Thinking About Adopting a Standard Poodle? Here’s What You Should Know

Standard Poodles are often misunderstood. People think of them as fancy show dogs, but in reality, they’re smart, athletic, loyal, and deeply affectionate. Behind that stylish coat is a working dog with brains and heart.

If you’re considering adopting a Standard Poodle, here’s everything you should know before bringing one home.

🐕 Temperament: Intelligent, Loyal, and Surprisingly Goofy

Standard Poodles are:

• Extremely loyal and devoted to their families
• Gentle, loving, and very people-focused
• Often reserved with strangers but rarely aggressive
• Playful and fun-loving once comfortable

They’re emotionally sensitive and respond best to calm, confident leadership. They’ll mirror your mood—so a chaotic household might stress them out.

🧠 Trainability: One of the Smartest Breeds

Poodles are in the top tier for intelligence:

• They learn commands quickly—often after just a few repetitions
• Excel in obedience, agility, scent work, and trick training
• Thrive on structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement

They can get bored easily, so keep training sessions short, fun, and varied. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity.

⚡ Energy Level: Active and Athletic

Standard Poodles are not couch potatoes:

• Need 60–90 minutes of daily exercise
• Enjoy walks, hikes, swimming, fetch, and advanced training
• Great jogging or adventure buddies, but also love structured games at home

If you don’t give them a job or outlet, they may invent one—like barking at squirrels or rearranging your pillows.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding

Here’s the trade-off: Standard Poodles don’t shed much, but they require regular grooming:

• Coat is curly and grows continuously like human hair
• Needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting
• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is recommended
• Many owners opt for practical, short “puppy cuts” to keep upkeep simple

If you want low shedding and are okay with grooming appointments, the Poodle is a great fit.

🩺 Health Overview

Standard Poodles are generally healthy and long-lived, but can be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat (gastric torsion) — a serious emergency condition
• Addison’s disease
• Thyroid issues and ear infections

With proper care and regular vet visits, they often live 12–15 years.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Before adopting, ask:

• Can you offer regular mental and physical stimulation?
• Are you okay with grooming every 1–2 months?
• Do you want a dog that’s both athletic and cuddly?

Standard Poodles adapt well to homes of all sizes but need room to move and don’t enjoy being left alone for long stretches.

They make excellent family dogs, especially in homes that value training and activity.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding a Standard Poodle:

• Expect 2.5–4 cups of high-quality food daily, depending on size and activity
• Look for formulas with lean proteins, joint support, and omega-3s
• Avoid overfeeding—Poodles can become overweight without proper exercise

Split meals into two per day and keep them calm before and after to help prevent bloat.

🐾 Puppy vs. Adult Poodle

Poodle puppies are:

• Energetic, smart, and sometimes mischievous
• In need of early grooming exposure and socialization
• Great learners, but easily bored

Adult Poodles may already have some training and grooming experience—making them easier for first-time owners or people with less time for puppy chaos.

🧬 Adoption vs. Breeder

Adoption:

• Standard Poodles sometimes end up in shelters or breed-specific rescues
• Check with organizations like Poodle Rescue Ontario

Breeder:

• Look for breeders who test for hips, thyroid, and genetic disorders
• Avoid breeders who focus only on looks or “rare” colors without health guarantees
• Ask about socialization practices and grooming exposure in the litter

Final Thoughts

Standard Poodles are so much more than pretty faces. They’re smart, athletic, affectionate, and loyal companions who thrive in homes that meet their physical and mental needs. If you’re ready for a dog that keeps you thinking and laughing, the Standard Poodle may be the perfect match.

Playday Pups in Burlington, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many Standard Poodles—each one intelligent, quirky, and fun in their own way. If you’re thinking about adopting one, feel free to reach out or stop by to see what life with a Poodle really looks like!