standard poodle that sheds?

Question
Can you provide some expert insight into why my 16 month old purebred black standard male is "shedding"?  I groom sporadically, but he gets to the professional groomers at least once per month for a bath, blow dry and brushing, and a hygenic trim, and is otherwise in excellent health, eating well, sleeping well and growing really, really fast.  We only cut him short in the hottest part of the summer, and let his hair grow long and shaggy this winter. He currently weighs 95 lbs, and is still growing.  I put the word shedding in quotes in my question, because what is happening is not really shedding, like a spaniel or a lab.  He leaves little fluffs of black hair on the carpet after he has been lying there rolling around or playing for a bit.  Is this normal?  He spends lots of time outside in the snow, loves to roll and jump in it.  Might that be part of the problem?

I know I am not your customer, but your website made you seem so approachable, and obviously you know a lot about standards.  I love my baby, but the hair bunnies are becoming noticeable, especially since I have light colored carpet throughout my home.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.


Answer
Hello Bev,
Actually there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog.  All Poodles will shed the little balls that you are finding around your house.  What normally happens is that the hair falls out and gets caught in the Poodles curly hair and is then brushed out with regular brushing sessions.  You should brush him at least once a week just to remove those loose hairs that deposit themselves on your carpet and furniture.  
Poodles and the non-shedding breeds don't really shed, but their hair still dies just like normal hair and that is why it falls out.  It takes awhile for hairs to die which is why the non-shedding breeds don't "shed" like shedding breeds.  On shedding breeds, when their hair reaches a certain length (depending on the breed of dog), it sheds and new hair grows in its place.  
Brushing at least once a week, will remove those loose hairs before they can clump together and be deposited on carpets or other surfaces.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.  

Thanks for using AllExperts.com and Have a Hair-free day,
Kim