No one breed of dog is perfect, but experts in dog information (not just Poodle information) will often claim that the Standard Poodle is close to canine perfection. This immensely popular and influential dog is one of the world’s favorite canine companions. The Standard Poodle is the oldest and largest of the Poodle types. The breed is so old its origins are mysterious. It was probably developed in Germany and not France (Poodle types are never to be referred to as French Poodles).

Standard Poodles are big dogs. If you are not used to living with big dogs, you will either need to the help of a professional trainer or cross your fingers. Big dogs like these need regular, vigorous exercise and need to be fed two or three small meals a day (instead of one big meal) in order to avoid bloat. The temperament of the Standard Poodles is excellent, and they like to learn things. This good temperament is even listed in the breed standard.
The size of the Standard Poodle is at least fifteen inches high at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder). There is no maximum height – and there are many Standard Poodles seventeen inches tall of more. The weight can range from forty-five pounds at the lowest end of the scale to seventy pounds for some males. Don’t let their remarkable coats fool you – they are slim, athletically built dogs like a Weimaraner or a Harrier.

Their heads are long, with a scissors bite, the skull has a rounded top and the profile often looks chiseled. Their eyes are large and kind. They can come in several shades of brown, but they are usually dark. They are usually almond shaped, but most pet Poodles have round eyes or yellowish eyes. Their cheekbones are usually flat. Their ears are long, hang close to the head and are generally rounded at the ends.
The acceptable colors include all solid shades. In show dogs, their entire lips and noses will also be solid colored. It is impossible to find a Poodle that fits the breed standard exactly, so all Standard Poodles will fall short in a few or many places and still be purebred Standard Poodles. If you think that shelter dog is a Standard Poodle, it most likely is.

Common faults in show dogs often seen in pet Standard Poodles include too large, round protruding eyes, an undershot jaw or an overbite, being parti-colored instead of solid colored, having too big splayed feet instead of oval-shaped paws, a curly tail, a tail set too low, a tail held over the back and not up, dogs that are overweight, dogs with a spine that sharply slopes to the hindquarters, or an ewe neck. These are only physical faults and the dog may still make a delightful, almost-perfect pet.

The many Poodle types must have a good sense of humor to put up with the way people clip them. Really good Poodle information can be found online and at the library.

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