My reasons for not docking or removing dew claws:

I originally decided against docking after reading a research article about spinal cord damage in humans and immune dysfunction later in life (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921173130.htm— thanks to Laura Bernier for bringing this topic to my attention, which I totally think is physiologically relevant to canines!). Standard poodles can get immune disorders….in fact they are beginning to become more prevalent! I thought, why help that along? The tail isn't the spinal cord, but it contains enough nerves to make me leery of intentional damage to it. Additionally, the tail is used to signal other dogs, and also used to help your dog move, stop, and turn. Anyone interested in agility wants those abilities intact! as should any owner. One breeder I know has an entire page dedicated to showing how her poodle uses her tail in movement!

The dew claws are a new decision of mine, the main reason being I was part of a discussion on a poodle forum in which more than one person told me that the dew claws are used to stabilize the front leg and to grasp things. According to one of them, a dog without them is more apt to damage their legs while running, doing agility etc. So, again I decided I don't want to set my pups up for possible future damage. I ask you, would you think any differently if this were your child? My dogs are my children!

People argue that dew claws can rip in the wood etc. This argument was the one reason I dutifully removed them originally. However, after the discussion regarding stabilization of the leg, without which the dog can ALSO damage itself…it seems a moot point to me (both ways ending in damage). The dew is used by some dogs similar to a thumb. And then I looked to my own dogs, half of which have their dews, and none of them have ever been torn. I take my dogs on all sorts of adventures and have never had a problem. But, my dogs actually have torn their paw's claws!! Should I remove them because that happened? Of course no one would do that.

Here is a link to an article discussing dew claw use, by Fred Lanting who "has had years of experience as a conformation judge for AKC, SV, UKC, and many other registries, and regularly trains his dogs in schutzhund, trying to live up to the title of his book “The Total German Shepherd Dog” (available from www.Hoflin.com). He consults as a behavioral analyst and training coach, and gives seminars on training, canine anatomy & gait, as well as orthopedic problems"
_
"I AM suggesting that the first digit on the front limb IS indeed useful and functional. I have bred Terriers, raised and raced Whippets, reared hundreds of my own puppies and adults, worked Shepherds in Schutzhund, handled and judged all breeds, and closely observed all types of dogs. I am sure that vets see some torn small digits, especially the less-developed rear ones, but I have seen countless active dogs break through crusty snow, ice, and very rough brush, work on the sleeve in bite work, and both hunt and lure-course over broken ground with no torn first digits on the forelimb. I have also observed innumerable dogs using that first digit in manipulating bones, sticks up to the size of logs, balls, and other toys. I have seen many dogs use them to get out objects that were stuck between their teeth, and to even to remove (gingerly) material from the eyelids."
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0019.htm

Have you ever seen a poodle with an undocked tail?

Honestly, it is illegal in other countries to alter dogs tails and dew claws (most countries) and I don't know why the US is so far behind. I am not recommending this to become a law, just pointing out that other countries have already rejected these practices. I love the long tails; it is like a flag! Leave the dogs with the parts they have EVOLVED to have. If it were so detrimental to them, they would not have developed them.

This is NOT a financial reason. I choose to not do these things because I think it is BEST for my dogs.

Personality:

One amazing aspect of standard poodles is their versatility. Poodles fill many purposes in the dog world today from hunting, to therapy dogs, or even just you plain lazy house pet. This makes them incredible dogs for anyone looking for a large breed dog.

The Standard poodle is a adaptable and intelligent large breed dog. Being that they are very intelligent, they have wonderfully different unique personalities. Remember though, intelligence does not always equate trainability; occasionally a standard poodle will challenge you to motivate them much like a toddler. This is a reason I love them though!!

They aren't always looking to you to entertain them, rather they can entertain themselves that can lead them to trouble. They do enjoy all the same games as other large breeds, such as fetch and tug. They also make good jogging companions, as in the past their lines were bred for hunting and other sports. However, many are happy to just be a perfect companion. In addition, some Standards have a goofiness to them that is hard to explain; they certainly have character!

They are very different from their smaller counterparts- they are calmer and dont get "yappy". They are however, considered good guard dogs due to the propensity to bark at strangers at the door.

Energy level:

As poodles are versatile creatures, they can adjust to their owners energy needs. However, most people describe their energy level as a mid range.
My poodles really enjoy their exercise, and if not allowed to play at all during the day they would probably be unhappy (ie- if constantly caged the Standard poodle would be unhappy). They can (and will) however get out their energy by playing around the house and backyard, but prefer other adventures like walking or other exercise.

Coat:

The coat of a standard poodle is harsh with a very defined curl. If allowed to grow long without care it is very likely to get matted, thus grooming requirements are quite high. Most people recommend a trip to the groomer every 4-6 weeks, in addition to weekly or more frequent brushings using a slicker and pin brush, and a comb.

We cut our own dogs and groom them ourselves and can help new owners get started doing so if wanted.

I recommend Andis pro clippers for those who want to groom at home; as well as Fromm shears for scissoring.

Weight/Size-

The standard poodle is generally "measured" by their height at their shoulders, and not in weight. The lowest height at the shoulders that is allowed to be considered in competition is 15". Most of our dogs are in the 20" range or higher. Males generally weigh from 50-70 lbs and females 45-60 lbs although there can be greater variation.

Life Span:

12-15 years

A little history:

The standard poodle originated somewhere in europe for at least the last 400 years— France is considered the most likely location for its origin, some say Germany. The breed seemingly resulted from combining the barbet, french water dog, and possibly the hungarian water dog. Originally the dog was used as a gun dog, which interesting enough is not recognized in many dog trials today where the poodle is shown in the non-sporting group.

Coloring:
This link can help explain coat color in canines to the scientifically savvy person:
http://www.vetgen.com/canine-coat-color.html

When poodles were imported to the United States, breeders considered solid colors more desirable to the parti markings that had been in existance for many years. Thus they systemically removed dogs with the undesirable markings. Now, people believe that "partis" and "phantoms" should not be allowed to be shown, when in fact they were the original colors!!! Seems ironic to me!

"Parti" pups are dogs with at least 50% white on the pup and patches of another color (or more). Tuxedo parti pups are dogs that look like they are wearing a tuxedo. Tuxedos aren't considered parti without the requirement of 50% white on the body. Tuxedo is considered very desirable for people who are interested in their markings. Narci and Athena are both parti standards, and Athena is considered an Irish Tuxedo.

"Mismark" standard poodles are mostly solid with patches of white located on some or all of their chest, chin, forehead, and paws.

"Phantom" markings are also very rare, with markings like a rottweiler. However, the marking's COLOR dont have to be the same as the rottweiler's. Libra is our resident "phantom".

Colors in both solid and parti dogs consist of chocolate, cafe au lait, red, black, apricot, cream, white, silver, and blue. Blue and Silver colors are actually lightened blacks that have a recessive gene that results in lightening- or fading.

There is also a marking called "Brindle", in which the dog's coat can take on a boxer type of appearance (although they can have different coloring like a silver brindle) of stripes.

"Sable" markings are an interesting type: they change their coat type over a year or so and generally lighten to almost white, although their ears stay dark, or their color can remain a multicolor as they are born. I like the way they look as pups, usually all brown mottled with black and white.