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Meet the breedThe water retriever beneath the haircutCharacter, size, and what surprises new owners
The Standard Poodle is a large, athletic water-retriever type beneath the elegant clips. Its coat grows continuously, and its active mind can make a training session feel like a conversation.
Adults commonly weigh 40–70 lb; a typical lifespan guide is 10–18 years. These are breed-wide guides, never targets or forecasts for an individual pet.
Daily life & exerciseA day with a PoodleExercise, play, and a practical daily rhythm
The Standard Poodle is the largest size of an athletic water-retriever family. Walks, games, and training all count; many enjoy retrieving or swimming when introduced safely.
Watch the weather and this dog’s stamina, then balance activity with proper rest. A Poodle’s size changes the scale of the outing, not the need for company.
What would your Poodle love?
Add their age, size, and favorite things. We’ll find a few good places to start.
Training & temperamentLearning together with a PoodleGood manners and individual personality
That clever, people-oriented mind can learn quickly and also notice every inconsistency. Teach household skills through short, varied reward-based lessons, then give the dog something to do with them.
Practice coming when called, settling, and relaxed grooming from puppyhood. Those skills make both everyday life and the grooming table easier.
Coat & groomingThe Poodle coatGrooming and everyday care
The curly coat keeps growing and can mat close to the skin even when the surface looks tidy. Brush and comb through to the roots several times a week; pay special attention behind ears and under legs.
Book regular professional trims, often every six to eight weeks depending on the cut. Start gentle paw and face handling early so grooming feels routine rather than a surprise.
Bringing home a Poodle puppy?
Plan their first days with a little help from our puppy welcome kit.
Build a puppy welcome kitProduct starting pointsGood finds for your PoodleFood, play, care, and rest
A slicker brush, metal comb, and a grooming schedule are more useful than a shelf of novelty shampoos. Choose a harness using this dog’s actual measurements.
Add food suited to age and body condition and toys for retrieving or problem-solving. Select the size of every chew and toy for this Poodle, whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy.
Health & lifespanCaring for a Poodle over time10–18 years is a guide, not a forecast
The Poodle has a lifespan guide of 10–18 years, though no range predicts one dog's future. Keep a record of weight and changes in appetite or activity, and plan preventive care with your veterinarian.