Sunday, October 24, 2010

Standard Poodles Anyone?


Standard Poodles...not really dogs, but people in a curly body?

I confess. I love Standard Poodles. I mean I really, really adore them. When people ask me what type of dog might be best for their family, I almost always start with mentioning Standard Poodles. 9 times out of 10, they confess that they are "not Poodle people".

That's okay. Crazy, totally unbelievable, but okay.

And why do I think it is crazy not to love Standard Poodles? Because they can be anything you want in a dog. Get them groomed by the best groomer in town and they will look like an elegant aristocrat. Buzz them down and they are happy to masquerade as a "real dog". A Standard Poodle from working lines can even impress you with what the breed was originally bred to do--be a water retriever. A Standard Poodle is capable of learning all types of tricks to entertain your friends, as he is a true "clown at heart". Excellent therapy dogs, they love to bring happiness to nursing home residents, or help you educate special needs children. Standard Poodles are pure gold in the agility, rally or obedience ring, and tons of fun for those interested in dog sports. It sounds a bit silly, but the truth is...Poodles are really, truly FUN.

And the big plus, the plus that even those who are not Poodle lovers can never deny...Poodles do not shed. I repeat, they do not shed. And that means no dog hair on your couch, your car, your clothes.

Are there any negatives to owning a Standard Poodle? Well, yes, there are a few. They must be groomed on a regular basis. Professional grooming for a Standard Poodle can range from $60-120, depending on the area where you live. Not all Poodles have perfect temperaments. It is not uncommon to encounter shyness, especially in Poodles not properly socialized at a young age (such as one from a puppy mill or a commercial breeder). Unfortunately, some Poodles can become territorial and over-protective, and true territorial or dominance aggression, towards people or other dogs, is not unheard-of, particularly in males.

Although I have fostered several Standards through the years, few of them end up in rescue. Those who do often have issues that require a patient owner, so make sure you have your heart totally invested before you consider working with a rescued dog.  If you want a Standard Poodle, I strongly recommend that you do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder. Keep in mind that a beautiful website does not a reputable breeder make. The Standard Poodle breed has many inherited health defects. All breeding stock should be carefully screened, and potential puppy buyers should ask for a copy of the health testing of the parents of the litter. Information about health issues in Poodles, as well as referrals to reputable breeders, can be obtained on the Poodle Club of America's website, http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/.

Beware though....should you be fortunate enough to ever once be owned by a Standard Poodle, you may find that you will never be happy again without one of these captivating curly creatures by your side. There is something very special about them, a bond that cannot be put into words...it must be experienced to be believed!

13 comments:

  1. Standard poodles are soo sweet but they have a lot of energy so be prepared! For a lot of FUN!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have had standards for the last 20 years. Most amazing dogs ever.
    Check out a picture of my current Apricot Standard here:
    http://dgicre.hubpages.com/hub/mypoodle

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love my male standard poodle, but he is not so nice to my guest. People do not see what I see in my dog. Please help me with what to do with my over protective baby!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, it is not unusual for a male Standard to become overprotective. Have you worked with a local trainer or spoken with his breeder? How old is he? There is an ebook entitled "Follow The Leader" that is on my www.knowingdogs.com website which has some tips in it that should help.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Standard Poodles are the best dogs known to man -- but then, I am a "Poodle Pusher!" What is not to love about this breed? They are everything you said, they are clowns, they don't shed, they are amazingly intelligent, and another bonus -- they don't drool either! I saw a bumber sticker once that said it all: IF IT'S NOT A STANDARD POODLE, IT'S JUST A DOG.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We have an amazing standard female for the last 12 years. She really hasn't met a person she doesn't like and has more personality than some people I have met. She has unfortunately developed a temor in her hid leg. She is also developing kidney disease. Has anyone who has had the pleasure of living with a standard experienced the temor or kidney issue. I read they could be related. I am now giving her homemade low protein diet.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We have an amazing standard female for the last 12 years. She really hasn't met a person she doesn't like and has more personality than some people I have met. She has unfortunately developed a temor in her hid leg. She is also developing kidney disease. Has anyone who has had the pleasure of living with a standard experienced the temor or kidney issue. I read they could be related. I am now giving her homemade low protein diet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carmen, I have been trying to update my blog a bit, and read back through some old posts. Do you still have your sweet girl? I hope and pray she is still with you and if she is, would love to know what has helped her with the kidney disease. If she is gone to heaven, please know you have my greatest empathy....it is very, very hard to lose a Poodle, much like losing a human child. Melanie

      Delete
  8. Carmen, I have had an older Standard have kidney issues. He did not do well at all on the prescription kidney diet the vet recommended but did much better on things like boiled chicken (no bones) and lightly boiled ground turkey. Do you have a holistic veterinarian you could go to for a consult? Many holistic vets now believe that the conventional wisdom of low protein for dogs with kidney disease is incorrect. The dogs need easily digested protein to help them maintain muscle tone and keep up their strength. Our dog did have tremors occasionally but it was due simply to his loss of muscle tone, he had become very thin from both a kidney problem and congestive heeart failu

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Standard Poodles and wouldn't have another breed of dog. However, I definitely do not recommend them 9 times out of 10 because they need a lot of love and attention. It is cruel to leave them home alone all day. They are highly social animals and need a lot of mental stimulation. The "games" they make up to entertain themselves when they are left to get bored will not endear them to the casual owner. Please, don't get one if you don't have the time and energy to give them the care and love they need.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am about to get my first Standard Poodle. I have a husband and 2 children and we re ready to love this dog with all of our hearts. We are ready to walk, and play and give tons of attention to this dog. People are being cruel though and telling me I shouldn't get one because my husband works for full time and I work Monday-Thursday 8:30-2:00. We can't possibly be with a dog 24/7! People can work and have a dog can't they? I don't even work full time. Anyway, I'm hoping that even though I'm not here 24/7 I can raise a sweet, loving, smart, and most of all happy dog!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am about to get my first Standard Poodle. I have a husband and 2 children and we re ready to love this dog with all of our hearts. We are ready to walk, and play and give tons of attention to this dog. People are being cruel though and telling me I shouldn't get one because my husband works for full time and I work Monday-Thursday 8:30-2:00. We can't possibly be with a dog 24/7! People can work and have a dog can't they? I don't even work full time. Anyway, I'm hoping that even though I'm not here 24/7 I can raise a sweet, loving, smart, and most of all happy dog!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Having owned Standards since 1976 (egad, can't believe I'm really that old!), I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Athletic & sweet my Sam is the exception to the rule about poodle smartness but one of the best therapy dogs ever. You just can't buy his kind of sweet and the fact that he doesn't shed is a bonus. Love Standards!

    ReplyDelete