An Expert Guide on The POODLE: The Dog For Allergy Sufferers

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.

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.

By Beth Fletcher Visit Beth's website at: All Dog Stuff We have a great selection of all types of doggy related gear from whistles and collars to beds and crates. Check out our library of Dog Training Manuals Article Source: EzineArticles

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More Information Regarding GOLDENDOODLE Puppies

Most of the time it is very confusing to choose a breed for a canine that you want to adopt because of the number that they have. Aside from that, it is even more confusing now that there are cross breeds. One example of a cross breed is the Goldendoodle. From the name itself, it originated from the Labrador Retriever and the designer Poodle. Because of this appearance, breeders were able to develop a canine that is close to an adorable bear.

This is just one of the breeds that you can get if you are thinking of purchasing a canine as a pet. Most people in the city of Texas, especially families, have Goldendoodle puppies for their pets. If you have your own family, it would be a good idea to consider their choice. If you are interested, read on for some of the most basic information regarding this interesting canine.

2½-month-old Goldendoodle pup. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many notable features about the breed that you should learn if you are thinking of adoption. First are the interesting coats that they have, which by the way comes in various shades. It is very beneficial if you are looking for a specific shade. You just have to be careful about the coat texture. There are those that can be really frizzy while others are really soft.

When it comes to physical activities, they are in need of the average exercise. This means that they are slightly athletic. But even if it is just moderate exercise like walks or running around the yard, you still have to do it everyday. They do not really feel comfortable when they are idle for the entire time.

One trait that serves as the highlight of their personality is their naturally caring attitude towards people. They are especially empathic to those who are not feeling well or people they feel are going through something at the moment. When you feel that your day just keeps getting worst, a hug with them would be very therapeutic.

If you are the one who adopted them, you can expect their loyalty as well. This is due to the fact that they are easily and strongly attached to their humans. This is the trait that makes them really different from others and makes them the best type of canine to be around children. Families with children and have this type of dog adore them.

Teaching them several things such as what are the things that they can and cannot do inside the home would not be too hard of a task. They are very intelligent and they can pick up instructions and tricks easily. But you have to improve the way they interact with others.

If you are looking for a dog that you do not have to take to the grooming shop every now and then, this is the canine for you. Their coats are usually a mixture of both their parent breeds. But they usually take after the Poodles when it comes to the shedding part. It is necessary however that you comb their coats every now and then.

You always have to remember that research is a very important part of knowing which breed is the right one for you. You need to know their needs first to determine if you can keep up with it. And you also need to know their personalities and see if both of you would agree with each other.

About the Author: Beryl Dalton You can visit southerndoodlin.com for more helpful information about More Information Regarding Goldendoodle Puppies.

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