Standard Poodle Characteristics

The poodle is different from other breeds in that it understands language far better than other dogs.

Not only does the standard poodle understand that words mean something they seem to understand sentences as well. Poodles also have a great sense of humor, they just love life. When training a poodle you will often get the poodle adding its own variations to obedience exercises. They have a zest for life and almost seem to be able to read your mind. (Or they are just very good at picking up body language). I had other breeds share my life before I was smitten by my first poodle, Zuki, but after having a poodle as part of the family I would not wish to be without one. I believe that once you have had the companionship of a poodle other breeds don't quite measure up, in the same way.

Here in Australia we have three sizes of poodles. The Standard which is 15 inches and over measured at the shoulder, the Miniature size range is from 11 inches and under 15 inches, and the Toy which should be under 11 inches at the shoulder. You will find that the average size for the Standard is 23 -25 inches for bitches and 24 - 26 for dogs, (58-66 cm) but you will find specimens outside these ranges. These height requirements are all that separate each of the three poodle varieties. The breed standard requires that they all look and act the same.

The poodle should not be a wimpy and insecure dog. They should not be nervous, shy or snappy. They are very intelligent, easily trained, a good alert dog, non allergenic, like to be kept clean and are very family orientated. The standard poodle adjusts easily to most situations and is equally at home on the farm as in an apartment. They come in a number of colors: white, black, brown, silver, apricot, red, blue, cream, and sometimes parti colored or phantom marked. For the show ring poodles must be one solid color. Most of the neurotic smaller poodles that people see are made that way by their owners handling of them. Treat a poodle like a regular dog and it will behave as a dog should. Proper socialization and training will turn your cute litte puppy into an intelligent, well behaved member of your family; where molly -coddling and carrying your poodle everywhere to protect it from life will turn it into a nervous wreck.