require up to one hour of daily exercise and consistent mental stimulation to remain settled and content. Ideal owners are active individuals or families who can dedicate time to their care, grooming needs, and training. Their adaptable nature means they suit various living situations, provided their intelligence and energy receive meaningful engagement. For those seeking a devoted, capable companion with genuine personality and versatility, the Standard Poodle offers exceptional rewards.
Standard Poodle at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Origin
- Germany, France
- Colours
- Black, White, Cream, Sable, Black & White, Blue, Grey, Silver, Brown, Red, Apricot
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Standard Poodle Temperament
The Standard Poodle is one of the most intelligent and versatile dog breeds, combining sharp wit with an affectionate and sociable character that makes it an outstanding family companion. Lively and eager to please, they form close bonds with all members of the household and are generally excellent with children and other pets. Highly trainable, they excel in obedience, agility, and various dog sports, thriving on mental and physical challenges. Alert and observant, they can also be effective watchdogs despite their friendly nature. They need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain settled and happy. A devoted, adaptable, and endlessly capable companion for active families.
Standard Poodle Lifestyle
The Standard Poodle is well suited to flat or apartment living and is content with a small or medium garden. They adapt well to both town and country living.
Dog Food for Standard Poodle
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Nutrition & Diet
Poodles can be incredibly sensitive on many different levels, including food. It is vital to always choose a high-quality diet developed from natural ingredients. Poodles can show signs of food intolerance or sensitivity, especially with formulas with gluten in them. Switching to gluten-free diets developed with sensitive digestive systems in mind can prove beneficial to the overall health of your Poodle. Hypoallergenic Digest Adult with rice, lamb and salmon is a great choice if you want to switch your dog’s diet. Always remember to introduce the new food gradually, mixing the new food with your dog’s current diet. Whenever your dog shows any signs of food intolerance or sensitivity even after switching to a gluten-free formula, elimination diet should be introduced. You should feed your dog a new food source of protein and carbohydrates for 12 weeks to see if symptoms subside or disappear. Hypoallergenic Skin& Coat . Poodles are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus which occurs when twisting of the stomach causes a build-up of excess gasses or is triggered by such occurrence. The risk of GDV is increased with fast eating or having your dog’s bowl raised off the ground. Using a slow-feeding bowl, can decrease the chances of GDV occurring.
Recommended Food for Standard Poodle
Standard Poodle Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Standard Poodle weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Standard Poodle Characteristics
The Standard Poodle requires significant daily exercise and outdoor time and picks up commands quickly and responds well to training. They are brilliant with children, but can be left alone without too much trouble if their needs are met. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and leaves some hair around the home but isn't excessive. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Standard Poodle Pros & Cons
Pros
- Their low-shedding coat makes them a great option for allergy-conscious households
- Highly intelligent and a joy to train, excelling in obedience and a range of canine sports
- Affectionate and playful, maintaining a puppy-like enthusiasm well into their later years
- Patient, gentle, and sociable with children of all ages
Cons
- Their coat requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks to stay in good shape
- Needs plenty of daily exercise and mental activity to stay happy and balanced
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone too regularly
- Prone to several hereditary health conditions that require careful monitoring










