Poodle (Standard)
POO-dul
Proud, Intelligent, Active, Elegant. Originally bred for water retrieval (the name comes from german 'pudelin'; to splash).
An adult Poodle (Standard) weighs 45-70 lbs (male) or 40-55 lbs (female), needs 860-1,870 calories daily, and lives 10-18 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Poodle (Standard) needs 860 to 1,870 calories per day. An average male (58 lbs / 26.1 kg) needs around 1,370 kcal; a female (48 lbs / 21.5 kg) roughly 1,190 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Poodle (Standard). For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Poodle (Standard) typically lives 10-18 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Needs 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Standard Poodles are genuine athletes; they're water dogs who love swimming, and they excel at agility, obedience, and dock diving. Don't let the fancy haircuts fool you. As a sporting breed, the Poodle (Standard) was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Poodle (Standard) is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Poodle (Standard)s have a dense, curly, single coat (continuously growing, non-shedding) coat. Origin: Germany (refined in France).
Routinely ranked among the top 3 most intelligent dog breeds. The elaborate show clips originated from practical water-retrieval grooming; hair was left on joints and organs for warmth while shaved elsewhere for swimming efficiency. Standard Poodles are not the prissy dogs their reputation suggests; they're robust, athletic, and versatile.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
The Poodle (Standard) responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for Poodle (Standard) owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 860 to 1870 calories per day for an adult Poodle (Standard). A 58-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Avoid high-calorie puppy foods designed for small breeds. Large breed puppies need moderate calorie density with controlled calcium and phosphorus. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 45-70 lbs (20.4–31.8 kg). Females run lighter at 40-55 lbs (18.1–24.9 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
The top health priority for Poodle (Standard) owners is awareness of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, von willebrand disease, bloat. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
This breed needs genuine exercise, not just a quick walk around the block. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Good activities for this breed include moderate walks, play sessions, training games. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Poodle (Standard) will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026