Also called Standard Poodle, Grand Caniche, Königspudel, Großpudel, King Poodle
VarietyFCI group 9Deep profile
From France according to the FCI (breed of French patronage); the AKC and The Royal Kennel Club describe it as originally developed in Germany as a water retriever.1234
No kennel club standard sets a weight. Hill's UK gives males 25-27 kg and females 20-23 kg; PetMD gives 40-70 lb (about 18-32 kg) overall and Wikipedia 20-32 kg.
FCI: over 45 up to 60 cm (+2 cm tolerance). AKC/UKC only set a minimum of over 38.1 cm (15 in); the Poodle Club of America says most Standards are 56-69 cm (22-27 in), and PetMD gives 46-61 cm.
exceptionally intelligent and trainable
athletic all-rounder that loves water and sport
loyal, gentle family companion with a low-shedding coat
A tall, squarely built athlete with a long, fine head, dark almond eyes and a proud carriage. Its coat is a thick layer of fine, springy curls that keeps growing, or it can be left to form long cords of 20 cm or more. The high-set tail and light, springy trot give the Standard its elegant, confident outline.7892
Coloursblackwhitebrowngrey / bluesilverfawn (pale fawn to red fawn and apricot)apricotredcreamcafé-au-laitsilver beigeFCI also accepts: parti-colour (black, blue/grey, fawn or brown with white), tricolour (black and white with fawn markings), brindle and brindle-and-whiteAKC requires an even solid colour; parti-colours are not accepted there71198
Personality what they are like
Clever, cheerful and eager to please, the Standard Poodle pairs dignity with a playful, clownish streak. It is deeply loyal, gentle and very affectionate with children, and it learns fast when training is positive and varied. Well-bred Standards are known for steady, calm nerves.97610
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A true sporting dog at heart: give it one to two hours of exercise a day plus mental work. It excels at swimming, retrieving, agility, obedience, dock diving and flyball.635
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat never stops growing and tangles readily, so brush it thoroughly every day with a slicker brush (or keep it short) and plan a professional clip every 6-8 weeks. Bath about monthly and dry the coat fully. Show dogs wear the Continental, English Saddle or Puppy clip; most pets wear a practical sporting clip.6358
Home where they are happiest
Happiest in a home with room to move and ideally a secure garden, though it adapts to town or country life when well exercised. It is a people dog that should live indoors with its family.3109
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete dog food formulated for large breeds, fed as two meals a day; a slow-feeder bowl helps it eat calmly. Very active dogs may need a higher-calorie sport diet. Adjust portions to body condition and keep treats modest.6510
Company who they like around
Needs plenty of human companionship and close involvement in family life; it does not enjoy long periods alone. Usually sociable with children and other dogs when raised with them.956
The story where it all began
Dogs of poodle type appear in Roman tomb carvings from around AD 30 and in European paintings from the 15th century on. The Standard is the original form: a curly-coated water dog that retrieved ducks and other waterfowl, and even recovered arrows and bolts for hunters. Its German name Pudel refers to splashing, the French Caniche to ducks, and the FCI traces it to the Barbet, from which it had split by the 1740s. Hunters trimmed the coat to help it swim while keeping joints and chest warm, which gave rise to the famous clips; French fashion later added rosettes and pom-poms. In England early Standards worked as 'Rough Water Dogs', and Prince Rupert of the Rhine took a hunting poodle to the English Civil War. From the 18th century the breed also shone in circuses, and breeders scaled it down into the Miniature and Toy. The Kennel Club recognised the Poodle in 1874 and the AKC in the late 1880s; the Poodle Club of America formed in 1931. After the Second World War the Poodle became America's most popular breed for more than 20 years. Today the Standard works as a gun dog, service and therapy dog and sport competitor as well as a family companion.9122734
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Siba, a black Standard Poodle registered as GCh. Stone Run Afternoon Tea, won Westminster Best in Show in 2020, the first Standard to do so since 1991 and the variety's fifth win there.13
2
Siba reportedly fuelled her 2020 Group and Best in Show wins with a fast-food chicken sandwich.13
3
In 1988 musher John Suter entered Standard Poodles in Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race; the trial showed their curly coats were not built for the snowy trail.2
4
Jacqueline Kennedy owned a Standard Poodle named Gaullie, and Elvis Presley often gave poodles as gifts.2
5
The poet Alexander Pope credited his large poodle Marquis with saving his life.12
6
UKC places the Standard Poodle in its Gun Dog Group, a nod to its duck-retrieving roots.9
7
Poodle-type dogs can be seen in Roman tomb carvings dating from around AD 30.9
8
The French name Caniche translates roughly as 'duck dog'.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name 'Poodle' comes from the German word 'Pudel,' meaning 'to splash in water,' reflecting the breed's original work as a water retriever.14
Famous ones stars of the breed
Rufus Won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2006.14
I started my day with a long run in the park, splashing through the stream. Then I practiced my agility drills with my human, leaping over jumps and weaving through poles. After a nap in the sun, I helped my human with chores by carrying toys to their bin. In the evening, we played fetch until the stars came out. I am a happy dog!
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 172 (Caniche), Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 2 Poodle; country of origin France; definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1955; current standard published 20 Mar 2024; no working trial. Four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature and Toy.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Utility Group; Standard, Miniature and Toy sizes share one breed standard. Wikipedia gives 1874 as the year of Kennel Club recognition.3
AKC
Non-Sporting Group (Standard and Miniature). AKC's own history article says Standard and Miniature were recognised in 1887; Wikipedia gives 1886. Current standard approved 14 Aug 1984; Toy variety added 1943.12
FCI (size)
Standard (Grand): height at withers over 45 cm up to 60 cm, with a 2 cm tolerance7
UKC
Poodle recognised 1914; since 1 Jan 2000 a separate breed, 'Standard Poodle', placed in the Gun Dog Group. Over 15 in at the withers.9
AKC (size)
Standard: over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders8
Popularity Poodle (Standard, Miniature and Toy combined) ranked No. 6 among AKC-registered breeds in the US, dropping out of the top five as the Dachshund moved up15
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Poodle (Standard). A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Poodle (Standard) tip
Standard Poodles can have sensitive stomachs, so stick to low-fat, low-calorie treats like carrots or snap peas, and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain and pancreatitis risk. Ask your vet if you notice ongoing tummy troubles.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Poodle (Standard), and at what times?
Feed your Standard Poodle two meals a day using a complete large-breed dog food. A slow-feeder bowl can help it eat calmly. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, as very active dogs may need a higher-calorie sport diet.651016Pet Wiki plan
What should a Poodle (Standard) eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete dog food formulated for large breeds is best, fed as two meals a day. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.651017
How often should I bathe a Poodle (Standard)?
Bath your Standard Poodle about once a month, and always dry the coat fully. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but you can adjust based on your dog's activity and skin condition. More frequent baths may be needed if it gets very dirty.635818Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Poodle (Standard) need brushing?
Brush your Standard Poodle thoroughly every day with a slicker brush to prevent tangles, as its coat never stops growing. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days, but daily is ideal. If you keep the coat short, brushing can be less frequent.6358Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Poodle (Standard)'s nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for guidance.18Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Poodle (Standard) need?
Your Standard Poodle needs one to two hours of exercise daily, plus mental stimulation. It excels at swimming, agility, and retrieving. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 90 minutes a day. A secure garden is ideal, but it adapts to town or country life with enough activity.635Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Poodle (Standard)'s teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or debris. Floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. For dental care, Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days, but daily is best.18Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Poodle (Standard) live?
Standard Poodles typically live between 10 and 18 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long life. Senior years usually start around age 7.563Pet Wiki plan
Is a Poodle (Standard) good with children and other pets?
Yes, well-bred Standard Poodles are gentle, affectionate, and very good with children. They are usually sociable with other dogs when raised together. They need plenty of human companionship and thrive in a family setting.956
Can a Poodle (Standard) be left alone?
Standard Poodles need plenty of human companionship and do not enjoy long periods alone. They are happiest when closely involved in family life. If left alone for extended times, they may become anxious. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter if you are away often.956
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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