The Poodle comes in four varieties, namely the King Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The Poodle looks like a fancy show dog, but their original role was to help hunters retrieve waterfowl from the water.
History of Poodle
Their curly coat, now especially groomed for dog shows, was prized for its moisture-resistant qualities. The German word Pudel actually refers to the spatter that these dogs would cause while hunting. The English word Poodle is derived from this. Although the breed originated in 19th century Germany, the standard was perfected in France, which considers Poodle a national breed.
These dogs are now mostly known as show dogs and family pets, and selective breeding had a lot to do with them. There are four types of Poodles, and according to the American Kennel Club, the oldest of these varieties is the Large or Standard Poodle. These dogs were originally bred to have a water-resistant coat, which helps explain the quality of the current dog’s coat. While they retain the key features of their entire family members, their compact size makes them perfect for keeping in a small home environment.
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Weight: 6.5 – 14 kg
Height at withers: 24 – 60 cm
Character of the Poodle
When talking about the Poodle’s temperament, it is often about his energy. This dog is very flaky and lively, contrary to the popular image of a perfectly groomed lazy lap dog. They are also very sweet and affectionate, combine that with their human-like intelligence and you have a dog that forms an inseparable bond with its family. The Poodle is very curious, smart, will love to play and is a great companion for children.
However, smaller Poodles are also very fragile so they should not be left alone with young children as they could accidentally injure them. When it comes to exceptionally smart dogs, this breed tops the list. If you have the right training approach, this dog will be highly trainable. They will have no problem learning commands or even working out tricks and routines as long as they have the right motivation.
Health
Poodles can face some nasty health problems, including Addison’s disease, thyroid problems, and cancer. Like almost all dogs, this breed can have joint issues such as hip dysplasia.
Care
The Poodle’s coat is one of their defining characteristics. Their curly, hypoallergenic hair comes in many different colors. There are the usual white, black, cream coats to blues, apricot, chocolate and two-tone Poodles. Many people will groom their dogs in style and in extravagant ways, especially for dog shows. However, if you only take this dog as a pet, basic grooming is all they really need. Routine brushing to prevent mats and tangles by visiting a groomer regularly is all it takes to keep the curls in perfect condition.
The Poodle is not much different from other dogs when it comes to their nutritional needs. Like most other dogs, these chic dogs will also thrive on a diet based on high quality dry dog food. Of course, not all types of kibble will suffice, you need to choose the one that is appropriate for the Poodle’s age, size and activity level.
