The Poodle is a member of the Non-Sporting Group and is currently America's seventh most popular dog breed. Their intelligence, happy nature, and hypoallergenic coat make this breed a common choice for allergy sufferers.
History
Although many believe the standard Poodle hails from France, it actually originated in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries and was bred to retrieve waterfowl from the water. The name 'poodle' even derives from the German word 'pudel', meaning to splash about. The breed's ancestry past the 15th century becomes murky, with some historians believing that Poodle-type dogs were seen on Egyptian and Roman tombs from the first centuries B.C.
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| An apricot Standard Poodle. Taken in Whippendell Woods, Watford (England). (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The coat of the Poodle was styled so that it protected vital organs of the dog and keeps it from becoming cold, while also allowing it to move better in the water. The unique style of the Poodle's coat attracted French aristocracy, quickly becoming a fashionable choice for the upper echelon of society and later, the National Dog of France. The Toy and Miniature Poodle would appear shortly after the Standard Poodle to please the European upper middle-class. The Kennel Club in England registered the Standard Poodle in 1874 and the American Kennel Club registered them in 1887, although the breed did not become popular in America until after World War II.
Poodles are incredibly intelligent and easy to train, which led to their prevalence in circus shows. Circus performers saw how they delighted crowds with their tricks and began styling their coats into even more eye-catching shapes. Today, they are not used as much for waterfowl retrieval, but instead they make great family pets due to their friendly disposition towards children and hypoallergenic coat.
Description
The following is derived from the AKC standard:
- Coat: Poodles can have curly or corded coats that come in all solid colors such as café-au-lait, black, blue, silver, gray, white, red, brown, cream, and apricot.
- Head: The head is moderately rounded with a strong, arched neck. The ears lay flat on the head and are long. The eyes should be dark and alert.
- Body: They are a medium to large-sized breed, squarely built, and weighing 45-70 lbs. The legs are proportionate to its body and a tail that is set high and usually docked. The feet are oval-shaped and have toes that are arched.
Defects:
- Multi-colored coats.
- Snappy or aggressive behavior.
- Slumped posture.
- Elbows that stick out.
- Cheekbones that are not flat.
There are three different body types of Poodles:
The Toy : 10 inches and under at the shoulder.
The Miniature : over 10 inches at the shoulder.
The Standard : over 15 inches at the shoulder.
Temperament
Poodles are intelligent and dignified. They enjoy being with their family and need quality time with their owners; otherwise they may develop separation anxiety. Elegant and regal looking, they take pleasure in showing off their agility. They may give a warning bark, but are generally not good guard dogs. Poodles are usually accepting of other cats and dogs if introduced properly. Their intelligence makes them easy to train as long as the owner is consistent.
Care
- Grooming: Poodle coats do not shed. However, regular grooming is needed to keep it in good condition.
- Living Situation: They do better in houses, but can fare well in apartments if the exercise requirement is met.
- Exercise: The Standard Poodle needs 60 minutes of exercise daily.
- Approximate Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Common Health Problems: The Poodle is susceptible to many eye problems such as cataracts, runny eyes, and retinal atrophy. In addition, they are prone to Addison's disease, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat.
The Rundown: Poodles are incredibly intelligent dogs that are easy to train and good with children. Their coat needs regular maintenance, but it does not shed and can be suitable for those with allergies. This is an active breed that needs daily exercise, but will be happy to cuddle on the couch with its family. They are prone to more health problems than other dogs.
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