Is a Standard Poodle the Right Dog for You?

Standard Poodles are beautiful dogs. There is no denying that. But there is a lot more to a Standard Poodle than their elegant appearance and fancy haircuts. They are intelligent, athletic, affectionate and surprisingly goofy. They can make incredible companions, but they also have their own needs and personalities.

If you're thinking about bringing a Standard Poodle into your family, here's what you should know before you take the leap.

THEY ARE EXTREMELY SMART

One of the first things people notice about Standard Poodles is how intelligent they are. They tend to learn quickly and often seem to figure things out before you expect them to. This can make training a lot of fun—but it also means they need mental stimulation.

Training, games, new experiences and spending time with their people are all great ways to keep that busy mind working. A Standard Poodle that doesn't have enough to do may find its own entertainment, and that isn't always the kind of entertainment you had in mind!

THEY LIKE TO BE PART OF THE FAMILY

Standard Poodles aren't the type of dog that necessarily wants to spend all day by themselves. They generally thrive when they can be involved in their family's life.

Whether that means going for a walk, playing outside, learning something new or simply hanging out on the couch, they often want to know what their people are doing. That close connection is one of the things that makes them such wonderful companions.

THEY NEED EXERCISE

Don't let the fancy haircut fool you. Standard Poodles are athletic dogs.

They can be great walking, hiking and outdoor companions, and they usually enjoy having opportunities to run, explore and play. How much exercise an individual dog needs will depend on age, personality and lifestyle, but prospective owners should be prepared to give their Standard Poodle more than a quick trip around the yard.

A tired Poodle is often a happy Poodle!

GROOMING IS PART OF THE COMMITMENT

That beautiful coat does require work.

Standard Poodles don't have the typical shedding coat that many people are accustomed to, but that doesn't mean they are maintenance-free. Regular brushing and professional grooming are important for keeping the coat healthy and preventing painful mats and tangles.

If you're considering a Standard Poodle, grooming should be part of your decision—not something you think about after bringing your puppy home.

THEY CAN BE GOOFY

This is one of my favorite things about them.

For a breed that can look so dignified, Standard Poodles can be incredibly silly. They can be playful, curious and full of personality. One minute they can look like they belong in a dog show, and the next they're doing something that has the whole family laughing.

That combination of intelligence and personality is a big part of their charm.

SOCIALIZATION IS IMPORTANT

Like any puppy, a Standard Poodle benefits from positive experiences while growing up.

Meeting different people, experiencing different environments and becoming comfortable with everyday sights and sounds can help puppies develop confidence as they grow.

At Prancing Paw Poodles, I believe those early experiences are an important part of giving puppies a good start in life. Our puppies are raised underfoot and exposed to the normal sights and sounds of a home, along with age-appropriate handling and socialization.

SO, IS A STANDARD POODLE RIGHT FOR YOU?

The answer depends on what you're looking for in a dog.

If you want a dog that is intelligent, active, affectionate and enjoys being involved with the family, a Standard Poodle may be a wonderful fit.

But they aren't the right choice for everyone.

They need companionship, training, exercise, mental stimulation and regular grooming. They also tend to form strong bonds with their people, which is wonderful if you're looking for a dog that truly becomes part of the family.

If that sounds like the kind of dog you're looking for, you may have just found your breed.

And if you're beginning your search for a Standard Poodle puppy, we'd love for you to learn more about Prancing Paw Poodles and what we're working to build here.

Every puppy deserves a thoughtful beginning, and every family deserves the chance to find the companion.