Purdy Poodles

Standard Poodle Health Guide

Health & Nutrition·3 min read

Standard Poodle Health Guide

Standard poodles are generally healthy, long-lived dogs with a lifespan of 12–15 years. Like all breeds, they're predisposed to certain conditions. Understanding these helps you be a proactive owner.

Common Health Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

A malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and arthritis. Responsible breeders screen for this through OFA hip evaluations or PennHIP testing.

What you can do: Keep your poodle at a healthy weight, provide moderate exercise (avoid repetitive high-impact activities in puppies), and feed a large-breed appropriate diet during growth.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A genetic eye condition that leads to progressive vision loss. DNA testing can identify carriers and affected dogs before breeding.

What you can do: Ensure your breeder tests for PRA via genetic panel. If both parents are clear, your puppy cannot be affected.

Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)

A bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factor. Type 1 is most common in poodles and is usually mild. DNA-testable.

What you can do: Know your dog's vWD status. Inform your vet before any surgery.

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

The adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes collapse. More common in standard poodles than most breeds.

What you can do: Learn the signs. Addison's is very manageable with lifelong medication once diagnosed, but can be life-threatening if missed.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus / GDV)

The stomach fills with gas and can twist, cutting off blood supply. This is a medical emergency — minutes matter.

What you can do:

  • Feed 2–3 smaller meals instead of one large meal
  • Avoid vigorous exercise 30 minutes before and after eating
  • Use a slow feeder bowl if your dog eats very fast
  • Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet — a surgical tack of the stomach that prevents twisting, often done at the time of spay/neuter

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)

An inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous (oil) glands, leading to hair loss and scaling. More common in standard poodles than other breeds.

What you can do: Ask your breeder if SA has appeared in their lines. Regular skin and coat checks can catch early signs.

The Role of Health Testing

Responsible breeders test for these conditions before breeding. At minimum, breeding standard poodles should have:

  • OFA Hips — Fair, Good, or Excellent
  • OFA Elbows — Normal
  • CERF/OFA Eye Exam — Clear (annual)
  • Genetic Panel — PRA, vWD, Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE)
  • Cardiac Evaluation — Normal (OFA)

Ask your breeder for proof of testing. Results are publicly searchable on the OFA website.

Preventive Care

  • Annual vet exams — At minimum. Senior dogs (7+) benefit from twice-yearly checkups.
  • Dental care — Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings as recommended.
  • Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention — Year-round in most regions.
  • Healthy weight — Obesity is the single biggest controllable risk factor for joint disease, diabetes, and reduced lifespan.
  • Mental stimulation — Poodles are one of the smartest breeds. Boredom leads to stress, which affects health.

Lifespan

Standard poodles typically live 12–15 years. Dogs from health-tested lines with proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and an active lifestyle tend to live at the longer end of that range.

The best thing you can do for your poodle's longevity: choose a responsible breeder, keep them at a healthy weight, stay on top of preventive care, and give them a life full of enrichment and love.