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Breed profile

Standard Poodle

Athletic, very bright and low-shedding. The haircut hides a proper sporting dog.

Black Standard Poodle with a pompom tail standing on a green lawn
The Standard Poodle: athletic, elegant and far from a lapdog.Photo: Tim Wilson from Blaine, MN, USA / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
18–32 kg40–71 lb
Height
45–60 cm18–24 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Utility / Non-Sporting
Origin
Germany & France
Popularity
#6 US#37 UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingEasy to trainFamily dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Intelligent, Athletic, Sensitive, Playful.

Health problems to know about

  • Addison's disease
  • Sebaceous adenitis
  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Hip dysplasia

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, plus brushing at home. Daily exercise and brain games.

A good fit for

Allergy-conscious households (no dog is truly hypoallergenic), active families, trainers.

Probably not ideal for

People who won't budget for grooming, owners wanting a low-energy dog.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Poodle (Standard)
  2. Poodle Club of America: Health Statement (December 2024)
  3. Wikipedia: Poodle

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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