The Standard Poodle is one of the AKC's most versatile dogs and unquestionably one of its most exceptional companions. Standard Poodles are exacting obedience workers, fantastic agility dogs, great water retrievers and wonderful with children. They are extremely loyal and loving with their humans with good protection capabilities. These are active, athletic dogs without being hyperactive or nervous and will require regular exercise to remain in good mental condition.

Their non-shedding, thick coat of hair will require lifelong attention to keep it free from matting. Regular professional grooming and frequent brushing will keep them looking stylish. This is a commitment not to be taken lightly; there is no known maximum length of hair for poodles. Standards are generally not fussy eaters and are a hardy breed; getting a puppy from genetically tested parents will help keep health problems to a minimum. Serious breeders will always make sure this expensive testing is done on their stock.

Though the AKC standard states that any poodle over 15" at the shoulder qualifies for this variety, they can vary greatly in size and weight depending on the gender and bloodlines behind them. A breeder can make an educated guess on adult size based on past experience and expertise. There is no such thing as a "Giant" or "Royal" Standard Poodle. This is a marketing gimmick. Standard Poodles are a moderately sized water retriever.

These are not "foo foo" dogs. They are not for sissies and little old ladies. Poodles in general are popular for a reason: it's because they are intelligent, intuitive, and eager to please their owner. Under all the hair is a true working dog adaptable to almost any situation with great style and affection. The big ones are a well-kept secret available to anyone willing to overlook some unfortunate stereotypes about the breed.