Poodle: Origin, Temperament, Training, Exercise

(Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle)

Group: AKC Non-sporting; KCGB Utility Group

Also Known As: Caniche, French Poodle, Barbone, Chien Canne, Mini-Poodle

AKC Ranking: 8

About Poodle

Origin The Poodle originated in Germany as a water Retriever. Although listed as the eighth most popular breed in 2006, Poodles enjoyed the longest reign as the #1 breed in the United States from 1960 until 1982. Description A Poodle is of moderate build. It should have an elegant, balanced appearance, and should carry itself in a "proud" or "dignified" manner. Most poodles are proportionally long-legged dogs.

Coat

The long coat of the Poodle is double. The outer coat is wiry curls. The undercoat is thick and woolly. If unhindered, the outer coat forms thin cylindrical mats known as cords.

Most are solid-colored, and many registries only allow solid colors in conformation shows. "Parti" (short for parti-colored) Poodles have large patches of colors. "Phantom" Poodles have the color pattern of a black-and-tan dog, although not necessarily black and tan. Solid-colored Poodles may either "hold" their color (i.e., stay more or less the same color throughout their lives) or "fade" or "clear" to a lighter shade. Usually, the ears and the thicker guard hairs hold more of the original color than other fur.

Height

Poodles come in 3 sizes:

• Standard – over 15";
• Miniature – 10-15";
• Toy – 10" and under;

Weight

• Standard – 45-70 lbs.
• Miniature – 15-17 lbs.
• Toy – 6-9 lbs

Temperament

Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably one of the most intelligent breeds. Historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point birds. Classified as highly energetic, Poodles can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief.

Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family.

Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. They tend to be calmer than Miniatures and Toys.

Miniatures are cheerful, sensitive, and extremely smart. They love to learn tricks and understand more words in human speech than most breeds. They want to be included in all family activities.

They are perfectly suitable for apartment life, if they get enough exercise.

Exercise & Training

Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs, they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session. Most are fairly agile and athletic.

Grooming

The Poodle doesn’t shed. It is thus perfect for allergy sufferers. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours/week for a standard poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down as soon as their show career is over and put into a lower-maintenance cut. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show clips and require much less maintenance.

Health Issues

The Poodle is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus and infections of the ear due to poor circulation of air around the heavy coat.

Standards are prone to many diseases: cataracts and other eye problems, runny eyes, allergies and skin problems, hip dysplasia, ear infections, Von Wellebrand’s Disease, and bloat.

Miniatures are prone to many diseases: cataracts and other eye problems, runny eyes, allergies and skin problems, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease,and ear infections.

Life Expectancy: 11.5 to 12 years

Breed Club: www.poodleclubofamerica.org

Rescue Link: www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm