Standard Poodles
Standard poodles are very active, highly-intelligent, athletic and extremely eager to please. They are highly interactive and need to be an integral family member. Whilst requiring excercise and stimulation they need to live indoors and participate in family activities. Being sensitive, they suffer if left alone for a long periods of time or left in the backyard. The house yard needs be fenced. They are sight hounds and need to be on a lead near traffic. They are highly rewarding, protective, glamourous and devoted companions who will enrich your life beyond your expectations.
Grooming and maintenance
Standard poodles need to be bathed every two weeks with lanolin, shampoo and conditioner, nails clipped, ears plucked; face feet and tail clipped every month. They need to be brushed regularly. For flea and tick prevention, they need Preventick collars in tick areas and an Advantage monthly for flea control. Clean bedding is also a requirement.
Heart worm medication where applicable.
Heart worm medication where applicable.
Health
Standard poodles along with all deep-narrow chested breeds can be prone to bloat, which requires immediate veterinary attention. To minimise the risk, do not feed an hour before or an hour after excercise, feed a natural diet (BARF diet: bones and raw food), and feed two small meals a day rather than one large meal. Do not suddenly change diets and avoid fatty foods. See GROW YOUR PUPS WITH BONES by Dr Ian Billinghurst.
