Standard poodles have been stereotyped as sassy divas and breeds that are only seen in dog shows for competition. However, this is a wrong stereotype, as poodles are just as loving and loyal as any other dog breed, wanting attention and working with their human owners well.
With that said, there are times that standard poodles show aggressive behavior, which has you wonder, “are standard poodles aggressive in nature?” This can have us generalize and believe that all standard poodles have this negative trait!
Fortunately, this is not the case. Read on to find out why standard poodles may be aggressive!
Are Standard Poodles Aggressive?
The short answer is NO, all types of poodles are not naturally aggressive. Toy poodles may be the most impatient of all poodle varieties, but none would lash out unless provoked.
In fact, poodles are very intelligent and athletic, as well as attentive and loving. You can easily train them to avoid aggressive behaviors and introduce them to the outside world, as well as other humans and animals.
But of course, aggression is inevitable in certain situations. While they are not naturally aggressive, here are reasons why your poodle may be acting out:
1. How They Were Raised
If your poodle was born and raised in a harmful environment where they were abused or neglected, then they will most likely be aggressive and show distrust over anyone. This also goes the same for poodles that have been separated from their mother too soon before being properly weaned.
2. Fear or Anxiety
Anxiety-ridden dogs would have a difficult time adjusting to whatever environment they move to, causing aggression.
The same goes for when poodles are in situations where they feel afraid, as they tend to become defensive or cower, resulting in fear-induced aggression. This is a dog’s natural way to survive.
3. Overly Territorial
When your poodle senses that their territory is being marked by other animals or is in trouble, they will react by marking their area with aggression. This usually happens when there’s a new animal at home, an unfriendly person in their area, or wildlife trespassing.
Poodles can be territorial not only over their areas but in their owners as well, as they protect those they love!
4. Health Issues
Just like when we are grumpy during times we’re sick, your poodle will react the same way. If your poodle is feeling under the weather, then they will show it through their actions. They would be whinier, have short tempers, eating and sleeping less, all of which can have them show aggression through growling.
5. Lack of Socialization or Stimulation
Is your poodle not used to being around other animals, especially dogs and humans? Then they aren’t properly socialized, which can cause them to feel fear when meeting new animals and humans. This results in aggression towards the unfamiliar animal or person.
The same thing would happen if their minds aren’t stimulated enough. Remember, poodles are extremely intelligent creatures and require mental and physical stimulation. If they are left at home all day without walks or toys, then they become aggressive and frustrated.
Think about it, wouldn’t you show aggression and frustration if you were sitting around all day, stuck in one room?
6. High Energy or Exhaustion
If your poodle doesn’t receive his daily exercise or playtime, he will have very high energy levels that are improperly expended. Instead of playing or running around to expend his energy, he will show it through aggressive behavior as a last resort, pulling on their leash, growling at strangers, among other things.
Exhausted dogs would feel similarly, as we all get cranky when tired. Fatigue would have dogs growling as they want their space and rest!
How Aggression is Shown (and How to Stop It!)
The aggression can be shown in various ways, such as:
- Barking or yelping
- Growling and snarling
- Lunging and jumping at the “threat”
- Marking their territory
- Biting and/or snipping
You can correct aggressive behavior in poodles by providing them the proper exercise and mental stimulation they need. Furthermore, allow them to explore the outside world and the animals around it, letting them go to the dog park or doggy daycare when you’re out at work.
Training is also very helpful to keep the aggression at bay, especially if your poodle was taken away from his mother too young, or if you adopted them from a hostile environment. Make sure that you stay patient as you train them to be less aggressive and continue giving him the love and attention he needs to gain his love and trust. Do NOT hit or verbally abuse your poodle in any way, which can have him feel more hostile and aggressive!
Wrapping It Up
Standard poodles aren’t considered to be dangerous dogs because of their size and the way they look. However, they do become aggressive at times, due to certain triggers. This doesn’t mean that all poodles are aggressive, this dog breed is actually an intelligent sweetheart!
I hope that this article explains aggression in poodles and answered your question, “are standard poodles aggressive?” If you own a standard poodle that shows aggression, be sure to take the proper steps in calming him down to prevent these negative feelings from growing!