The poodle is a breed that presents itself with a particularly wide variety. Not only does the Poodle come in different sizes, but also in a wide variety of colours. The Poodle is a dog that is often underestimated. Not only is he very active, contrary to what many people think, he also guards everything that is his very well. In addition, he is of course also distinguished by a special intelligence. Today, the Poodle can be found in four different sizes. On the one hand, there is the large poodle, also known as the king poodle, and the small poodle, which can be found as a medium size. In addition, there are also the miniature poodle and the toy poodle. The latter are also known as Teacup Poodles because they are so small that they would fit into a teacup. However, these dogs can be described as torture breeding. The animals are far too small to be able to give birth to pups naturally. So in most cases these puppies are brought into the world by caesarean section.
The nature of the Poodle
The Poodle is an active, particularly watchful and loyal dog, which guards and defends its territory. He is also quite sporty and is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. The poodle presents himself proudly and also brings with him a good will to retrieve. He has a medium irritation threshold and is therefore also or especially suitable as a family dog. He is a friendly dog who likes to have his people around him and is up for any kind of fun. He is not above mischief and, due to his high intelligence, learns various tricks quickly and with great pleasure. More and more often Poodles, especially the larger representatives of their breed, can also be found in the field of agility. Here they present themselves as extremely nimble and agile, which makes them more and more successful. All in all, Poodles are very well-balanced dogs that like to show what they can do and want to please their humans at all costs.
The historical background of the Poodle
In former times, the Poodle was mainly used for hunting waterfowl or for retrieving them from the water. This is where the name of the breed comes from. Later, however, this breed lost more and more of its hunting qualities in breeding, but the joy and pleasure of retrieving remained with them until today. Towards the end of the 19th century, the breeding of poodles began. There were only large poodles and small poodles. They were represented in the colours black and white as well as brown. At that time it was very controversial where exactly the origin of this breed lay. Russia, France and also Germany wanted to claim this for themselves. In the 1930s, the breed was officially recognised by the FCI. In the course of this recognition, the FCI also defined France as the country of origin of the breed. Now another size followed, the small poodle. This was followed in the 90s of the last century by the so-called Toy Poodle. Also in the field of colours a lot has changed. In addition to the classic colours black, white and brown, silver and sable were now also represented. Red Poodles also appeared on the market. In the meantime, there are not only almost every conceivable colour, but there are also multi-coloured dogs. Especially these enjoy great popularity.
What are the requirements of a poodle
Depending on the size of the poodle, the space should of course be adapted. The urge to move, the joy of retrieving and the intelligence of the dog must be taken into account in any case. The poodle wants to be kept busy, it wants to work and learn, it wants to prove its intelligence and likes to spend as much time as possible with its human. Whether on long walks and hikes or whether during sports. The Poodle presents itself as particularly willing and eager to work. In the water, too, the Poodle is completely in his element.
However, he only really gets going when he learns tricks and can show what he is really capable of. When it comes to coat care, the Poodle is rather undemanding, he does not shed and therefore does not need to be brushed so often, but he does need to be trimmed and clipped from time to time. Apart from that, the Poodle simply wants to enjoy life with his human, he wants to play and cuddle and would prefer to be with him always and everywhere.
The Poodle and its health
The Poodle is in itself, if one starts from the original breeding, a quite healthy and robust dog, which nothing knocks down so quickly. Nevertheless, some hereditary diseases can be found. Besides HD, which affects the large poodles, there are other diseases in the smaller dogs. For example, PRA, progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to complete blindness. It is similar with cataract, the grey cataract. In addition, patella luxation is becoming more and more common, especially in small poodles. This is a pathological displacement of the patella, which causes the affected dogs to start limping. Sebadenitis is also quite common in the Poodle. This is a disease in which the sebaceous glands are destroyed by the dog’s own immune system. This leads to the hair no longer being properly cared for. The result is loss of coat.
What makes the poodle so charming?
Poodles are not only visually different from other dogs, but also in their character. A poodle is by no means simply a curly ball of wool that is courted as a lap or fashion dog. Poodles are clever, lively and especially nice with children. They are one of those family dogs that children need not be afraid of. Due to their pronounced urge to move, poodles are the perfect playmates for children, who also do not last long in the house. Poodles have been hunting with humans as retrieving dogs for almost 200 years. Retrieving games therefore also offer a special attraction for the dog breed in everyday life. They can really let off steam and be physically active while playing. The best place for retrieving games is in a dry meadow, as grooming the curly animals is very time-consuming. The curly and frizzy coat of the Poodle grows incessantly, so most Poodle owners like to reach for the clippers or visit the groomer regularly.
What is particularly pleasant is that the breed does not change its coat at certain times of the year and does not shed. If you don’t want to shear off your Poodle’s long and frizzy coat, you should therefore reach for the dog brush several times a week to prevent the coat from matting. Poodles are easy to train and are therefore well suited for beginners who have never owned or trained a dog before. The only important thing is that families who want to get a poodle should deal with the fact from the outset that the dog does not like to be alone and will seek and expect entertainment and games all day as part of the family. The sociable and playful dog breed is therefore rather unsuitable for working singles.
Large and small poodles are versatile.
Poodles (whether small or large) are not only playful and have an extensive hunting instinct, they are also reliable and very capable of learning. Due to their pleasant nature and intelligence, they can be trained as guide dogs for the blind, body search dogs and disaster dogs. The elaborate training to become a guard dog is particularly worthwhile for the Poodle. Not only because the breed is so loyal, affectionate and intelligent, but also because it is particularly long-lived. Poodles can live up to 18 years if they are kept in a species-appropriate manner and remain healthy. Whether Poodles are kept as family dogs, for hunting or as guard dogs, they are always a feast for the eyes. The constantly growing coat can be shorn in different ways. Dog groomers are always excited about the numerous possibilities the long and curly coat offers them for styling. Grooming does not have to be torture for any dog.
In fact, numerous dogs love it when they are regularly massaged with a coat grooming mitt or brushed with a coat brush. Resourceful and skilled poodle owners only take their little darling to the groomer in the first few months, at most until the animal is fully grown. They watch how the groomer cares for and cuts the coat, so that they can later take up the clippers themselves. The only important thing is that the necessary equipment is powerful and of high quality. If you save money when buying clippers, you must always reckon with the fact that they will not only break down quickly, but will also get stuck in the poodle’s fuzzy coat if the power is not sufficient. The investment in a high-quality tool for grooming (e.g. dog comb or grooming glove) pays off quickly for the poodle. Especially in the hot summer months, when the breed’s coat also continues to grow steadily, the family dog is more than grateful to have his hair trimmed regularly so that he doesn’t get so hot.
Clever dogs with strong self-confidence
Poodles are underestimated by many people. Some people think that these cute animals are simply beautiful. However, anyone who has ever had a poodle as a friend and partner knows exactly how lovable and clever these animals are. As luxurious and noble as they appear at first glance, they are easy to keep. Poodles do not even make special demands on their food. It should, of course, be fresh, varied and species-appropriate. Leftovers from the table do not belong in the dog’s bowl. Poodles have a strong sense of self-confidence and know exactly what is good for them, but they value their families far too much to get on their nerves. It is therefore especially important for this breed of dog that dog owners keep them in an experienced and species-appropriate manner. Already at the time of purchase, the choice should fall on a good breeder.
The breeder will be happy to pass on all other information that is important for the new dog owners so that the new family member can be kept in a species-appropriate manner. Therefore, make a list of questions you would like to ask the poodle breeder before you buy. Write down the answers to the questions right next to them so that you don’t forget them in the excitement. Experienced breeders can always be contacted after you have bought the dog if questions arise over time or if you would like to draw on the breeder’s experience regarding nutrition, training, coat care or other areas.
The perfect person for a Poodle is……
Sporty and active, always up for cuddling, playing and joking around, and will give in to the urge to retrieve. In addition, he is consistent and does not allow the Poodle any freedom of choice. Because of his high intelligence he likes to take these liberties. In addition, the perfect person for a Poodle should not be averse to leading his dog in agility if necessary. He is also willing to give his Poodle a task and gives him a little freedom in fulfilling it. The perfect owner of a poodle also takes the dog’s needs into account in the area of mental exercise.
Conclusion
The Poodle is not only a perfect family dog, he is also a good companion and willing working dog. Equipped with a good guarding instinct, the Poodle protects everything that belongs to him and his people. He is friendly towards strangers, but without being pushy. When playing with his humans, however, his temper can get the better of him. He is very active and a real clown. What he likes, the poodle also knows how to demand vehemently. Nevertheless, due to the variety of sizes, he is not only ideal for beginners and families, he is also a loyal companion for older people and goes with them through thick and thin.
