Poodle (Standard)

Poodle (Standard)

Elegant, confident, and astute. The Poodle is an outstanding dog, as seen by the numerous best-in-show winners in this dog breed. But underneath the blue ribbons, magnificent hairdos, and regal demeanor, you'll discover a loving family dog with a long history and a wide range of skills.

Poodles are the second most intellectual breed after border collies and are often regarded as show dogs, beautiful and well-groomed. A poodle with its head raised high and supported by a long, powerful neck is regal in height, proud, and particularly family-friendly. Poodles, on the other hand, like both working and playing.

Weight

• Male: 45-70 lbs
• Female: 45-60 lbs

Height

• Male 15-22 inches
• Female 15-22 inches

 Life Span

• 12-15 years

Appearance 

Poodles all have the same square shape, with a long, graceful neck and a straight back. The tail is docked but not clipped, allowing it to wave freely. Poodles have a long snout and drooping ears, giving them a slim look. They have a brisk, bouncy stride.

The Poodle's coat is its greatest beauty. To compete in the breed ring, dogs must have a specified clip, including sections of long hair and skin-tight clipping. These clips were created for a specific purpose: to keep the dog warm when working in cold water by providing a thick covering over the joints and chest. Many owners choose to keep their dogs in a kennel or working clip, with the coat cut short and pompoms on the head and tail. Some poodles have a corded coat with tight curls that create lengthy bands like dreadlocks.

 Unless combed out aggressively, the poodle coat should be tight and curly. Poodles are ideal pets for allergy sufferers since their hair does not shed often and instead mats to itself. Because the mats can be unpleasant, poodles require cutting or frequent maintenance. Silver, black, white, apricot, and chocolate are the most frequent poodle colors. Reds, as well as creams and blues, can be found. In the show ring, party-colors like black and white are not permitted.

Temperament 

Poodles are intelligent, lively, and obedient dogs. They're not violent dogs, but they have watchdog instincts and bark if they hear sounds or see guests. The breed's reaction can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reticent when meeting new people.

Despite their royal demeanor, a Poodle has a playful side and is always open to a game of any type. They also have a strong desire to satisfy others. You get a very trainable dog when you combine it with his famous intellect.

If a poodle receives frequent exercise to burn off energy, you will find him to be calm, relaxed, and satisfied. Some owners and breeders believe that Toy and Miniature Poodles are a little more high-strung than Standard Poodles; however, some breeders and owners disagree.

The Poodle is fiercely protective of his home and family, and if outsiders approach your home, he'll bark to alert you. And while he is devoted to his family, he may take some time to warm up to new individuals.

The intelligence of the Poodle is a distinguishing feature. He is frequently described as possessing human-like intellect and incredible talent that astounds his owners. Intelligent dogs, on the other hand, may be tough to live with. They learn quickly, both good and bad behaviors, and remember everything.

Living Conditions

Poodles are happy in any environment, from flats to mansions, as long as they have lots of exercise and human interaction. This clever breed is fast to learn; however, owners should be aware of the following: If you're new to dogs, enroll in an obedience class with a qualified trainer. It's just as simple to unintentionally teach your Poodle negative behaviors as it is to teach him good ones. This also applies to Toy and Miniature Poodles. Many dog owners neglect to teach their tiny pets, resulting in misbehaving dogs.

Poodles require a lot of exercise and mobility, so having access to a large yard is essential. If you don't have a large backyard to offer your dog, schedule walks and trips to the dog park or another pet-safe open area where they may run and play. A poodle is an excellent choice for a nature lover. They're naturally daring and enjoy being in the water, so they're great outdoor friends.

Your Poodle may be left alone for as long as they can go without having to go to the bathroom, but they will miss you. Avoid spending too much time away from this curly friend; he thrives on time spent with his humans, and if he doesn't get enough attention, he may develop separation anxiety.

Poodles are excellent family dogs since they are sociable and tolerant of other pets. They're friendly and courteous with youngsters, but they might be easily overwhelmed by little, noisy children and will want some time to decompress due to their hypersensitivity. Poodles are best for households with older children or no children at all.

Your Poodle may develop anxiety difficulties if your home is frequently chaotic, boisterous, or conflict-prone. Poodles like and appreciate living in a calm, peaceful environment.

Care

    Robin Burkett, Animal Photography

Due to their single-layer coats, they do not shed much. If you or someone in your family has allergies, a poodle could be the right dog for you! But be warned: their coat, as low-shedding as it is, takes a lot of care.

Poodle grooming is essential. The Poodle's fine, curly coat, which functioned well while he spent time in the water, should be cut regularly, usually every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on his owner's preferences. Even expert treatment mats readily and require frequent brushing at home. The coat will naturally curl into cords if left untrimmed, but some enjoy that look.

Weepy eyes discolor the hair under the eyes of many Poodles. The more apparent the tearstains are, the lighter your dog's coat is. Wipe around the eyes and face with an alcohol-free pet wipe or a washcloth moistened with warm water every day to reduce stains.

To avoid issues, check your Poodle's ears regularly for dirt, redness, or a foul odor that might suggest an infection, then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball wet with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner. Ear infections are more common in breeds with drop-down ears because the ear canal remains dark and wet. Hair also develops in the ear canal of the Poodle. This hair has to be plucked now and then. Consult your dog's groomer or veterinarian to see if it's required.

Brush your Poodle's teeth at least twice or three times a week to get rid of tartar and the bacteria that live inside it. Brushing your teeth daily is preferable if you want to avoid gum disease and foul breath.

If your dog's nails don't wear down naturally, trim them once or twice a month. They're too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Short, cleanly trimmed nails keep your Poodle's feet in good shape and prevent your legs from being scratched when he leaps up to meet you.

Health

Poodles are typically healthy, although they are susceptible to some health issues, as are all breeds. Although not all Poodles will have any or all of these illnesses, it's vital to be aware of them if you're thinking about getting one.

Find a reliable breeder who will show you health clearances for both your dog's parents if you're buying a puppy. Health clearances demonstrate that a dog has been examined for and cleared of a particular disease. Poodles should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; thrombopathia from Auburn University; and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). The OFA website can be used to verify health clearances (offa.org).

However, standard poodles are susceptible to several health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye difficulties. Addison's disease, a problem with the adrenal glands, and bloat, which is a buildup of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach, are common in standard poodles. Keeping frequent veterinarian checkups helps keep you informed about your dog's health and well-being.

History

While the Poodle is often associated with France, it is German, probably descended from the barbet. Although there are older examples of poodle-like dogs, the breed became "set" in type in the 1800s. Poodle originates from the German word "pudel," which means "puddle" or "splash."

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs that excelled in water retrieval. They became performance dogs with touring troupes and circuses due to their rapid intellect and eagerness to please. The breed was found by the aristocracy, notably in France, who were enamored with both the personality and the magnificent hair coat, which could be fashioned in various ways.

Despite the current image of the Poodle as a spoiled aristocrat, we should remember that in France, they are still referred to as "caches," which means duck dog.

In 1874, the Kennel Organization of England registered the first Poodle, and two years later, the first British club for Poodle enthusiasts was formed. Although it is unknown when Poodles originally arrived in the United States, the American Kennel Club recorded the first Poodle in 1886. The Poodle Club of America was established in 1896; however, it was abolished soon after. In 1931, poodle aficionados resurrected the club.

Poodles were very uncommon in the United States until after World War II. On the other hand, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country by the mid-1950s, a position he kept for more than 20 years.

Final Thoughts

Poodles may appear to be a high-maintenance breed, but they are also high-reward. They are an excellent addition to many families, but a few things to keep in mind. Having a poodle means you'll have to keep up with grooming. This is something to budget regularly because it may grow pricey over time.

They're typically peaceful indoors, but they want daily space to run and play. This might be an ideal collaboration if you or a family member is a runner. Poodles require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. This isn't the breed for you if you're not going to be home for lengthy periods. On the other hand, active owners will discover a loving, intelligent, trainable, and devoted family member if they can satisfy their dog's demands.