standard poodles vs labs

[ninny]

Im wondering on the differeces in standard poodles and labs? Coat is a given. They are both water hunting type dogs. What are thoughts on service work with these breeds? Thanks!

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Poodles don't shed, but need daily brushing (if not hourly...)
Labs shed, but brushing isn't necessary except on a weekly basis (although daily is recommended).
Poodles can be trained to fetch, same for labs, except labs tend to look like they have more fun doing it.
Poodle hair is a PAIN to brush and to get stickers out of...

Labs and poodles are equally hyper for the first 3 years. After 3 years, the labs tend to calm down, the poodles stay hyper.

Grooming a poodle (cutting) can get expensive if you are not the one doing the clipping.

I prefer labs because they seem to want to please the owner a bit more. Poodles are smart, but a bit...well, stuck up if you will. They want it to be their idea to do something whereas a lab will do it no matter whose idea it was.


As for service work:
The poodle may be the best for it as it wouldn't cause many issues with allergies.
The hair of a poodle may get in the way of the eyes and cause the "goop" to stain, which may be a turn off for some people.
Labs immediately look friendly. I think it's in the eyes and the blockier face.


Both are good breeds but you will generally see mixed labs or even pure labs in the shelters that would make excellent therapy dogs or hunting dogs if given the chance...good luck deciding!

 

[QH Girl]

Both! I have a labradoodle

Incredibly sweet and smart which is good, since he's kinda funny looking.

I have an F2 - he's 3/4 standard poodle and 1/4 lab. He's about 85 lbs.

 

[JLS]

With all due respect to rodriguezpoultry, I politely disagree. I have worked with dogs for years both as a dog groomer and as a veterinary assistant. Standard poodles are fantastic!! You will have to bush them regularly and grooming is more expensive but aside from that the Standard Poodle is superior to the Lab in many ways:

Standard Poodles:

1. smart
2. hypoallergentic
3. great family dogs
4. great around other animals including but not limited to: chickens, cats, dogs & rabbits (but they love to chase squirrels).
5. loyal
6. easily trained
7. beautiful
8. great protecters
9. snuggle bugs
10. great hunting dogs

I researched all the breeds before settling on the Standard.

The most important things (no matter which breed you choose) to do when choosing from a litter of puppies is NOT pick the one that bounds out to you first even though they look sooo cute - that one will be dominate and more head strong. Also do not choose the one that stays in the back either - that one will be timid which could lead to fear bitting are submissive urinating. LISTEN to the breeder's opinion regarding which puppy will fit your needs. Dont get one just because it's cheaper than the others. Research the breeder as well. Call their vet to get information about the care the breeder provides for their dogs/puppies. Get a bill of sale!!! Most states have "Puppy Lemon Laws". Without a bill of sale you are without options should there be medical problems within the first year.


Be patient and do your homework. You'll make the right choice

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

JLS, it is perfectly fine to disagree!

The only thing I have to say, is that if you should choose to do go with a poodle, please get them used to the clippers all over their bodies. I have a miniature that I have to sedate each time in order to work with his toenails or even handle his feet. Most standards I've seen are absolutely adorable. Seem to have a much better disposition, again IMHO, than the miniatures.

 

[FireTigeris]

Poodles are not often used for certain service work because they can be TOO obedient-

A guide dog (for the blind) must have "Intelligent disobedience" where if the handler says "forward" and there is a car coming or some other danger the dog disobeys the order and does another action (crossing in front of the handler or sit/stay or down/stay depending on the danger)

Labs do this - poodles not so much.

There is one guide school that I know of that uses full blooded poodles but most of them fail out of guide dogs and are "career changed" to helping people with mobility issues or hearing dogs.

Poodles are not built to be balance dogs but if shaved down are used as search and rescue or animal ambassadors/therapy dogs.

 

[Barred Rocks forever]

working at a vet hospital i think that labs are easier to work with just beacuse poodles arent as fond of strangers as labs are i also notice that most labs are better with other aniamls then poodles

 

[Avla]

I vote poodle!

If raised right they can do excellent with other animals and people, although they tend to bond to one person...I have a miniature poodle who is about to go on 13 she is always eager to please.

 

[redhen]

I wouldnt want to deal with the coat of a poodle...So it'd be a lab for me.
Although, labs can shed like crazy!

 

[Beekissed]

1. smart
2. hypoallergentic
3. great family dogs
4. great around other animals including but not limited to: chickens, cats, dogs & rabbits (but they love to chase squirrels).
5. loyal
6. easily trained
7. beautiful
8. great protecters
9. snuggle bugs
10. great hunting dogs

Other than number two, you've just described every lab I've owned! In the place of number 2 for poodles you can place the wonderful low maintenance coat of a lab.

I've known a few great standard poodles but I wouldn't give a penny for the minis. Labs are so eager to please and so easily trained that I vote for labs, hands down.​