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Standard Poodles - All Grown Up!

These are pictures of Standard Poodles - our former pups! 

We LOVE getting updates from the new families

that are part of our Poodle Family

Former Pup, Lucas

Lucas

Former Pup, Juliette

Juliette

Former Pup, Rollo

Rollo

Former Momma, Sugar & her cat friend Pooky

Sugar & Pooky

Former Pup, Abby

Abby

Former Pup, Violet

Violet

Former Pup, Bravo (Service Dog)

Bravo

Former Pup, Laila

Laila

Former Pup, Rufus & his wife, Emma

Rufus & his wife Emma

Former Pup, Leo

Leo

Former Pup, Dexter

Dexter

Former Pups, Jake & Oliver

Jake & Oliver

Former Pup, Sophia

Sophia

Former Pup, Ginger

Ginger

Former Pup & Momma, Missy

Missy

Former Pup, Jackson

Jackson

Former Pup, Poppy

Poppy

Former Pup, Sissy & one of our Rescue's Razz.

Razz & Sissy

Former Pup, Molly

Molly

Former Standard Poodle Pup in a boat.

Ahoy

All in the family

All 4 came from us!

Former Pup, Monte

Monte

Former Daddy, Prince

Prince

Retired Daddy & Mommas, Stedman, Jade & Stelle

Stedman, Jade & Stelle

Former Pups, Harlan & CC

Harlan & CC 

Former Standard Poodle Pup, Asami

Asami

Former Pup, Jean Luc

Jean Luc

Former Pup, Chrissie

Chrissie

Former Pup, Choka

Choka

Former Pup, Jaxzen

Jaxzen

Former Pup, Matthis

Matthis

Former Pup, Meg

Meg

Former Pup, Enzo & his bunny

Enzo & his bunny friend
 

Former Pup, Artie

Artie

Former Pups, Shade & Shavache

Shade & Shavache
 

Former Standard Poodle Pup, Ragnar

Ragnar

Former Pup, Shadow

Shadow

Former Pups, Frankie, Larry & Bravo

Frankie, Larry & Bravo
 

Standard Poodle
Gorgeous Pup

Khaleesi

Baxter

When are Standard Poodles Full Grown?

When Are Standard Poodles Full Grown?

A Comprehensive Guide to Their Growth and Development

Standard Poodles are one of the most distinguished dog breeds, admired for their elegance, intelligence, and versatility. As a beloved companion to many, these dogs are not only great family pets but also excel in a variety of roles such as service animals, therapy dogs, and performance competitors. They have a remarkable balance of athleticism, intelligence, and hypoallergenic qualities, making them a sought-after choice for many prospective dog owners.

 

If you’ve recently welcomed a Standard Poodle into your home or are considering adopting one, you’re probably curious about when your Poodle will reach full maturity. This includes both physical growth and emotional development. Understanding their growth stages can help ensure you’re meeting their needs throughout their first couple of years, as well as preparing for their transition from playful puppies to well-mannered adults.

In this article, we’ll walk through the various stages of a Standard Poodle’s growth, explain when they are considered fully grown, and highlight some of the key milestones along the way.

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The Standard Poodle: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the details of their growth, it’s helpful to understand a little more about the breed itself. The Standard Poodle is the largest variety of the three Poodle types (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). How big are Standard Poodle? A Standard Poodle typically stands over 15 inches at the shoulder, with adult dogs generally weighing between 40 and 70 pounds, though this can vary depending on genetics and overall health.

Not only are Standard Poodles known for their graceful, elegant appearance, but they are also highly intelligent and trainable. Their curly coats, while beautiful and hypoallergenic, require regular grooming to prevent matting. Standard Poodles are also known for their energy, alertness, and friendly temperament, making them suitable for active families or individuals who have the time to engage them in physical and mental activities.

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Understanding the Growth Stages of a Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles, like all dogs, go through several stages of growth. Their development typically spans from puppyhood to adolescence, then adulthood. While the exact timeline can vary between individual dogs, we can break the general stages down into key milestones.

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1. Puppyhood: Birth to 6 Months

The first six months of a Standard Poodle’s life are the most dramatic in terms of physical and mental development. At birth, Poodle puppies are small, weighing just a few ounces. By the time they are ready to leave their mother at around 8 weeks, they typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. During this early stage, puppies are developing both physically and socially. Their sense of sight, hearing, and smell begin to develop, and they start interacting more with their littermates and environment.

 

By 3 to 4 months, Standard Poodle puppies start to show visible signs of growth. They’ll have more energy, be more curious about their surroundings, and begin to develop their personalities. This is also a time when puppy teeth come in, followed by the loss of baby teeth around 4 to 6 months, which can make them a bit uncomfortable. Their size and weight can increase quickly, but they are still quite wobbly in terms of coordination at this stage.

Key Milestones in Puppyhood:

  • At Birth: Tiny and dependent, weighing just ounces.

  • 8 Weeks: Puppy begins to wean off the mother and is ready for adoption, weighing approximately 10-20 lbs.

  • 3-4 Months: Puppies continue to grow rapidly and start to show more personality traits. Coordination improves as they begin to run and play.

  • 5-6 Months: Poodle puppies will often reach about half of their adult weight by this age. They may seem lanky or awkward as they continue to grow. I call this the Muppet Stage.

Puppies are at their most impressionable during these first few months, which makes this a crucial time for socialization and training. Early exposure to different people, places, and other animals will help your Poodle grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Additionally, engaging them in short training sessions will help stimulate their incredibly intelligent minds.

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2. Adolescence: 6 to 12 Months

Adolescence is often the most challenging phase for both the dog and the owner. During this period, which usually spans from 6 to 12 months, Standard Poodles experience what’s commonly referred to as their “teenage” phase. They are no longer little puppies but are not yet fully mature adults. This is when many Poodles start to test boundaries, exhibit bursts of energy, and sometimes engage in stubborn behaviors.

 

Physically, a Standard Poodle is nearing its full height by the time it reaches 9 to 12 months, but it may still look a bit awkward. During this phase, their long legs and growing bodies might make them appear gangly or uncoordinated, but this is all part of their natural development. Their appetite may fluctuate as well, and you might notice them becoming more independent and confident.

 

Adolescent Poodles often have an abundance of energy, and their behavior can become more erratic as they work through hormonal changes. However, by 9 months, you’ll likely see them start to settle into their full adult size, though they may still have a bit of growing to do in terms of muscle mass and weight. Many Poodles will also experience the early stages of their adult coat growing in at this point, which will require regular grooming.

Key Milestones in Adolescence:

  • 6-9 Months: Full height is typically reached by this age, but the dog may still look lanky or uncoordinated.

  • 9-12 Months: Continued growth in muscle mass and weight. Some Poodles begin to show more maturity, although many will still have bursts of puppy-like behavior.

  • Around 12 Months: Your Poodle may begin to look more proportional, and their coat may be transitioning to its adult texture.

Adolescence is also the time when your Standard Poodle may become more independent and will need plenty of guidance and structured training to ensure they remain well-behaved. Proper leash training, socialization, and obedience exercises will help keep them mentally engaged and physically active.

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3. Young Adulthood: 12 to 24 Months

Most Standard Poodles will reach their full adult height by the time they are 12 months old, but full maturity doesn’t happen overnight. They will continue to grow in terms of muscle mass and weight until they are around 18 months old. In fact, some may not fully fill out their adult frame until they are closer to 2 years old. At this point, the dog will have fully developed in terms of physical structure, and they will start to show signs of emotional and mental maturity as well.

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By 18 months to 2 years, most Standard Poodles are considered fully grown. They should be stable, confident, and emotionally mature, though many Poodles retain their playful, energetic nature well into adulthood. At this stage, your Poodle will have developed a consistent temperament and may have a better ability to focus during training sessions. They will also have their adult coat, which will need regular trimming and grooming to maintain.

Key Milestones in Young Adulthood:

  • 12-18 Months: Full height reached. Continued development of muscle mass and weight.

  • 18-24 Months: The Poodle will reach its full adult weight and begin to emotionally stabilize. At this stage, their behavior becomes more predictable and calm.

  • 2 Years: Your Standard Poodle is considered fully mature, both physically and mentally. They will have developed into an adult in every sense of the word.

 

Factors That Influence Growth

While the general growth timeline for a Standard Poodle is fairly consistent, there are a few factors that can influence how quickly or slowly they mature. Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and weight of your Poodle. If your dog comes from larger parents, they may grow faster and reach their full size sooner. Conversely, smaller parents may result in a slower or more gradual growth pattern.

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Proper nutrition is crucial during the growth stages. Standard Poodles, being a larger breed, need a balanced diet formulated for their specific growth needs. Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth, which can put undue stress on their joints and bones, potentially leading to orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia. It’s important to follow a feeding schedule recommended by your vet and to provide high-quality puppy food during their early months.

Regular exercise is also important for physical development. While it’s essential for keeping them fit and healthy, it’s also crucial to avoid excessive high-impact activities before their bones are fully developed. This will help prevent injury and promote healthy growth.

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Conclusion: When Are Standard Poodles Fully Grown?

Standard Poodles are considered fully grown in terms of height by 12 months, but full physical and emotional maturity typically takes a bit longer, with most reaching their final weight and muscle development between 18 to 24 months. During this time, they will transition from energetic, playful puppies to well-rounded, adult dogs.

While their growth may seem gradual, each stage—puppyhood, adolescence, and adulthood—brings its own joys and challenges. By understanding your Poodle’s growth stages, you can provide the proper care, training, and exercise to ensure they grow into happy, healthy, and well-behaved companions. Whether you’re watching them grow up or have already passed through the early stages, a Standard Poodle’s development is a beautiful process to witness!

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