My Standard Poodle, Sterling, Is My 3rd Standard Poodle

by Francie
(KS, USA)

My Standard Poodle, Sterling (Sterling Mocha Latte because he is a Cafe' au lait color--coffee with cream) is a complete clown and so smart its scary. He is my 3rd standard poodle, Rudy and Ari (both inky black) were the first and brothers.







All three have varied in personality and I would qualify Sterling as the quintessential Standard Poodle as desired by the breed standard in terms of personality. Rudy and Ari were better show specimens and were bred by one of the nation's top breeders. Ari (Sage Aristotle of Bonheur) was stoic and quiet and stubborn at times. Rudy (Rudolph Valentino of Bonheur) was a complete lover and also a bit of a clown.

They, however, had health issues and we believe that this was a result of the breeding not the breed. They were bred for appearance and Sterling was bred by a "back yard breeder" for profit. As a result, he is much healthier though that is of course, never a guarantee.

A Standard's personality should be bouncy, joyful and a bit silly. A real lover and super loyal, a great watchdog (but some have a tendency to bark too soon). They are easy to care for and train and since they have hair not fur their coat does not shed like other breeds.

I learned to clip my own dogs and once invested in the clipper (I use Andis, have had Oster but Andis is much better) and upgraded to the ceramic blades (stay sharper much longer), I save at least $55-60 per groom and normally that takes place every 4-8 weeks depending upon personal preferences. You do have to remove inner ear hair on this breed as they are Spaniels and can get infections if you don't.

Our oldest daughter has dog allergies and this breed is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get (no breed is 100% non-allergenic). They are very clean and cooperative about grooming because it starts as small puppies. You do have to train them because if you don't they will outsmart you every time. Some dogs have unlatched gates and household doors to get what they are after.

One word of warning regarding Standards...they and all poodles can have some very bad genetic diseases that are inherited. ASK for proof that the parents have been tested and cleared. If so, all puppies are clean and cannot pass down the diseases. Non clean dogs should NOT be bred.

Do NOT accept a dog from parents that have not been certified and the breeder will have proof for you. Double check that with the testing facility, too. These diseases are devastating.