Standard Poodle
Overview
One of the most intelligent breeds — elegant, low-shedding and eager to learn, with high grooming demands.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Standard Poodle is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Standard Poodle typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is daily / professional and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Standard Poodle should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Exceptionally clever, trainable and low-shedding
- +Great all-round family dog and good with other pets
Things to consider
- –Curly coat needs frequent brushing and regular professional grooming
- –Needs both physical exercise and mental challenge
Is a Standard Poodle right for you?
On space, a Standard Poodle is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are good for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Standard Poodle
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Standard Poodles good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Standard Poodles tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Standard Poodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Standard Poodle needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Standard Poodles shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Standard Poodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Standard Poodles are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Standard Poodles bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Standard Poodles good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Standard Poodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Standard Poodle is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.