Standard Poodles are an incredibly popular breed, and these dogs are often seen as great family companions because of their smarts and their trainability. Standard Poodles are medium-sized dogs, and they are intelligent, affectionate, and playful. For many individuals, the standard Poodle makes a great lifelong companion.
If you are thinking about adding this breed to your life, you may be wondering how long the standard Poodle lives and what you can do to encourage a long and healthy life in your dog. Our article answers this question and gives you some insight into encouraging a long life in your standard Poodle.
How Long Do Standard Poodles Live?
Standard Poodles live an average of 12 to 15 years. This is on par with other breeds of a similar size. These dogs can often exceed their average if they receive the proper care and do not have any major health issues.
That being said, health conditions can and do impact the lifespan of the standard Poodle. How you care for your dog can affect how long they live and how healthy they are while they are at your side. Taking steps to encourage proper care and a healthy lifestyle is essential if you want your standard Poodle to live for a long time.
Health Issues That Impact the Average Standard Poodle Lifespan
Standard Poodles are prone to certain health issues due to their genetics. This is true for most dog breeds. These dogs can inherit health problems from their parents or simply be predisposed to certain types of health problems. It’s important to be familiar with the potential health problems your dog might develop so you know when to seek veterinary care.
Health issues that can impact your standard Poodle’s lifespan include:
- Cushing’s Disease – This disease is common in Poodles, and it affects the pituitary and adrenal glands. It causes an increase in appetite, urination, and water consumption. Symptoms of dogs with Cushing’s disease can be managed with medication, but it does impact their overall quality of life and lifespan.
- Epilepsy – This causes seizures in Poodles, and it can be treated, depending on how severe the condition is. Some dogs may only have a few seizures over their lifetime, while others may have serious, repeated incidents.
- Cancer – Poodles are unfortunately predisposed to many types of cancer. If caught early, treatment may be available and some dogs diagnosed with cancer make a full recovery.
- Addison’s Disease – This is an autoimmune disease that causes lethargy, digestive symptoms, and weakness. Fortunately, it can be managed with the help of your vet, and many dogs with Addison’s disease can live full, happy lives.
- Bloat – Many dogs, including Poodles, are predisposed to bloat. It is characterized by a bloated abdomen, lack of appetite, and trouble breathing or pain. It can be fatal if left untreated.
As soon as you notice concerning symptoms in your dog, take steps to book an appointment with your vet and get to the bottom of your Poodle’s problems. Doing this can make all the difference in your dog’s treatment and longevity.
Extending the Lifespan of a Standard Poodle: Essential Tips
If you have a standard Poodle in your home, the chances are that you want to make sure that they live a long and happy life. The following tips can help encourage your Poodle’s lifespan longevity.
Finding the Right Breeder
Working with an ethical breeder is one of the best things you can do for your standard Poodle from the moment they are born. Ethical and reputable breeders uphold proper breeding standards in addition to putting the health of the dogs first. This means that the breeder will have a deep understanding of the standard Poodle breed.
Compare this to a backyard breeder or a breeder who does not understand proper standard Poodle breeding methods. These individuals are more likely to engage in inbreeding or to breed without any care for the health of the parent dogs or puppies.
Purchasing a standard Poodle puppy from the wrong type of breeder can result in that puppy having serious health issues and being more likely to develop genetic issues later on in life. All of these factors can have a serious impact on your standard Poodle’s happiness and longevity.
Exercise and Playtime
Standard Poodles are active and energetic dogs, and they need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy throughout their life. You will need to walk your standard Poodle several times a day, and they will benefit from at least an hour of playtime each day. Make sure that if you plan to leave your standard Poodle home alone, they have plenty of toys to keep them engaged.
Neglecting to provide your dog with enough exercise and playtime to keep them physically stimulated can result in boredom, behavioral issues, and obesity. These are all things that can impact your dog’s happiness and health.
Mental Stimulation
Standard Poodles are very intelligent dogs, and they benefit from plenty of mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. You can keep your dog mentally stimulated by engaging in consistent training. Poodles will likely be eager to please you and learn new tasks. In fact, this desire to learn new things and rise to the challenge of training is what makes standard Poodles so well suited for service dog tasks.
Without the mental stimulation they need, your standard Poodle can become destructive or depressed, and this is something that can significantly impact their health and lifespan if left unaddressed.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for all dogs, especially for standard Poodles who may be prone to obesity. Work with your veterinarian to research the best types of food for your dog’s life stage and health needs.
Dental Care and Grooming
Dental care and grooming are very important for all dog breeds. Standard Poodles have a thick curly or wiry coat that needs to be brushed often and trimmed routinely. Neglecting to groom your Poodle can result in matts and knots that negatively affect their health and impact their skin.
Similarly, dental care is equally as important for your standard Poodle. Dental issues can affect your dog’s overall health. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean, feeding your dog dental treats, and meeting with your vet to discuss your dog’s dental health are essential parts of keeping them healthy.
Routine Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care and preventative care is an essential weapon in the dog owner’s arsenal. Most standard Poodles that are healthy adults will need to go to the vet about once a year. Puppies may need to see a vet twice a year, and senior dogs may also need to visit the vet on a semi-annual basis.
You can utilize preventative care by keeping track of your dog’s health issues or symptoms and sharing them with your vet. Your veterinarian can advise you further when it comes to routine care schedules and preventative care for your dog.
When Do I Need to Seek Emergency Care for My Standard Poodle?
Sometimes, your standard Poodle may show concerning health symptoms that need more immediate care than a routine vet visit. If you notice something amiss with your dog, it’s important to seek an emergency vet for immediate treatment.
Concerning signs in your standard Poodle that might need emergency care include:
- Lack of appetite that goes on for several days
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Extreme lethargy or unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Unexplained bleeding or continued bleeding from an injury
- Broken bones or other injury
- Inability to move or trouble moving
- Inability to use the bathroom
The sooner you take your dog to an emergency vet and get them looked at, the sooner your dog can receive a diagnosis and treatment. Keep in mind that many health issues that affect standard Poodles have the best outcomes when they are caught early.
Keeping Your Standard Poodle at Your Side
As dog owners, there is nothing we won’t do for our dogs, and taking extra precautions for our dog’s health and ensuring they feel their best is a given. When it comes to helping your standard Poodle outlive the average lifespan for this breed, lots of love, exercise, and routine veterinary care are key to a long, happy life.
If you have any questions or concerns about your standard Poodle’s care, reach out to your vet before adding one of these intelligent, loving dogs into your life.
Sources:
Author O’Neill Hill, Lisa, “Seizures in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do”, WebMD, August 19. 2024, https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-seizure-disorders
Author Blaseser L., Lauren, DVM, DACVS, “Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) … or “bloat””, Ethos Veterinary Health, 2024, https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/german-shepherds-and-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-gdv-or-bloat/
