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.
 |
 |
Secrets to Dog Training Testimonials
"Hi Daniel, It is with great pleasure that I am writing this for Secrets To Dog Training.
The training was great! We have a crossed breed Poodle/Terrier and training him is extremely important to us since we live in high rise apartment. Secrets To Dog Training's methods are positive and very proactive. Sumo, our pup, is doing great! At only 5 months old he sits, lies down, heals, stays, and even comes most of the time. We can not expect too much at his age but he is getting better everyday. Secrets To Dog Training continues to provide support through email which we feel is a priceless resource."
-- Wayne & Sumo (USA)
More Resources
 |
 |
Want to find out about more dog breeds? Search here or go to our Dog Breed index.
Got Dog Obedience Training or Problem Behavior Issues?
Is your dog trying your patience on a daily basis? Are you constantly faced with a dog that displays one of the following issues? To find the solution to your problem click on it.. you'll discover the answers to it and other common dog problems you may be facing.
This is the most comprehensive book on dog training and behavior problems around. Best of all... You can download this book to your computer and be reading and using the professionals training techniques in minutes.
About The Author
Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer and author of Secrets to Dog Training: STOP Dog Behavior Problems!, one of the leading dog training guides on the market today selling over 25,743 copies (and counting). He currently heads the Kingdom of Pets dog training team.
