Hi and Welcome to PF!

I don't have a standard so not much practical advice, but I have a couple of questions and thoughts.

First, even within breed and variety, exercise needs will vary individually. Also, poodles will tend to adapt to their family's lifestyle.

Having said that, most poodles love to run occasionally. Is there a safe enclosed space that you can throw balls and such, for her to chase? If you've never seen a poodle run zoomies, it's a treat .

8 years is mature but poodles age a bit differently. They remain young at heart for years and unless health issues arise, stay varying degrees of active thru most of their years.

Why is she needing a new home? Is she with a family now? Retired breeder? What exercise level is she currently used to? Are you an experienced dog owner? Poodle owner?

These and other questions are as important as how much walking she might need.

 

Thank you so much for welcoming me to this forum. This standard poodle is needing a new home because her owner is experiencing serious health issues. She was used for breeding puppies, but is now retired. I'm not sure about what exercise level she is used to, but she is on a farm or acreage at the moment. For walking, a 30 minute walk would be challenging for me. I have chronic back, and hip issues and arthritis in arms and hands. I also have a sore right foot with some issues as well. Lifting her would be challenging, especially if she starts developing serious health issues. I have never owned a standard poodle before. I am just starting to wonder if I am physically not up to the demands of this kind of dog??? Your thoughts?

 

Excellent advice from RnP. I would also consider grooming needs - a poodle needs a lot of brushing and combing unless the coat is cut very short very regularly, and you mention having arthritis in your hands.

How well trained is the dog? Does she pull on the lead? Drag suddenly on it if she sees something to chase? Both could make walking dangerous if you have issues with hips, knees or shoulders. Are you able to go for a walk with her to assess her behaviour?

She could be the perfect dog for you, or far more than you can manage - you need to know much more about her to judge.

 

Hello and thank you for your advice. I do have shoulder issues as well, I am still healing from a torn rotator cuff that happened a little over a year ago. It is almost healed, but not fully. I still have to be careful.

How this dog is on a leash, I am not sure of??? The owner did mention that she really hates cats, so that could be a dangerous issue if she came across a cat on a walk. This dog currently lives in the country so I think she just roams freely.

Thank you for also mentioning the grooming demands, I never thought of just how brushing and combing could be hard on arthritic hands.

This dog is located almost two hours away from where I live, so it would not be possible to take her on a test walk.

 

With your answers, my questions now go to how much she's lived in the home used to a human lifestyle , how much training has she had, on those lines.
Some retired breeders have been beloved pets their whole lives, others have been basically left to their own devices. This can make for a difficult transition.
There's a lot of "it depends on..." in this equation.

I'd be more comfortable for you if this were a miniature poodle.

Standards are stunners, but there is more - size, strength, grooming, feeding. They can be a challenge but if her temperament and background fits into your life, she may be a blessing.

 

With your answers, my questions now go to how much she's lived in the home used to a human lifestyle , how much training has she had, on those lines.
Some retired breeders have been beloved pets their whole lives, others have been basically left to their own devices. This can make for a difficult transition.
There's a lot of "it depends on..." in this equation.

I'd be more comfortable for you if this were a miniature poodle.

Standards are stunners, but there is more - size, strength, grooming, feeding. They can be a challenge but if her temperament and background fits into your life, she may be a blessing.

I think you are absolutely right, I need to look to the smaller poodles instead. Thank you so much for your advice.

 

Do you know her height and weight?

I'd request several videos of her around the house, outside, on leash, to get a feel for her.

 

Welcome! I have an 8 year old standard and he is still VERY energetic. I live on some acreage now so he can roam the fields and woods and run to his heart's content. He would not do well with just 30 min. walks. I have some serious health issues too, but sounds like you have a real handful. Others have mentioned grooming and that is a daily matter of brushing and combing. Forgive me, but I really do not think a standard is right for you. A toy poodle might be perfect, so don't give up on poodle dreams, just downsize. All my best wishes

 

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you being so honest with me about the size. I think you are absolutely right, I just need to seriously downsize the poodle I may get.

I think a standard would just be too much for me with my health issues, and I would not want to make the mistake of getting the wrong size poodle, and putting my family through the trouble of having to rehome a dog that they may really start to like.

I would be the one at home most of the time, and the one who would be looking after the dog the most. From the answers I am getting, my gut instinct is telling me that a standard is just too much dog for me, and it most likely would not work out.

Again, I really appreciate you being so honest with me about the size of poodle. I was really stressing out about this dog maybe being too much for me and you really confirmed that I need to look for something smaller. Thank you again!

 

Hello! Regarding getting a smaller poodle... Small size might not mean small energy demands. You might do best with a small companion dog. My mother (71yrs old) has a Maltese - bichon mix. It's perfect for her. It's a lap dog, small enough to carry when needed, and she sends it to the groomers once a month. It's happy to go outside when she does, happy inside when she's there.

 

That is great advice. Thank you so much!

 

I wonder whether a greyhound might be a good fit for you, unless you are absolutely set on a poodle. They are renowned for being couch potatoes, happy with shortish walks and occasional off leash gallops, and grooming is minimal.

 

It really depends on the dog, but on average standard poodles skew towards needing exercise and entertainment. Plus, keeping the coat groomed might be challenging if your arthritis and rotator cuff issues make it uncomfortable to give the dog the regular brushing sessions it needs. Taking the dog to a groomer every 4 weeks can help keep the coat under control, but it's not really fair to the groomer or the dog to clear out a month of mats in one long grooming session.

 

Thank you for the advice. The grooming requirements are very high maintenance, and I don't think my arthritic hands would be able to handle it. I have learned a lot, thank you again for letting me know.

 

Hello and Welcome to the PF🙂. A standard poodle is a big strong dog😬. Being on a farm I'm guessing it's probably not leash trained well. A dog like that can rip your rotator cuff in a hurry🤕. That or just pull you clean off of your feet. If the dog is going from a free roaming farm environment to suburban city area. I think you might run into quite a few issues with behavior. 8 years of free to roam as you please behavior would be hard to change. It's like the country boy you can take him to the big city but he will never truly leave the farm🤠. I agree with others a smaller dog would be a better option in my opinion.🙂 That doesn't mean you can't experience the poodle though!😁 They really are a joy in life prior to getting my standard poodle which I love. I had a mixed smaller dog I think she would have been perfect for your situation. So that's what I'm going to recommend a bichon frise ‐ poodle mix. That mix is responsible for me falling in love with the poodle personality traits and behaviors. 🐩 Even in that mix the poodle is very prominent. A dog like that is easy to care for non-shedding and doesn't require a ton of exercise. You will see the poodle shine through in that mix very intelligent. With the proper haircut grooming is minimal as it is a smaller dog.

 

Thank you for giving me so much information on the strength of a standard poodle. The idea of it causing a new injury to my rotator cuff gives me the shivers. That is something that I cannot even imagine, as I was in the hospital in September 2021 with my torn rotator cuff, it was absolutely horrific pain and I lost almost complete mobility in my left arm. My mobility has come back gradually, but is not 100% yet unfortunately. I am learning so much on this awesome forum from all you wonderful poodle owners. Thank goodness I had the smarts to join this forum, and get much needed advice from those who are experienced poodle owners. I am incredibly grateful to all who have replied to my post.

 

I have not read the entire thread here but honestly with your health conditions I would re think getting a dog. I have 2 standards. One weighs in at 60 lbs and the other is 45 lbs. They are 5 and 1 respectively. Both are very energetic dogs and love walks and playtime. It helps me having two as the can run and exercise in the yard together making it so I don't have to take long walk though the 1 year old till requires that I walk him at least 1/4 mile 2x a day. While the are good they can be jumpy, they do know not to jump up on me but there are times they forget. My neighbor has 2 also and hers are the same. She doesn't walk them anymore, she is in her mid 70's and her husband is 85. But the dogs have a big yard to run in and accompany them on car rides etc. Hers are both older than mine, one she had from a pup the other she took in from a rescue. I feel all dogs need not only exercise but you will be bending and lifting and then grooming. If you feel you are up to the maybe a smaller dog would be better. Now I love poodles but there is a lot of work to keep them in good condition. Yesterday I took my younger one in for his annual exam and shots, I also purchased his 6 month supply of HeartGard and NexGard (heart worm/flea prevention) the cost came to a total of $434..

 

I agree with everyone. My Maizie is 7.5 and still has tons of energy. Frosty is 6 and has even more energy and is super strong. I don't see them slowing down that much by 8 years old. Maybe when they're 10-12! I think it's wonderful that you're being honest about your limitations and asking for input from spoo owners.

I also purchased his 6 month supply of HeartGard and NexGard (heart worm/flea prevention) the cost came to a total of $434..

Please be careful with the NexGard!!! Both of my dogs had scary seizures/dyskinesias from it. Many dogs have died from it.

 

I have both a Standard Poodle and two Greyhounds and I don’t think I could recommend either breed. Others have commented on Poodles so I will focus on Greyhounds. While the Greyhounds are lower energy, they are still large dogs that could cause injury. Mine are 70 and 80 pounds and around 30” tall. Females tend to be smaller, but in my experience more energetic. Even at 10 years old, my oldest Greyhound needs his walk plus playtime. Yes, he naps a lot, but those bursts of energy could be too much for someone with injuries, chronic pain, or mobility limitations. Many Greyhounds also need exposure training to common household happenings: I know a Grey that freaked out when he saw a ceiling fan, both of mine had to be trained to stairs, glass doors can be dangerous, and shiny floors can be terrifying. I would suggest a much smaller breed that has been bred to be a lap dog.

 

Thank you so much for also commenting about Greyhounds, that is just wild! Because, I was also thinking of possibly getting a Greyhound as well. You have definitely given me a big education on what Greyhounds are like in regards to having in the home, and their energy levels. I am learning so much on this wonderful forum. Again, thank you so much!

 

Lots of good advice here already. Like @PhoebeDuck mentioned, a smaller size doesn't mean smaller energy requirements. I have a 4 lb toy poodle and although he is small and 6 yrs old he needs plenty of exercise. We are temporarily staying in an apartment and it is not easy. There have been a number of dog attacks in our huge complex and it is unsafe to take him out here. That means having to drive and find a safe place to walk. On days that I cannot do that first thing in the morning (working from home), he is a handful! Even with brain games, etc, he still requires daily exercise. He does well with two good walks a day.

 

Thank you so much for the advice and information on toy poodles. That makes me sad to know that the toy's can be very demanding with exercise as well. I thought they would not need as much as the large standards???

 

From what you have said a standard might be too much for you. A toy or miniature would be your best bet among the poodle breed. Standards are usually big and strong. If she's on a leash, the first time she pulled or lunged, it could get ugly. Probably disappointing for you, but it could create unnecessary injury.

 

Thank you so much for your reply. I think you are right, it could cause a serious injury that I really do not need. I am also starting to think that a toy or miniature would be the best for me with my health issues. Thank you again, very appreciated.

 

Several have commented about the energy level of any size being a potential issue, and that can be true. If you have your heart set on a poodle (and you're in good company here lol), I'm still going to recommend a miniature.

It's frequently said that miniatures have as high or higher energy level than the other varieties. I'm on miniatures number 6 & 7 and I'm always puzzled by that perception.

As puppies, yes, they're very busy but mine have all fit right in as adults to my mellow lifestyle. As adults, they like to get out in the yard and play a bit, and they're pretty insistent on one neighborhood walk a day but the physical exercise they ask for isn't onerous. Draining their batteries thru "brain games" like training, which is like a game to them, helps with that.

I'd also recommend looking for an older puppy or young adult. Breeders sometimes hold back a pup with show potential who eventually doesn't make the cut and will go to a pet family, as their siblings did earlier. Sometimes an owner's life circumstances change, and they will take that pup/dog back to help with rehoming.

Many breeders do temperament testing at 7w for puppies, but environment plays a role also. If you can find a bit older pup/young adult their personality and temperament will likely be more set.

My girls came to us at almost 2y old from a breeder who was changing her breeding program. We had 14 amazing years with them.

If you don't mind telling us what province you're in and how far you could travel to meet a breeder and pup first (can't stress too much how important this is prior to committing), we might be able to make specific breeder suggestions. We'll also always recommend the Poodle Club of Canada for breeder referrals.
There are links over in the "Breeders by Location" list over in "Finding the Right Puppy & Breeder" forum,

 

Several have commented about the energy level of any size being a potential issue, and that can be true. If you have your heart set on a poodle (and you're in good company here lol), I'm still going to recommend a miniature.

It's frequently said that miniatures have as high or higher energy level than the other varieties. I'm on miniatures number 6 & 7 and I'm always puzzled by that perception.

As puppies, yes, they're very busy but mine have all fit right in as adults to my mellow lifestyle. As adults, they like to get out in the yard and play a bit, and they're pretty insistent on one neighborhood walk a day but the physical exercise they ask for isn't onerous. Draining their batteries thru "brain games" like training, which is like a game to them, helps with that.

I'd also recommend looking for an older puppy or young adult. Breeders sometimes hold back a pup with show potential who eventually doesn't make the cut and will go to a pet family, as their siblings did earlier. Sometimes an owner's life circumstances change, and they will take that pup/dog back to help with rehoming.

Many breeders do temperament testing at 7w for puppies, but environment plays a role also. If you can find a bit older pup/young adult their personality and temperament will likely be more set.

My girls came to us at almost 2y old from a breeder who was changing her breeding program. We had 14 amazing years with them.

If you don't mind telling us what province you're in and how far you could travel to meet a breeder and pup first (can't stress too much how important this is prior to committing), we might be able to make specific breeder suggestions. We'll also always recommend the Poodle Club of Canada for breeder referrals.
There are links over in the "Breeders by Location" list over in "Finding the Right Puppy & Breeder" forum,

That is very good advice. I am located in the province of Alberta.

 

If you have a large, fenced yard it might work out for you. I have a very active miniature poodle and a very lazy yellow Lab. They are rarely taken for walks, but they have a large yard with a high fence (5 to 6 feet) that works out well for them. It is covered with AstroTurf so the dogs stay clean and it's easy to pick up their poop. (We also have a "dog yard" that is always available to them via a dog door.)

 

I have a standard and a toy poodle. Both are energetic and active. This suits our lifestyle. Our tpoo is out walking / running etc approximately 2 1/2 hours a day. It's true, that toy and mini poodles are active, but they are smaller and therefore need less lengths for satisfactory stimuli.
If I recall correctly, a half hour walk would be max. The dog will need to have access to a yard so that he / she can relieve themselves. Other ways of keeping a poodle happy and tiring them out at home, is using puzzles, a flirt pole, trick training, search and find games etc.
In your current situation, an easy keep cut would be a good choice. Poodle can adjust to your lifestyle, but you need to choose your dog carefully. You do not want a dog from agility or hunting lines. They are more active. So by finding the right dog from the right breeder, you will set yourself up for success

 

I have a standard and a toy poodle. Both are energetic and active. This suits our lifestyle. Our tpoo is out walking / running etc approximately 2 1/2 hours a day. It's true, that toy and mini poodles are active, but they are smaller and therefore need less lengths for satisfactory stimuli.
If I recall correctly, a half hour walk would be max. The dog will need to have access to a yard so that he / she can relieve themselves. Other ways of keeping a poodle happy and tiring them out at home, is using puzzles, a flirt pole, trick training, search and find games etc.
In your current situation, an easy keep cut would be a good choice. Poodle can adjust to your lifestyle, but you need to choose your dog carefully. You do not want a dog from agility or hunting lines. They are more active. So by finding the right dog from the right breeder, you will set yourself up for success

Wonderful advice, thank you! I did not know that about the agility and hunting lines, but that makes perfect sense.

 

If you have your heart set on a dog. I would suggest visiting your local shelter. They will find you a dog suited for your health and activity level. I think a standard poodle (size and energy) just will cause more injuries and you have to take care of yourself first! Good luck. Have you considered a cat?

 

I think we have decided to get a toy poodle. My daughter has allergies to cats, so that would not be an option. I am not sure if the sphynx hairless cat breed is allergy friendly, I have not looked into that breed enough to know.

 

I am 76 with rotator cuff problems and arthritis, so I can relate. I am having to chuckle at people thinking a smaller dog could solve the problem. I have house sat for a small dachshund, and been a guest in a house with a small non-specific breed. Both of them were far more of a handful than was my standard poodle. The difference? The training and temperament they had. I had trained my spoo to be very easy to walk, etc. The two small ones were hell on wheels!

Find a super well trained dog, learn what their specific commands and responses are. Find a dog with a laid back people pleasing temperament that basically wants to go out on sort of sniff around a bit walks, or snuggle up next to you. I don't really think size or breed has anything to do with it from my own experience.

 

Why do you want a Standard? Is it only because it's available? What you have described as your health issues, any large breed sounds like it may be a physical challenge for you and may not be in either of your best interests. I would consider a smaller Poodle, mini or toy even. I may come across as blunt but I'm trying to be honest. Standards can require firm handling, for grooming, for transporting, for their health in keeping mentally challenged and physically fit. Are you sure it's the choice that is right for why you want a dog?

 

Standards can require firm handling,

Hmm, this really depends on how they were trained, and how well, and the temperament of the dog. Mine was trained with no firmness and requires no firm handling.