Originating in Germany, primarily to retrieve waterfowl, Poodles are believed to be descendants of the now-extinct French Water Dog. Their extraordinary intelligence, high energy, and willingness to please made them train effortlessly to adapt to any task at hand. Whether hunting, as a companion pet, or performing, you will always find a Poodle getting a lot of attention.
Farmers used them to sniff out truffles, hunters used them to retrieve aquatic animals, royalty and nobles adored their devotion. Gypsies and circuses across Europe tapped into their inherent need to perform! Poodles love center stage and lots of spotlights directed at them.
Ironically, even though they were initially bred for retrieval and are in the weapons group, miniatures and standards are classified as non-sporting. Toys are in the weapons and toys classifications.
There aren’t many breeds that come in such a variety of sizes, colors, and temperaments. On record, they come in three sizes, Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Those 9 inches tall or less and weighing less than 6 pounds are unofficially labeled teacups.
You will find them in blue, black, silver, white, cream, brown or apricot. They can weigh as little as 2 or as much as 70 pounds. Their temperaments range from antisocial, shy, fearful, ankle-biting to well-trained, well-mannered, easy-going, fun-loving clowns.
Few breeds are easier to obedience train or tame. Second only to the Border Collie, the Standard Poodle is at the top of the intelligence list. Learning is as natural as breathing for them.
To be considered a toy poodle, you must be 10 inches or less and weigh between 6 and 9 pounds. Dogs under 9 inches and under 6 pounds are marketed as teacups. Teacups and toys are not recommended for families with young children. Due to their small size, they are quite fragile. Also, if they are not socialized and trained as soon as possible, they tend to be shy, fearful, nervous, agile, and generally unpredictable. Toys and teacups should have their pictures next to the word Small Dog Syndrome in the dictionary! Without fair, firm, and consistent leadership, these little dogs can become little terrorists taking over your life and your home.
The Miniature Poodle is 10 to 15 inches tall and weighs approximately 15 to 17 pounds. Their larger size and more even temperament make them more suitable for children. Clown-like behavior, high energy, a willingness to please, and a need to be noticed and included make them an ideal family pet. Although they have a more balanced temperament than toys and teacups, they still need a lot of obedience training and socialization to stay put.
The standard poodle is over 15 inches tall and can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. They are generally the calmest and most relaxed than their smaller cousins. They love to learn, so make your standard a puppy kindergarten with positive reinforcement and no punishment as soon as possible. Then stand back and be amazed at what they can do.
Poodles of all sizes have their fair share of genetic health problems. The most common are: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, eye problems, ear infections, cancer, stifle, epilepsy, allergies and diabetes. Standard Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. It is suggested to feed them three small meals per day, rather than one large one. Without regular walking and exercise, poodles can gain weight quickly.
For all sizes, their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years or more.
Your Poodle needs a reasonable amount of daily exercise; otherwise, you will face serious behavior problems. Not only does their pent up energy have to be expended, but Poodles are easily bored and require lots of mental stimulation. They love the challenges of obedience, agility, tricks, rally, and recovery training. Without it, they can become very jumpy, jumpy, and even destructive.
Ask any Poodle owner to describe their pet and you’ll hear: silly, smart, devoted, loving, friendly, sweet, loyal, funny and jealous! Poodles are very jealous. Most believe that they are the center of the universe; which sometimes makes it difficult for them to share the planet with other creatures. Again, socialization and obedience training will help alleviate their relentless need for constant attention. They also make good watchdogs, as many love to bark at real or imagined threats.
They are not easy to fix and can be expensive! His hypoallergenic, curly coat requires regular bathing and a professional cut. There are dozens of hairstyles to experiment with, until you find the one that best suits your dog’s unique personality.
Bottom line: Do your homework! Make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for in a pet before you get your Poodle. Remember, the size of the dog and the temperament of the dog have a lot to do with how well they will fit into your specific situation. Stay away from flea market backyard breeders and pet stores full of puppy mills. Poodles are one of its most popular victims. You may have to pay a little more, but look for a reputable and trustworthy breeder. Also check with local shelters and rescues. Many are given up for nothing more than financial or health problems of their previous owner. Your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you there.