Poodles Dog
Refined and elegant, poodles are highly intelligent, perky
dogs with an air of distinction about them. The breed has been popular
throughout history, and even today, poodles are one of the top 10 most popular
dog breeds according to recent registry statistics.
Poodle Appearance
Poodles are the only breed that comes in three sizes:
standard, miniature and toy.
These sizes are distinguished by height and help separate the
breed into separate categories for show and breeding purposes.
A standard poodle is approximately 15 inches at the shoulder,
a miniature poodle is between 10 and 15 inches, and a toy poodle is less than
10 inches. The standard poodle is the oldest of the three poodle varieties.
The poodle standard (the hypothetical ideal set of guidelines
used to ensure the animals produced by a breeding facility conforms to the
specifics of the breed) is the same for all three sizes, except when height is
concerned. Poodles are well proportioned and squarely built with a moderately
rounded skull and a long, straight muzzle, with dark, oval-shaped eyes and ears
hanging closely to the face.
The poodle’s coat is non-shedding, making this a
hypoallergenic breed. However, poodles require regular clipping and grooming to
keep their dense and harsh coats mat-free. They come in a variety of colors,
including black, white, gray and apricot.
Poodle Breed History
According to the American Kennel Club, the registry of purebred dog
pedigrees in the United States, the poodle originated
in Germany as a water retriever. Their “clips,” or cut, was originally designed
by hunters to help them move through the water easily while providing warmth to
their organs and joints when swimming in cold water.
Although Germany has been recognized as the origin of the
breed, breed historians suspect the poodle has Russian and French ties. In
fact, the poodle is the national dog of France.
Poodle Personality
Poodles, by nature, are energetic and active dogs, requiring
daily exercise. They enjoy recreational activities, such as playing ball or
fetch; they get bored easily. Because they are adaptable and easy to train,
poodles tend to do very well in agility classes.
The breed is a people-oriented dog, and tends to be good with
children. Poodles are bright, intelligent and eager to please, making an
excellent addition to any dog-loving family.
Poodle Health
Poodles, contrary to popular belief, are not delicate pets.
They are generally very healthy, strong dogs and make excellent
pets. Genetic disorders have been diagnosed in all varieties of poodles.
These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxations, progressive retinal atrophy,
cataracts, seizures and thyroid disorders, among others. Consult your
veterinarian about possible hereditary and congenital defects associated with
any breed of dog you plan to adopt. A complete physical examination by
your veterinarian soon after adoption is essential.
The Poodle Club
of America, an organization dedicated to encouraging poodle breeding in
accordance with the ideal poodle standard, lists a number of the health
issues concerning poodle owners on their Web site.
The Poodle Health Registry, a nonprofit, international registry
for all diseases affecting Poodles, has a database of diseases by poodle variety, and can be a
great resource for potential poodle owners and breeders alike.
Poodles have the potential to live 15 years, or more, if
cared for properly and receive routine veterinary care.
