The 60-second version of the Standard Poodle: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
Standard Poodle at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Utility/Gundog |
| Weight | 20–32 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — swim, run, train |
| Coat | Curly, non-shedding |
| Grooming | Professional clip every 6 weeks |
| Shedding | None to speak of |
| Good with kids | Wonderful — gentle and playful |
| Puppy price (AU) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$55–$95/month |
Living with a Standard Poodle in Australia
Forget the frou-frou stereotype: the Standard Poodle is a serious working gundog with a top-three canine IQ and an athlete’s body. They excel at everything — obedience, agility, retrieving, therapy work — and their non-shedding coat makes them the base of Australia’s oodle craze. Living with one means committing to grooming and to their brain: a Standard without training and exercise will out-think you daily. For active families, they’re close to the perfect large dog.
Health watch-outs
Generally robust with a few big-breed notes:
- Addison’s disease and sebaceous adenitis — breed-relevant autoimmune conditions; screening exists.
- Hip dysplasia and bloat — standard large-breed vigilance.
- Eye conditions (PRA) — DNA testing available.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $2,000–$4,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $55–$95/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- The 6-weekly clip is the big recurring cost; otherwise a robust, long-lived dog.
Is a Standard Poodle right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Active families wanting a non-shedding large dog
- Owners who enjoy serious training
- Allergy-aware households with space
Think twice if… ⚠️
- Grooming bills are lifelong and significant
- The brain needs a job — daily
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance