Poodle: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

by Kirby Kendall (Inventor of EverChew)
Poodle (Standard)
Standard Poodles are elegant, athletic dogs originally bred as water retrievers, and they have exceptional intelligence. These dogs possess lean, functional builds that extend to their dental structure, creating efficient chewing mechanics, sometimes combined with intriguing hair cuts.
Standard Poodles belong to the mesocephalic family, meaning they have elongated m jaw muscles while maintaining precise dental alignment. They have a bite force averaging ~230 PSI, which reflects the refined jaw structure.
In Short—Which EverChew Holder?
Most Standard Poodles will work well with the green Medium EverChew Plus holder, which provides ideal durability and flexibility for their bite force and chewing style. Larger Poodles or those that chew apart all toys should use the SuperChew holder.
Understanding Bully Stick Benefits and Why Holders Are Essential
Standard Poodles are natural, methodical chewers, and their chewing behavior serves multiple important purposes: dental health maintenance, mental stimulation, stress relief, and jaw exercise. Their high intelligence means they particularly benefit from the mental engagement of chewing.
Bully sticks are pure protein treats (similar to beef jerky) that provide an ideal texture for Standard Poodle dental mechanics. Their firm but gradually softening consistency allows these precise chewers to work systematically along the entire surface, effectively scraping away plaque and tartar while providing satisfying chew resistance. But as smart as Poodles are, at some point they will still try to swallow a chew stub, and could choke or get that dreaded intestinal block.
Life Stage Considerations and Mental Stimulation Needs
Puppy Phase (8 weeks - 8 months): Standard Poodle puppies display intense chewing that combines teething relief with their exceptional intelligence and curiosity. Peak teething typically occurs between 3-6 months.
Adult Phase (8+ months): Adult Standard Poodles continue active chewing throughout their lives, often using it as their primary stress-relief mechanism. Their high intelligence means they can become destructive if not provided with enough mental stimulation.
Selection Guidelines
Choose the Medium EverChew Plus if your Standard Poodle:
- Weighs under 40 pounds
- Demonstrates typical intelligent, methodical chewing
- Is older and the hardness of nylon may damage their teeth.
Consider the Large SuperChew only if your Standard Poodle:
- Has proven destructive with other chew toys