Are Standard Poodles Good Dogs? What Science Says

Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Introduction to the Temperament of the Standard Poodle

The are many descriptions of the temperament of the Standard Poodle out there. However, most of these descriptions are difficult to verify or prove. They are based on mere speculations.

In this article, we will provide a factual description of the temperament of the Standard Poodle based on solid scientific research. This will give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the Standard Poodle breed.

We obtained our description of the temperament of Standard Poodle by analyzing raw scientific data from The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) database.

The C-BARQ dog temperament standard was developed by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. It is considered the gold standard for measuring the behavior of dogs.

Over the years, the C-BARQ study has collected data on the temperament of thousands of dogs of different breeds including the Standard Poodle.

The C-BARQ study obtains its data by asking dog owners to score the behavior of their dogs on different behavior patterns.

The idea behind the C-BARQ study is that if it collects thousands of scores from thousands of dog owners on different aspects of dog behavior, a clear pattern will emerge on the temperament of different dog breeds.

The C-BARQ questionnaire measures 14 behavior aspects of dogs:

  1. Aggression towards stranger
  2. Aggression towards its owner
  3. Aggression towards other dogs
  4. How well they get along with other dogs
  5. Fear of strangers
  6. Fear of new things (new objects, unfamiliar loud sounds, etc)
  7. Fear of other dogs
  8. Separation anxiety
  9. Clinginess
  10. Trainability/ Stubbornness
  11. Prey drive
  12. Excitability
  13. Touch sensitivity
  14. Energy level

In this article, we will discuss the score of the Standard Poodle for each of these 14 characteristics. This will let you know the real temperament of the Standard Poodle.

The summary table below shows the score of the Standard Poodle for the different behavioral characteristics.

High percentage scores close to 100 are bad. Low percentage scores close to 0 are good.

Behavior Score
Owner Directed Aggression 6.4 percent
Energy Level 57.9 percent
Attachment Attention Seeking 52.2 percent
Prey Drive 46.9 percent
Excitability 46.1 percent
Dog Directed Aggression 35.7 percent
Dog Directed Fear 32.0 percent
Separation Related Behavior 30.0 percent
Stranger Directed Aggression 29.9 percent
Dog Rivalry 24.6 percent
Stranger Directed Fear 22.2 percent
Nonsocial Fear 21.0 percent
Touch Sensitivity 15.4 percent
Stubbornness 11.4 percent

Note that with proper training, you can better your Standard Poodle`s temperament. To learn how to properly train your Standard Poodle, I highly recommend that you go through Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.

I learned most of the things that I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.

Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Standard Poodle.

See also our complete ranking of dog breeds from the `best` to the `worst` based on temperament.

Are Standard Poodles Aggressive Towards Strangers?

Dog breeds that are aggressive to strangers show hostile responses to strangers approaching or invading the dog`s or the dog owner`s personal space, territory, or home range.

Stranger-aggressive dog breeds are quick to show aggression to unfamiliar people.

Typical signs of moderate aggression in dogs include barking, growling, and baring of teeth. More serious display of aggression generally includes snapping, lunging, biting, or attempting to bite.

Standard Poodles are somewhat aggressive towards strangers.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for aggression towards strangers.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 67 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards strangers.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a stranger-directed-aggression score of 29.9 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat aggressive towards strangers just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Stranger-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Stranger-Directed-Aggression Score
64 Bullmastiff 30.7 %
65 American Pit Bull Terrier 30.2 %
66 Basenji 29.9 %
67 Poodle (Standard) 29.9 %
68 Vizsla 29.7 %
69 Gordon Setter 28.8 %
70 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 28.8 %

The dog breeds that are most aggressive towards strangers are the:

  1. American Eskimo Dog
  2. Dachshund
  3. Miniature Pinscher
  4. Dachshund (Miniature)
  5. Miniature Schnauzer

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards strangers are the:

  1. Siberian Husky
  2. Greyhound
  3. Irish Wolfhound
  4. Samoyed
  5. Black and Tan Coonhound

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the most stranger-aggressive breed to the least stranger-aggressive breed.

Temperament of the Standard Poodle

Are Standard Poodles Aggressive Towards their Owners?

Due to human effort over the course of many centuries, the dog has become a very domestic animal. Dogs have learned to live well with humans. As a result, dogs respect and love their owners. Nevertheless, some dog breeds are less respectful to their owners than some other dog breeds.

Owner-aggressive dog breeds show threatening or hostile responses to their owner or other members of the household when challenged, manhandled, stared at, stepped over, or when approached while in possession of food, objects, or toys.

A dog that is owner-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite their owners.

Standard Poodles are not aggressive towards their owners.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks very low for aggression towards its owner.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 110 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards their owners.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has an owner-directed-aggression score of 6.4 %.

Other dog breeds that are not owner-aggressive just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Owner-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Owner-Directed-Aggression Score
107 Pit Bull 6.6 %
108 Collie 6.5 %
109 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 6.4 %
110 Poodle (Standard) 6.4 %
111 Great Dane 6.1 %
112 Border Terrier 6.0 %
113 American Pit Bull Terrier 5.7 %

The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards their owners are the:

  1. Pekingese
  2. Basenji
  3. Australian Silky Terrier
  4. Lhasa Apso
  5. Alaskan Husky

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards their owners are the:

  1. Chinook
  2. Pointer
  3. Irish Water Spaniel
  4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
  5. Italian Greyhound

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most aggressive to their owners to the ones that are least aggressive to their owners.

Are Standard Poodles Aggressive Towards other Dogs?

Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs will direct aggressive threats or actions toward unknown or unfamiliar dogs.

A dog-aggressive dog will threaten or show hostile responses when approached by unfamiliar dogs

A dog that is dog-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite other dogs.

Standard Poodles are a little bit aggressive towards other dogs.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks low for aggression towards other dogs.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 84 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards other dogs.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a dog-directed aggression score of 35.7 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit dog-aggressive just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Dog-Directed-Aggression Rank Breed Dog-Directed-Aggression Score
81 German Wirehaired Pointer 36.7 %
82 Cocker Spaniel (English) 36.5 %
83 Borzoi 36.4 %
84 Poodle (Standard) 35.7 %
85 Weimaraner 35.2 %
86 Chow Chow 34.6 %
87 Poodle (Toy) 34.5 %

The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards other dogs are the:

  1. American Eskimo Dog
  2. Parson Russell Terrier
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Pit Bull mix
  5. Dachshund

The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards other dogs are the:

  1. Pointer
  2. Black and Tan Coonhound
  3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  4. Irish Wolfhound
  5. Keeshond

Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most aggressive to other dogs to the ones that are least aggressive to other dogs.

Personality of the Standard Poodle

Are Standard Poodles Afraid of Strangers?

Some dogs breeds tend to be fearful of strangers.

Dogs that are fearful of strangers will avoid strangers. These dogs will crouch, cringe, or tremble when approached by strangers.

Extreme fear in dogs is characterized by serious attempts to escape or hide from the feared stranger.

Standard Poodles are a little bit fearful of strangers.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks low for fear of strangers.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 75 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of strangers.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a stranger-directed-fear score of 22.2 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit stranger-fearful just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Stranger-Directed-Fear Rank Breed Stranger-Directed-Fear Score
72 Schipperke 23.0 %
73 American Pit Bull Terrier 22.9 %
74 West Highland White Terrier 22.7 %
75 Poodle (Standard) 22.2 %
76 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 21.8 %
77 Pug 21.2 %
78 Pit Bull 21.2 %

The dog breeds that show the most fear of strangers are the:

  1. Dachshund (Miniature)
  2. Chinese Crested
  3. American Eskimo Dog
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Chihuahua

The dog breeds that are least fearful of strangers are the:

  1. Old English Sheepdog
  2. Irish Wolfhound
  3. Norwegian Elkhound
  4. Siberian Husky
  5. Giant Schnauzer

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of strangers to the ones that are least fearful to strangers.

Are Standard Poodles Afraid of Other Dogs?

Some dogs breeds tend to show fear when an unfamiliar dog approaches them.

A dog that is fearful of other dogs will try to avoid meeting other dogs.

Standard Poodles are somewhat fearful of other dogs.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for fear of other dogs.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 72 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of other dogs.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a dog-directed-fear score of 32.0 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat other-dog-fearful just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Dog-Directed-Fear Rank Breed Dog-Directed-Fear Score
69 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 33.6 %
70 Vizsla 32.7 %
71 Standard Schnauzer 32.6 %
72 Poodle (Standard) 32.0 %
73 Norwegian Elkhound 31.8 %
74 Chinese Shar-Pei 31.6 %
75 Keeshond 31.4 %

The dog breeds that are most fearful of other dogs are the:

  1. Dachshund (Miniature)
  2. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Chihuahua
  5. Lhasa Apso

The dog breeds that are least fearful of other dogs are the:

  1. Giant Schnauzer
  2. Ibizan Hound
  3. Eurasier
  4. Kuvasz
  5. Borzoi

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of other dogs to the ones that are least fearful of other dogs.

Is the Standard Poodle a good pet

Do Standard Poodles Have Non-Social Fears?

Dogs that are fearful of sudden or loud noises, traffic, and unfamiliar objects and situations are said to exhibit nonsocial fear.

Standard Poodles are a little bit fearful of unfamiliar sounds, situations, and objects.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks low for non-social fear.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 85 out of 124 dog breeds for being fearful of unfamiliar things and situations.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a nonsocial-fear score of 21.0 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit nonsocial-fearful just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Nonsocial-Fear Rank Breed Nonsocial-Fear Score
82 Black and Tan Coonhound 21.5 %
83 Chinese Shar-Pei 21.4 %
84 Australian Cattle Dog 21.2 %
85 Poodle (Standard) 21.0 %
86 French Bulldog 20.9 %
87 Havanese 20.7 %
88 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 20.2 %

The dog breeds that are most fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:

  1. Australian Silky Terrier
  2. Dingo
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  4. English Bulldog
  5. Italian Greyhound

The dog breeds that are least fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:

  1. Giant Schnauzer
  2. Siberian Husky
  3. Irish Setter
  4. Kuvasz
  5. Borzoi

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are most fearful of unfamiliar situations to the ones least fearful of unfamiliar situations.

Do Standard Poodles Get Along Well With Other Dogs?

Some dog breeds display high dog rivalry. These dog breeds will threaten or act hostile to other familiar dogs in the same household.

These dog breeds will compete with other dogs. Also, these dog breeds do not get along well with other dogs.

Standard Poodles are not competitive when dealing with other dogs.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks very low on dog rivalry.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 102 out of 124 dog breeds for displaying dog rivalry when dealing with familiar dogs.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a dog-rivalry score of 24.6 %.

Other dog breeds that are not competition-driven just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Dog-Rivalry Rank Breed Dog-Rivalry Score
99 Rhodesian Ridgeback 25.0 %
100 Mastiff (English) 24.9 %
101 Bichon Frise 24.6 %
102 Poodle (Standard) 24.6 %
103 Portuguese Water Dog 23.3 %
104 Bouvier des Flandres 22.6 %
105 Weimaraner 22.4 %

The dog breeds that do not get along well with other dogs are the:

  1. Miniature Pinscher
  2. Parson Russell Terrier
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  4. French Bulldog
  5. Treeing Walker Coonhound

The dog breeds that get along well with other dogs are the:

  1. Chinook
  2. Norwegian Elkhound
  3. Saint Bernard
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Scottish Terrier

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how well they get along with other dog breeds.

The Standard Poodle. Is it aggressive?

Are Standard Poodles Easy to Train?

Dogs have high trainability have the willingness to listen to their owner. These dogs are not stubborn. These dogs obey simple commands, and they learn very quickly.

Highly trainable dogs excel at fetching objects. They also respond positively to correction and ignore distraction.

Standard Poodles are very much easy to train.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks very high for trainability.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 12 out of 124 dog breeds for easiness to train.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the trainability of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a trainability score of 88.6 %.

Other dog breeds that are very much easy to train just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Trainability Rank Breed Trainability Score
9 Australian Shepherd 91.0 %
10 Australian Kelpie 91.0 %
11 Belgian Sheepdog 90.8 %
12 Poodle (Standard) 88.6 %
13 English Springer Spaniel 88.2 %
14 German Wirehaired Pointer 88.1 %
15 Collie 86.4 %

The dog breeds that are most easy to train are the:

  1. Belgian Tervuren
  2. Belgian Malinois
  3. Border Collie
  4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  5. Irish Water Spaniel

The dog breeds that are difficult to train are the:

  1. Dingo
  2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
  3. Basenji
  4. Afghan Hound
  5. Pekingese

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the ones that are easiest to train to the ones that are most difficult to train.

Learn more about how intelligent the Standard Poodle is and how the intelligence of the Standard Poodle affects its trainability in this article on how smart the Standard Poodle is.

Do Standard Poodles Get Along Well with Cats? Do They Get Along Well with Other Pets?

Dog breeds that have high chase-drive will run after (chase) cats, birds, and/or other small animals, given the opportunity.

Standard Poodles are somewhat into chasing after other smaller pets like cats, squirrels, chickens, and birds.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for small-pet-chasing.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 65 out of 124 dog breeds for chasing after smaller pets.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a chasing score of 46.9 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat into chasing after smaller pets just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Chasing Rank Breed Chasing Score
62 Belgian Tervuren 48.2 %
63 Cocker Spaniel (American) 48.0 %
64 Australian Shepherd 47.3 %
65 Poodle (Standard) 46.9 %
66 Dachshund (Miniature) 46.8 %
67 Beagle 46.7 %
68 American Eskimo Dog 46.5 %

The dog breeds that like chasing after cats and other smaller pets are the:

  1. Basenji
  2. Dingo
  3. Ibizan Hound
  4. Parson Russell Terrier
  5. Borzoi

The dog breeds that will not chase after cats and other smaller pets are the:

  1. Pug
  2. Bulldog
  3. Shih Tzu
  4. Bernese Mountain Dog
  5. Great Pyrenees

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their prey drive.

Things to know before getting the Standard Poodle

Do Standard Poodles Like Attention? Are they Clingy or Aloof?

Some dog breeds like to stay close to their owners all the time. These dogs like attention, and they like to receive the affection of their owners.

These dogs get jealous when their owners give attention to other dogs or other people instead of them.

Dogs with these traits are described as attachment/attention-seeking.

Standard Poodles are somewhat attachment/attention-seeking.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 63 out of 124 dog breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has an attachment/attention-seeking score of 52.2 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat attachment/attention-seeking just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Attachment-Attention-Seeking Rank Breed Attachment-Attention-Seeking Score
60 American Staffordshire Terrier 52.7 %
61 Great Dane 52.6 %
62 Bullmastiff 52.2 %
63 Poodle (Standard) 52.2 %
64 Golden Retriever 51.7 %
65 American Pit Bull Terrier 51.6 %
66 Bearded Collie 51.5 %

The dog breeds that are always seeking the attention of their owners are the:

  1. Poodle (Toy)
  2. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  3. Australian Silky Terrier
  4. Australian Cattle Dog
  5. American Eskimo Dog

The dog breeds that are aloof are the:

  1. Norwegian Elkhound
  2. Borzoi
  3. Kuvasz
  4. English Setter
  5. Chow Chow

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their clinginess.

Do Standard Poodles have Separation Anxiety? Do They Like to be Left Alone?

Dog breeds that have separation anxiety do not like to be left alone.

These dog breeds tend to bark and destroy things when separated from their owners.

They become restless or lose their appetite when left alone.

Standard Poodles are a little bit prone to developing separation anxiety.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks low for separation anxiety relative to other dog breeds.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 81 out of 124 dog breeds for separation anxiety.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a separation anxiety score of 30.0 %.

Other dog breeds that are a little bit prone to develop separation anxiety just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Separation-Related-Behavior Rank Breed Separation-Related-Behavior Score
78 Vizsla 31.3 %
79 German Shepherd 30.7 %
80 Anatolian Shepherd 30.5 %
81 Poodle (Standard) 30.0 %
82 Newfoundland 29.8 %
83 Doberman Pinscher 29.4 %
84 Shiba Inu 29.1 %

The dog breeds that are most prone to develop separation anxiety are listed below. These dog breeds do not like to be left alone. These dog breeds are the:

  1. Treeing Walker Coonhound
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  3. Chinese Crested
  4. Miniature Pinscher
  5. Australian Silky Terrier

The dog breeds that are least prone to develop separation anxiety are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Borzoi
  3. Giant Schnauzer
  4. Eurasier
  5. Bernese Mountain Dog

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their tendency to develop separation anxiety.

Temperament Profile of the Standard Poodle

Are Standard Poodles Touch Sensitive? Do They Like to be Groomed?

Dogs that are touch-sensitive are fearful of `painful` procedures such as bathing, grooming, nail clipping, and veterinary examinations.

These dogs do not like going through these `painful` procedures, and they will react to show they do not like the procedure.

Standard Poodles are not touch-sensitive.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks very low for touch sensitivity.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 113 out of 124 dog breeds for touch sensitivity.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has a touch-sensitivity score of 15.4 %.

Other dog breeds that are not touch-sensitive just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Touch-Sensitivity Rank Breed Touch-Sensitivity Score
110 Airedale Terrier 16.2 %
111 Chinook 15.8 %
112 Boxer 15.4 %
113 Poodle (Standard) 15.4 %
114 English Setter 15.1 %
115 Golden Retriever 14.5 %
116 German Wirehaired Pointer 13.5 %

The dog breeds that are most touch-sensitive are the:

  1. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  2. Miniature Pinscher
  3. Pekingese
  4. Australian Silky Terrier
  5. Chihuahua

The dog breeds that are least touch-sensitive are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Borzoi
  3. Pointer
  4. Gordon Setter
  5. Portuguese Water Dog

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their sensitivity to touch.

Are Standard Poodles Hyper? Are they Highly Excitable?

Excitable dog or hyper dog breeds display strong reactions to potentially exciting or arousing events, such as:

  • going for walks
  • car trips
  • sound of the doorbell
  • arrival of visitors, and
  • the owner arriving home

Highly excitable dog breeds have difficulty settling down after arousal.

Standard Poodles are somewhat hyper (excitable).

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for excitability.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 57 out of 124 dog breeds for excitability.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has an excitability score of 46.1 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat excitable just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Excitability Rank Breed Excitability Score
54 English Springer Spaniel 47.2 %
55 Dachshund (Miniature) 47.1 %
56 Flat-Coated Retriever 46.7 %
57 Poodle (Standard) 46.1 %
58 Cairn Terrier 45.7 %
59 Chinese Crested 45.6 %
60 Havanese 45.2 %

The dog breeds that are most hyper (excitable) are the:

  1. Australian Silky Terrier
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  3. American Eskimo Dog
  4. Parson Russell Terrier
  5. Miniature Schnauzer

The dog breeds that are least hyper (excitable) are the:

  1. Borzoi
  2. Samoyed
  3. Great Pyrenees
  4. Italian Greyhound
  5. Anatolian Shepherd

See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how hyper they are.

The Standard Poodle

Are Standard Poodles Playful? What is the Energy Level of Standard Poodles

Energetic dog breeds are very playful dog breeds. These are the dog breeds that do not get tired easily.

Standard Poodles are somewhat energetic.

This is because the Standard Poodle ranks average for energy level.

The Standard Poodle ranks number 60 out of 124 dog breeds for energy level.

This information is based on what 224 Standard Poodle owners reported on the temperament of their Standard Poodle in a research survey.

Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Standard Poodle has an energy-level score of 57.9 %.

Other dog breeds that are somewhat energetic just like the Standard Poodle are listed in the table below

Energy-Level Rank Breed Energy-Level Score
57 Dachshund 59.3 %
58 Redbone Coonhound 58.3 %
59 Yorkshire Terrier 58.2 %
60 Poodle (Standard) 57.9 %
61 German Wirehaired Pointer 57.5 %
62 Shetland Sheepdog 57.3 %
63 Labrador Retriever 57.1 %

The dog breeds that are most playful and most energetic are the:

  1. Belgian Malinois
  2. Belgian Tervuren
  3. Fox Terrier (Toy)
  4. German Shorthaired Pointer
  5. Ibizan Hound

The dog breeds that are laziest are the:

  1. Kuvasz
  2. Anatolian Shepherd
  3. Greyhound
  4. Great Pyrenees
  5. Pekingese

See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the most energetic to the least energetic.

Conclusion on Standard Poodle Temperament

The temperament of your Standard Poodle comes from a combination of its genetics and what environment your Standard Poodle is exposed to.

You cannot change your Standard Poodle`s gene but you can change the things you expose your Standard Poodle to.

Exposing your Standard Poodle to dog training sessions early in its life can help you mold the temperament of your Standard Poodle to what you desire.

Again, with proper training, you can better your Standard Poodle`s temperament. To learn how to properly train a dog, I highly recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.

I learned most of the things I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.

Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Standard Poodle.

If you think the Standard Poodle is the right dog breed for you, see our article on how much Standard Poodles cost and Standard Poodle puppy buying guide.

Also, see our list of reputable Standard Poodle breeders in the United States and the prices of their Standard Poodle puppies.