Poodle Standards 101

Non-Sporting

Can a popular breed be underappreciated? Absolutely, if the breed is a Standard Poodle, a dog often mocked for the high-maintenance stylings of those in the show ring. The largest of the three sizes of Poodle, the Standard is as versatile a dog as can be, happy as a companion, a dog agility competitor or even a hunting dog – or all three at once.

What we love about Poodle Standards

Brilliant breed that's so much more than a fancy haircut.

Considered one of the most intelligent of breeds, Poodles are easy to train and love to show off what they know. They’re also playful dogs with a sense of humor. Outside of the dog-show ring, their coats are typically kept clipped short for ease of care, and they may be more easily tolerated by people with allergies. Good with other family pets and with children, the Standard Poodle is an excellent family dog.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Talkative
  • As needed

Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently

Size

15 to 18 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 15 to 18 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

10 to 16 years

Lifespan: 10 to 16 years average

Weight

40 to 70 lbs

Weight: 40 to 70 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Very vocal
Height
15 to 18 inches
Lifespan
10 to 16 years
Weight
40 to 70 lbs

The Poodle Standard stands 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs 40 to 70 lbs. Poodle Standards have a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a very vocal bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Poodle Standards get?
Poodle Standards stand 15 to 18 inches tall and typically weigh between 40 and 70 pounds.
How long do Poodle Standards live?
The average lifespan of a Poodle Standard is 10 to 16 years.
Are Poodle Standards good for first-time dog owners?
Poodle Standards are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Poodle Standards bark a lot?
Poodle Standards are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Poodle Standard health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Poodle Standard

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Mid-life Poodle Standards should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Senior Poodle Standard

9+ years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Senior Poodle Standards face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Splenic cancer and Liver disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver disease
Very High Risk

Poodle Standard puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Poodle Standard puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection and Gastritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastritis
Very High Risk

Young adult Poodle Standard

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

As Poodle Standards grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastritis
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Poodle Standard

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Mid-life Poodle Standards should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Senior Poodle Standard

9+ years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Senior Poodle Standards face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Splenic cancer and Liver disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver disease
Very High Risk

Poodle Standard puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

Poodle Standard puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection and Gastritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastritis
Very High Risk

Young adult Poodle Standard

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Poodle Standard conditions

As Poodle Standards grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastritis
Above Average Risk
Poodle standard standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Poodle Standard's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk, Gastritis: Very High Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Seizures: Above Average Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Liver disease: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact Poodle standard GettyImages-1388575592

The Iditarod changed the rules on what kinds of dogs could run the famous endurance race after a team of Standard Poodles attempted it in 1988. The dogs were game as could be, but they had problems with the cold and with matting and were dropped off at checkpoints along the way. The 1,100-mile race is now restricted to sled dog breeds better suited to the harsh environment.

Poodle Standard coat care and colors

The Poodle’s coat is noteworthy for what it doesn’t do: It doesn’t provoke severe sneezing or wheezing in some – but not all – allergy sufferers and it doesn’t shed much. Those qualities have made the Poodle popular for crossbreeding, of course, but the three sizes of Poodle – Toy, Miniature, and Standard – remain consistently popular in their own right. The Poodle comes in a dozen colors, both in solid and patches, the latter called “parti,” although only the solids take ribbons in the show ring.

If allowed to grow, the Poodle coat will "felt" into dozens of long cords, and before that, it will mat. Professional grooming is the norm for Poodles, who are often styled into an easy-care short clip with shaved feet.

Poodle Standard exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Poodles of all sizes are smart and active. They love any activity with their families. Standards are the perfect size for a running companion.

Trainability

Trainability

One of the most intelligent breeds, the Poodle is also a natural entertainer. Teach tricks and good manners using praise and tiny treats. You’ll both enjoy it!

Poodle Standard fun facts

Top girl names for Poodle Standards

100%

of Poodle Standards are female

0%

of Poodle Standards are male

Top boy names for Poodle Standards

Nationwide loves Poodle Standards of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Poodle Standard gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Poodle Standards insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Poodle Standard statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Poodle Standards

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