Poodle Dog Breed

Dog Group: Non-Sporting Group

Class: Non-Sporting

Description

Poodles are very distinctive and unique-looking dogs, easily identified by their woolly coats and long muzzles, not to mention their luxuriously big, floppy ears. You can also get miniature and toy poodles, which are again easily identified by their wooly coats and also by their very sweet, intelligent expressions. The standard poodle has a special elegance about it, and is intelligent, well built and very ‘pretty’. The coat is generally curly and dense with a deep texture. The Poodle is a lively and active dog, is very loyal and loves attention. Its coat does not shed much at all, making it the perfect pet for allergy sufferers.

Temperament

The poodle has a number of traits that gives it a reputation as a very good family pet. This breed is loyal, loving, intelligent and has a very happy disposition. The pleasant and amicable nature of poodles is coupled with a calmness and dignity that give them their unique character. This breed is good with children and with other pets, although the toy and miniature poodles tend to be a little more boisterous than the standard poodle.

Height and Weight

The standard poodle will grow to around 22-27 inches in height, and the weight will typically reach approximately 45-70 pounds.

Common Health and Behavioral Problems

One of the health issues that pose a risk to standard poodles is hip dysplasia, which can cause sever mobility problems and arthritis. Eye problems are also common in poodles, along with skin allergies and ear infections. It is important to regularly check the eyes, ears and skin during grooming sessions for any signs of infection of problems.

Ideal Living Conditions

Standard poodles are active and energetic animals, and therefore thrive best in an environment that includes a yard or garden in which to play and exercise. This breed can be kept in an apartment providing the poodle is regularly exercised and encouraged to be active.

Exercise Requirements

The standard poodle has bags of energy and is an active dog, so regular exercise is a must. These dogs love walks and swimming, and regular exercise with their owners keeps them fit and happy. The toy and miniature poodle needs regular exercise too, but not as much as the standard poodle.

Diet and Nutrition

The diet of the standard poodle should be carefully monitored to avoid bloating. The breed is lively and energetic, and will therefore need a balanced, nutritious diet. A grown poodle should be fed carefully monitored portions twice daily, and should have access to fresh water at all times.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the standard poodle is generally around 12-15 years, and a healthy diet, adequate exercise and a well-suited lifestyle will ensure that the poodle enjoys a long and happy life.

Grooming Requirements

Grooming a poodle is quite a feat, and many people opt to take their poodles to professional groomers. The luxurious coat of this breed will need to be clipped every couple of months to keep it healthy and trimmed, and the poodle needs to be bathed and brushed regularly. The ears of the poodle need to be checked regularly for any signs of mites, and nails should also be regularly trimmed to keep them short.

Origin

It is thought that the poodle originates from France, although this claim has been refuted by a number of other countries. This breed was originally bred as a retriever of waterfowl and it is thought that its name came from the German pudel, which means splashing in water. The breed still retains its watery past in its love for swimming. The poodle was also a favorite of the French aristocracy and quickly became the country’s national dog. Today’s poodles enjoy life as family pets, loving companions and show dogs, and their high level of intelligence has made them on of the most easily trained breeds around. The breed was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1887.


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More Resources

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