Poodle (Standard) — breed guide
One of the smartest breeds alive, wrapped in a coat that barely sheds. Athletic, funny and quick to learn.
At a glance
- Group
- non-sporting
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–32 kg (44–71 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Dense, curly, low-shedding coat
Living with a Poodle (Standard)
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
- Barely sheds.
- Exceptionally trainable — among the easiest to teach.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Proud · Athletic · Clever · Elegant
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Addison’s disease
- Sebaceous adenitis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
The show clip isn’t vanity — Poodles were German duck retrievers, and the pom-poms kept joints warm in cold water.
Questions people ask
Is a Poodle (Standard) good with kids?
Generally yes. Poodle (Standard)s are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Poodle (Standard) good with cats?
Usually yes. Poodle (Standard)s typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Poodle (Standard) need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Poodle (Standard) handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Poodle (Standard)'s day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.