Introduction
The poodle dog breed is one of the most elegant breeds filled with proudness and cleverness with impressive traits. Mainly categorized in the dog breeding group as a companion dog and a water dog, it has many best-in-show winners awards. The answer behind that is quite simple: the most beautiful, good-looking hairstyle, admiring attitude, and affectionate as lovable personality have multiple talents and ancient history dating back to centuries before the calendar.
Although purebred like many other dog breeds, you can find it in several shelters as well. So, if you plan to bring a poodle home, it is better to adopt than shopping.
Quick Facts of Poodle Dog Breed
History of Poodle Dog Breed
We believe it to come from Germany. However, poodles developed and bred in France for waterfowling. At the same time, some researchers take it as a result of multiple crossings among different dog breeds of the same category, for example, water dogs. On the other hand, some associate it with the North African Barbet as one of the poodle ancestors. The North African Barbet was imported to the Iberian Peninsula and then Gual mainly because of its hunting abilities.
Anyways, whatever the history is, it is an old dog, among one of the oldest dog breeds dating back to centuries BC, can be found in several Roman and Egyptian artifacts. They have also discovered many old illustrations in those civilizations that closely resemble the modern poodles.
As far as the registration of poodle dog breed is concerned, the British Kennel Club registered it for the first time in 1874; after two years, in 1876, the first poodle club was established.
Similarly, in America, although the first arrival of the poodle is not confirmed, the first poodle was registered in 1886; later in 1896, the first poodle club was established but was dispersed soon after that. However, the poodle lovers re-established it again in 1931.
Apart from that, the history and record show that people rarely found poodle dogs in the USA before World War – II. However, it emerged being the most popular dog breed in the USA in 1950. It remained at the top of the list for 20 years.
Appearance of Poodle
The poodle size ranges from 10 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The weight depends upon different factors and also varies with age. However, they generally weigh between 06 to 70 pounds.
Height and Weight
- Toy: 10 inches at the shoulder, and weigh about 6 to 9 pounds.
- Miniature: 10 to 15 inches at the shoulder, and weigh about 15 to 17.
- Standard: 15-22 inches at the shoulder, and weigh about 45 to 70 pounds in males and 45 to 60 pounds in the case of females.
The last one, the standard, is considered the oldest among all. It still follows the tradition of acting as a water retriever.
An important thing to note is that they belong to the same dog breed, not a different one, but only differentiating in size.
Life Span of Poodle
They have a life span of around 12 to 15 years.
Coat and Color
As far as the coat is concerned, it comes in many colors, including grey, white, silver, brown, black, apricot, and cream. Similarly, the hairs of poodles are curly, thick, and robust, and you can shape them in all forms, whatever you like. However, if you plan to take your poodle to a show ring, the American Kennel Club only allows four specific kinds of hairstyling for poodles.
Additional Traits
- The height of a healthy male poodle is two times or three inches taller than a female poodle.
- A female poodle weighs more than a male poodle.
- Male poodles are affectionate to their owner. On the contrary, female poodles are relatively less attached to their pet parent.
Personality and Temperament
Intelligent
Talking about personality, poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in this world. It makes poodles highly trainable. Experts represent their nature as intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous, and their attitude is often known as “an air of distinction, “ which means a distinguished and honorable attitude. It can be challenging to describe but more accessible to figure out in a dog. Moreover, it also displays some goofiness, loves to be mischievous, is always ready to play around, and is enthusiastic to please the audience. The most important but not the least to mention is its rocking intelligence. It is said to have the same intelligence level and cleverness as human beings.
Easy to Train
You can effectively train them to adapt to any work. Poodles are so highly trainable that you will want to assign them different tasks to perform. However, remember that if they get bored for any reason, such as not being well stimulated either physically or mentally, they can be destructive. On the other hand, if you can meet your pet requirements, you will find them lovable, intelligent, compassionate, and of good nature.
Beautiful Creatures
Now you can imagine how beautiful, handsome, intelligent a dog breed you have gotten and how easier it can be to train such a sharp dog and quickly adapt it to your comfort.
Barking
Poodles are notorious for excessive barking. These dogs bark very often. These dogs might bark when they get excited, see a guest, a dog barking, and so on. However, with proper training, you can stop a poodle from barking.
Contest and Shows
You might also see them as different kinds of primped-up dogs in the show ring. People used it as a water retriever, requiring jumping in the water to fetch waterfowls for hunters. From the origin of its name, you can observe the German word Pudel or Pudelin, meaning the splashing of something in the water. Similarly, in France, it is known as Caniche, which is developed from the phrase chien canard, meaning duck dog.
That was all about their personality. It can sometimes be challenging to handle intelligent dogs but do not worry. They learn amazingly fast and adapt excellent or bad habits, whatever one wants to train them.
Poodle Dog Breed Care and Maintenance
Taking care of pets is a responsibility, not a privilege. They always rely upon us for various reasons such as food, training, exercising, etc. Therefore, being a guardian of them, you need to feel your commitment. Care can take many forms. We briefly outlined some of them below.
Shedding Level
The poodles are very good at this aspect. The poodle is a non-shedding breed of dog. Therefore, it is a good choice for those having allergic issues. They can keep it with no reaction in return.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise helps it remain fit and ultimately make it a good protector of his family and home. If a stranger enters the house, it is also intelligent enough to make louder bark to let you know of them.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of a pet’s life. A pet parent should not ignore it. In the case of poodles, it takes a lot of time, energy, resources, and expenses. The poodle required a regular groom, particularly every 3 to 6 weeks or sometimes to keep it in good shape and condition. So, if you are considering adopting a poodle, remember the expenses associated with its grooming as well.
But you do not need to worry about that as well. There are multiple different ways to make it easier. However, some owners shave it off for more accessible care and style the coat. However, that does not mean not to take care at all. Even with shaved, they regularly need to take baths and brushes to keep it clean and good-looking.
- Poodles are quick learners.
- We can directly train them according to their surrounding environment. So, it is highly possible to teach poodles bad things by mistake.
- So, if you are new to dog training, consider taking obedience classes with a skilled trainer.
A prong training collar that effectively trains your naughty dog. Controlling big dogs is not an easy task at all. However, with the help of this prong collar, you can train your dog. It is made of alloy steel and is available in silver color only. The size of the collar is 25 inches. It is best for training dogs. The dogs weigh 154 pounds or more than that. The neck size of a dog must be up to 22 inches. Pet owners can easily control their dogs with the help of this prong training collar.
Poodle Dog Breed Food
The actual amount of food intake largely depends upon the size, age, level of metabolism, physical activity, build and age of the dog, etc. However, the recommended amount of daily diet for poodle is the following:
- Standard: 1.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food/day
- Miniature: ¾ to 1 cup of high-quality dry food/day
- Toy: ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry food/day
Overfeeding may cause them to be overweight, and cause serious health issues, particularly concerned about joints. Therefore, limit the treats to your pets, give them regular healthy meals instead of keeping the food available all the time and keep them active.
Best Food for Dogs
Worst Food for Dogs
To get a better understanding of the best and worst food for your dog. Check our comprehensive food guide about dogs. This way the poodle will not get any allergic reaction. Your pup will be a healthy pup with a healthy lifestyle.
Pros of Owning a Poodle Dog Breed
- Adaptability: The poodles have strong adaptability to apartment living and rapidly adapt to new owners. They have a good level of sensitivity.
- Friendliness: Poodle is a highly family-oriented and kids friendly pet. They also have good interactions with other dogs as well as strangers. These dogs are mentally strong. Therefore, they try their best to build a good relationship with others.
- Health: Overall general health condition of poodles is also good. However, diseases are a part of every living creature’s life. Similarly, poodles may also be susceptible to catching different diseases. However, the chances can be reduced by taking proper measures.
- Easyily Trainable: Poodles are one of the best trainable dogs having a higher than average level of intelligence. However, they may have a potential for mouthiness but less inclination to barking.
- Interaction with Other Pets: As far as accompanying another pet is concerned, a poodle who grows in the presence of other pets at home or shelter, and has interactions with them, welcomes them in their life and enjoys their company. However, if a pet is already present at home, it will require training to accept others.
Cons of Owning a Poodle Dog Breed
- Anxiety Issues: They also have the probability of gaining weight, especially if they are not physically active. Moreover, they do not tolerate being alone at home and behave accordingly.
- Too Much Friendly: Meeting new people with a standard Poodle will be guarded and distant at first. Still, after a time, the dog can gradually exhibit a friendly and sociable demeanor if the dog knows the newcomer is trustworthy and will not intend any harm. A violent, snappy attitude is a significant flaw in the breed. Poodles who are well-loved and treated for will reciprocate with affection and loyalty, although they are neither a territorial nor particularly aggressive breed.
Poodle Dog Breed Health Issues
Poodles are generally good at health, but no doubt, diseases are a part of every living creature. Some diseases are observed explicitly in poodles. A poodle does not need to catch any of these diseases, but we should know these. Most particularly if you are figuring out about adopting a poodle.
We briefly described some of the general health concerns associated with Poodles in the following:
- Addison’s Disease: Also known by the name of hypoadrenocorticism. It is more closely related to the functioning of the adrenal gland and happens when it insufficiently produces adrenal hormones. The symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, moodiness, and lack of appetite. Whereas in case of more severe signs, the poodle may experience stress. An outrageous amount of potassium levels causes heartbreaks. It can onwards lead to death as well.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: It is also known as the bloat. Large and deep-chested dogs are more likely to be affected by it. It often happens when overfeeding the dog. Like eating an enormous meal or eating food rapidly. Drinking too much water or liquid after a meal also has the same effect. Apart from that, doing exercises just after meals can also cause the same. It fills the stomach with gasses, which causes it to twist, producing pressure on the heart. It leads to making it difficult or slow to pump. The symptoms may include a swollen belly, excessive saliva, vomiting; the dog may experience restlessness, depression, weakness, and a fast heart rate. If you suspect your pet with these symptoms, get it to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
- Cushing’s Disease: It is also called hyperadrenocorticism and results from too much production of cortisol. It is because of an imbalance of the adrenal gland. Or maybe it can be due to some other condition too. The symptoms include excessive intake of water along with a lot of urination. So, if your pet displays these symptoms, take it to the vet. The treatments may include medication and, in some cases, surgery as well.
- Epilepsy: It is one of the common causes of seizures, either mild or severe in poodles, and is often inherited. The symptoms include unusual behavior such as running anxiously, astounding, etc. However, as a pet parent, remember that seizures can be because of various reasons. There is no single reason for convulsions. It can be due to metabolic disorders, brain infections, head injuries, and exposure to poisons. If you suspect your vet with the symptoms of epilepsy, take it to the vet immediately; otherwise, it can be very frightening to see him with these conditions.
- His Dysplasia: It is more of a heritable condition than a disease. In hip dysplasia, the pelvic socket and the femur do not fit correctly. The clinical signs may or may not exist in its case. However, they include pain and lameness in either or both rear legs. The treatment may consist of medication with proper nutrition and surgery in some cases.
- Hypothyroidism: It is a result of dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The symptoms associated with its dysfunction may include epilepsy, hair loss, and other skin conditions. Take your pet to the nearest vet whenever you observe any unusual behavior.
An important thing to note: whenever you are buying or adopting a puppy, make sure to check the health clearance of both of its parents. It is proof that he has been tested for specific health conditions and cleared.
People who should own Poodle
- Spend Time on Training Time: These dogs are easy to train. Usually, dogs need harsh and rough training. However, these poodles will learn everything fastly. You will not face shedding issues. It’s because poodles have relatively small hair.
- Love to Show Off: Who does not love magic tips and tricks?. These dogs have a high learning capacity. That’s why these dogs were pretty famous for being the center of attention at a circus. They enchant the viewer with magical tips and tricks. After some training, your poodle can be the star of the show in numerous dog shows and contests.
- Therapy Dogs: These dogs are exceptionally talented as therapy dogs. These dogs are well known for helping everyone around them. From children to older people. These dogs are best for this type of work.
