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Like most people, I assumed the Standard Poodle was a sissy, fru-fru dog, fit only for pampering and spending time in the show ring. However, I quickly changed my mind when I had the opportunity to meet some real Standard Poodles, when a groomer/breeder/trainer moved into the house next door with her pack and assorted guests. I soon developed a new appreciation for the breed (as did my two manly-mutts!)

Poodles originated in Western Europe - Germany, France or Denmark depending on who you ask - as hunting dogs, used for retrieving waterfowl. Their hunting-heritage is the origin of the world-famous "Continental Cut" seen in the show ring. The goal was to keep the dog warm and protected from sharp objects while hunting, while giving them freedom of movement.

Appearance
Standard Poodles are at least 15 inches tall, but some are much taller, and weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. The coat is curly, and comes in white, brown, gray, apricot and black. Only solid colors are acceptable in the show ring, but there are also two-toned "party poodles". They have long, delicate faces, dark, very intelligent eyes and long fluffy ears. The legs are long and graceful, and Standards have very delicate feet.

The Continental Cut is features "bracelets" around the ankles, pom-poms on the hips and tail, and a full length coat around the chest, back, shoulders and head. The face, legs and feed are trimmed very short. A more practical cut for the family pet is the Puppy cut (or "lamb" cut) - the feet and face are trimmed close, but the rest of the body is left a short, uniform length.

Temperament
Standard Poodles are delightful dogs, good-natured, intelligent and full of fun. They enjoy learning and are easily one of most trainable breeds. They are good with children and strangers and generally good with other animals.

Health problems
Poodles have a very long life-expectancy (often over 15 years), but they do suffer from a number of health issues, including eye and ear problems, bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and skin problems (often exacerbated by bad grooming practices).

Exercise requirements
Though not as demanding as many dogs, Standard Poodles are still very active and need a daily romp, but then are happy to camp out on the sofa most of the day. Walking on the leash is fine, but a chance to run and explore would be even better received.

Grooming
Regular grooming is required - bathing trimming and brushing - and if your Poodle is allowed to be a "real" dog, burrs and dirt can be a problem. But they are willing to please, so baths and grooming doesn't need to be a major struggle, and the basic cut is not difficult to master - or there are many good, economical groomers who will do the work for you.

Lifestyle
Poodles love to be the center of attention and the life of the party, so don't expect them to stay happily in a kennel. And it would be a waste not to tap into that Poodle intelligence and trainability, and most Standards would excel at obedience, agility or hunting

Learn more about this author, Pat Gray.
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