Standard Poodle
So You Want a Standard Poodle?
Many people look at the fluffy standard poodle and decide that it is a
flakey, shallow dog. However, this breed is considered by many to be a
highly intelligent animal with the reasoning ability of a three year old
child.
These dogs were originally bred to be hard working water dogs and spent
hours retrieving water fowl. The dense coat helps protect the dog from
cold, damp working conditions. Since the animal is generally not used as a
working dog today the AKC classifies it as part of the Non-Sporting Group.
This breed weighs 45 to 70 pounds and stands over 15 inches tall.
This dog has a muscular body with long ears that fold over close to the
head. It has dark, intelligent eyes and its tail is docked and stands
erect. The tail should not curve over the dog's back. It comes in many
colors including; apricot, black, cream, red, blue, grey, silver, brown,
parti-color, and white. White and cream colored Standards can be high
strung and nervous, while black Standards seem calmer.
This breed does best in a family setting and is devoted to its family's
children. This breed also works well for multi-dog homes as it will not
meet a dog that it doesn't like. This dog enjoys chasing cats but will not
harm them and generally only want to play with the animal.
Those living in an apartment will need to take the dog walking daily. This
breed can live in an apartment but will do better in a home with a fenced
yard.
This breed enjoys learning and should attend obedience
training. They must be socialized as puppies or their natural
aloofness with strangers can easily turn to fear. This dog
will work hard in classes to please the owner. If this dog
can't figure out what is being asked of it, it will wrinkle
its brow and try again. If it still can't figure it out it
will get depressed and frustrated. If this happens give the
dog a command it knows well and after it obeys it will be
ready to try and learn the new command again. Many owners take
their animals to advanced classes so the animal can compete in
obedience and agility trials.
This breed has several common health problems. They are
Addison's disease, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. These diseases
are quite prevalent and many breeders screen the parent dogs
to be certain they don't carry these genetic faults. The dogs
also occasionally suffer from renal disease, bloat, and skin
problems.
This dog has a big appetite and will increase the grocery
budget. They should be given a daily vitamin and consult a vet
about giving the dog a vitamin C tablet, which could help
decrease the chance of hip dysplasia.
This dog should be brushed daily and it can easily take an
hour to thoroughly brush this dog. The dog's hair will have to
be cut or it will need to be groomed professionally every six
weeks.
Anyone looking for a fun loving, intelligent dog should
consider a Standard Poodle.
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