The Toy Poodle is an elegant, lively, small dog with a profuse, but well-groomed and clipped curly coat. The ears are long, flat and wide, laying close to the head. The head is long with dark, almond-shaped eyes that have an alert expression. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should have a scissors bite. A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same overall length as the height at the withers. The level top line has a slight depression behind the withers. The feet are small, oval and webbed, with arched toes. Dewclaws generally are removed. The tail is docked to produce a balanced dog. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the body, the "English saddle" clip, and the "Continental" clip with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tails and hips. All solid colors are permissible. The Poodle has a delightful springy gait.

The Poodle is an agile, athletic, and graceful breed. They are considered to be one of the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent breeds. Lively and playful, they have a tremendous sense of humor and a true love of life. Poodles are a breed of distinction, elegance, and dignity.

The Poodle has a dense, harsh coat that is either curly or corded. The color of the coat comes in such solid colors as silver, cream, gray, blue, black, white, apricot, red, caf-au-lait, and brown. It is possible to have a Parti patterned coat. However, that type of coat is not accepted in the show ring. This breed sheds little to no hair.

This ancient breed appears in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard is the oldest. The Poodle was originally developed to be a water dog that retrieved game fowl. Favored by royalty as well as gypsies, this versatile breed was able to master many tasks and trades and maintain a reputation as a fine companion.

One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Poodle is loyal and deeply devoted to their owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely sensitive to their familys moods and emotions. The Poodle may become overly attached to one particular family member and suffer from separation anxiety. The Standard and Miniature varieties are typically more amiable than the Toy variety, which has a tendency to be neurotic. The Standard does well in a home with children and other household pets. The Miniature and Toy varieties are best suited for homes with older, considerate children. The Poodle is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. This breed has a tendency to bark excessively.

The Poodle requires extensive grooming. Professional clipping must be done every six to eight weeks. The coat may be groomed in three different styles: the Pet Clip, English Saddle, and Continental. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent mats and tangles. It is important that the Poodles teeth and ears are checked and cleaned on a consistent basis. This breed is prone to cataracts, PRA, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease.

Highly trainable and eager to please, the Poodle requires early socialization and obedience training. With their sensitive nature they do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Poodle does best with fairness, firmness, respect, patience, and consistency. They excel at learning tricks, including agility, retrieving, and competitive obedience.

The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions, and securely leashed walks. They greatly benefit from regular opportunities to romp and run off lead in a safe area. Poodles will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated to help curtail their tendency to excessively bark, and to keep them physically fit.

If you are looking for Standard Poodle puppies for sale from reputable Standard Poodle breeders or to adopt a Standard Poodle from a Standard Poodle rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Standard Poodle puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Standard Poodle puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.