Poodles are known for being fantastic family companions. They are upbeat, cheerful, sensitive to their owners, intelligent, and playful. They get along well with children and other dogs. They can have a high prey drive.

So, they may need some extra socialization and training with smaller pets in the household. They also have a protective instinct, which makes them initially wary of strangers. But, as long as they have been properly socialized, they will warm up quickly.

If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same in a Standard Poodle Mix. You can also meet the mother in-person to see what behavior she is modeling for her puppies and the manners she is teaching them.

The breeder should have started socializing and training puppies. But, once you get them home, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy so they grow into a well-rounded dog.

A Standard Poodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. Although they tend to be better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.

As with any dog breed, a Poodle is sensitive to heat. When temperatures drop, they may need some winter dog products to stay warm. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time because they bond so closely with their owners.

If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect a similar adaptability level from a Standard Poodle Mix. But, they may still have some quirks they could introduce, so you want to ask the breeder about them.

Although mixed-breed dogs can be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or a combination of them.

From the Poodle side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Standard Poodle Mix include von Willebrand’s disease, epilepsy, skin conditions, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The other parent will introduce their own potential health concerns, so you want to ask the breeder about them.

Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to make sure they are not passing issues to puppies. So, you should plan to ask about the health history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask to see test results or clearances from any health evaluations that have been done.

Standard Poodles are also one of the dog breeds at a higher risk for bloat. Because bloat in dogs can become dangerous if the stomach flips, it’s important to know the symptoms so you can get help immediately and also to know how to help prevent it from happening.

Poodles are intelligent, in-tune with their owners, and eager to please. This makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make them more difficult to train so you want to ask the breeder about them.

If the other parent breed is just as highly trainable, then you can expect a Standard Poodle Mix to be highly trainable as well. Even if you don’t need them, puppy training classes can still be a great idea. They often offer socialization opportunities while also strengthening your bond with your puppy.

One of the reasons there are so many Poodle mixes is because of their low-shedding coat. Although a Standard Poodle Mix could inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat, they could also inherit a coat similar to the other parent breed or a coat that is a combination of both.

Also, a low-shedding coat does not always mean a low-maintenance coat. Should your Standard Poodle Mix inherit a full Poodle coat, you will need to brush them every day, bathe them occasionally, and get them professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Standard Poodle Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. If you’re visiting the groomer regularly, they will be able to help you with some of this, but you will still need to do some of it at home.

Depending on how quickly they grow, you will need to cut your dog’s nails once or twice monthly. Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed helps prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs, like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily, helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Poodles may have a fashionable reputation, but they are also sturdy and athletic working dogs. They are also high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog, then you can expect your Standard Poodle Mix to have high exercise requirements as well. Even if the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog.

A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands 22-27 inches tall and weighs 40-70 pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it’s not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother in-person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Standard Poodle Mix.

Standard Poodles generally live for 10-18 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Standard Poodle Mix.