Life Span:	12-15 or more years
Litter Size:	3-8 puppies
Group:	AKC non-sporting
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	Many different solid colors are accepted in confirmation including: black, white, brown, sliver, blue, apricot, and red. Some breeders have also started breeding "Parti-Poodles" which are not one solid color but patches of different colors, but such coat colors are disqualified in confirmation.
Hair Length:	Short
Size:	Large
Shedding:	Lite Shed
Male Height:	over 15 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulders
Male Weight:	between 45 and 55 pounds
Female Height:	over 15 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulders
Female Weight:	between 45 and 55 pounds
General info courtesy of terrificpets.com. Additional information about this breed can be found on their website.
Living Area:	Recently Poodles have gained a reputation as "foo-foo" apartment dogs, but the Poodle\'s history shows that they were heavily relied upon working dogs and they maintain a high level of ability and energy. They should have a daily walk to burn off their excess energy and keep them calm and manageable in the house. A daily 30 minute to hour long walk daily should be enough, a session of fetch in the yard or park will also help. Additionally, your Poodle should live in the house with your family. They are very people oriented dogs and would not enjoy being primarily outdoor pets.

Description

The Standard Poodle is a medium to large sized dog with a dense, curly coat, a long slender face and muzzle, and generally delicate stature. Poodles tend to weight much less than other breeds of similar size. Also known as the French Poodle the Standard Poodle is the largest of three recognized sizes for the poodle.

The Standard Poodle stands over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders, the Miniature stands between 15 to 10 inches, and the Toy stands under 10 inches at the shoulders. The Poodle\'s length should be about the same as its height and its back should be basically level with a stable squared off stance. Their tails are docked to about half their original lengths, leaving around 10 inches or so. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The coat should be very dense, curly, and grows continuously so it can be groomed in many different styles and shapes. They also don\'t have that strong "doggie" smell that many dogs have. They have webbed feet like other retrievers from their history as water retrieval dogs and Poodles excel in hunting competitions, agility, flyball, and obedience. Their wonderful personalities, capability, and unique non-shedding coat have made the Poodle extremely popular as a pet around the world.

Someone interested in choosing a Poodle as a pet has the widest array of choices of any breed; no other breed has as many different options of size and color. These dogs are great with children and other dogs. They can be somewhat reserved with new people but with a lot of socialization in puppy hood they can become very outgoing dogs, and will warm up to newcomers quickly.

Coat Description

History

The Standard Poodle has been found throughout Europe for at least the last 400 years. Its origin is a bit controversial, but is thought to have originated in Germany and was bred as a water retrieval hunting dog. The English word Poodle seems to come from the German word pudel or pudelin, meaning "to splash in the water." Some Poodles are still used as hunting dogs and show a strong retrieval drive and eagerness to please. Some believe that it descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog called the Barbet and possibly a Hungarian Water Hound. The Poodle was used in both Germany and France as a gun dog and a retriever of water fowl. It is believed that the traditional Poodle haircut came out of this use. Owners cut their dogs\' hair in tufts around the joints to keep them warm in cold water.

Because of their high intelligence and trainability the French began to use them as circus performers. Their high popularity in France lead to the poodle to be called the French Poodle although the French themselves call it Caniche or "Duck Dog." The Poodle has also been called the Truffle Dog and was used search out truffle mushrooms in the woods. In modern times the Poodle remains a popular pet and these dogs have also been used as service dogs, leader dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, and participate in all of the available dog sports. Their varied history is a statement of how trainable and versatile the Poodle really is.

Temperament

The Standard Poodle is an intelligent, loyal, adaptable dog, has a happy, playful personality, and is often described as having great sense of humor. This can be tricky for owners new to the breed because frequently owners find themselves laughing at their Poodles naughty antics and the dog will actually take that laughter as praise for the behavior. As an extremely intelligent and highly trainable dog, Poodles need to be mentally stimulated and taught positive behaviors or they will teach themselves, and owners may not like what they learn. Many Poodle owners talk about dogs who know how to upon the refrigerator or even unzip a purse and remove dog treats. However, since Poodles are eager learners new owners will not find this a difficult energy to channel.

The Standard Poodle is very territorial making them excellent watch dogs, alerting you of danger with a loud strong bark, but the Standard Poodle should not be a yappy dog, and should generally have a very even temperament. As a very adaptable dog, the Poodle is willing to lie at your feet while you watch TV, but will also be ready to go for a hike with you at the drop of a hat. They should have daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy; a 30-60 minute walk daily is preferred. They should have a bouncy, proud carriage, even a prance in their walk. Poodles are great with kids and other dogs and the more socialization they receive as puppies the more outgoing and comfortable they will be as adults. Poodles are one of the few breeds that seem to recognize other members of their own breed. The way that these dogs play is more bouncy and very different from other dogs so when two Poodles get a chance to play together they get very excited.

Because of the hunting history Poodles tend to have a strong prey drive which often manifests in a desire to chase all of the squirrels in the neighborhood. They can be acclimated to small pets such as cats in the home. It is advisable that you take all precautions when introducing a cat to your Poodle so that no one gets hurt and a positive precedent is set. The best thing is to raise the dog with a cat. Poodles can be taught to accept small animals as part of the pack and will even protect them as part of the family. Unlike some dogs, Poodles are able to bond with the entire family rather than just one individual. They are people pleasers and will love to be at your side all day long.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The Poodle ranks #86 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

Rank Among Breeds	Number of Dogs Tested	Percent of Dogs With Disease
#86	6,024	4.2%

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

Poodles are prone to many of the same health problems as other large breeds such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and ear infections. Eye problems such as cataracts, runny eyes, and retinal atrophy are common as are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Von Willebrands Disease, and skin conditions. There have also been some problems with Addisons disease and Epilepsy.

It is important to make sure that your breeder has the puppy's parents OFA certified and that they are aware of any genetic problems with the dogs they own and those they have breed.