Poodle Pet Breed Profile
The Poodle is easily recognized with its unique and distinguishable coats and haircuts. But while they may seem high-maintenance, it is only in grooming. Poodles are friendly, loyal, and active animals that are highly trainable and intelligent.
History & Origin
As natives of Germany, the Poodle has been hunting and retrieving for centuries. Although the origination of the breed is widely undocumented, the Poodle is believed to be connected to popular Asian dogs of the time.
Appearance
The appearance of a Poodle can change drastically from dog to dog, but in many cases it has more to do with the way they are groomed than how they naturally look.
In addition to three different sizes that a Poodle may be, they also have ten standard colors and many more non-standard colors. The standard colors of a Poodle include apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige and white.
Additional colors that a Poodle may be are black and apricot, black and brown, black and cream, black and gray, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, black and white, blue and white, brown and apricot, brown and white, café au lait, cream and white, gray and white, red and white, red and apricot, white and apricot, or white and silver.
While the Poodle has no standard markings, there are still markings that may appear on a Poodle’s coat. Those markings include black markings, black mask, black points, white markings, and white mask.
Temperament
Although Poodles may be high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, they are actually very intelligent, friendly, and active dogs. They have frequently been used in hunting because of their love for obedience and learning new tricks.
The different kinds of Poodles will have slightly different temperaments, but overall, they are outgoing, friendly animals that are also strong athletes and loyal companions.
Size
The size of a Poodle will depend on the kind. The Standard Poodle, the largest, will be between 22 and 27 inches in height. The Miniature Poodle is usually between 13 and 15 inches in height, and the smallest Poodle, the Toy Poodle, can be under 10 inches at the shoulder.
Health
Poodles will not usually run into health problems when they are properly taken care of, given enough food and water, and exercised regularly. But even the healthiest of animals can develop certain canine-specific diseases like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation.
Owners of Poodles should discuss with their vet the various signs and symptoms to look out for that could indicate the dog is suffering from a health condition. Understanding when a Poodle is feeling a bit off and getting them the treatment they need as quickly as possible can drastically increase the chances of a complete and quick recovery.
Poodles will need to visit their vet for routine checkups periodically throughout the year. A vet can double check for signs or symptoms that the owner may have missed and provide the owner with guidance on how to continue raising a healthy Poodle.
A vet can also help to ensure the dog gets all the proper vaccinations and immunizations it will need. Furthermore, a vet can discuss the many health benefits of spaying or neutering a Poodle with the owner.
Care
The most difficult part of caring for a Poodle is meeting the daily grooming needs they will need and expect. For the right owner, grooming is not a hassle and can be viewed as a bonding experience between the animal and the dog.
Poodles are not particularly energetic animals but will still require some level of exercise. They enjoy meeting new people and new animals and will look for a way to get out of the house and do a bit of exploring. Poodles may also have a difficult time when left alone, particularly if they are left alone for long periods of time.
The Poodle is a very intelligent animal that can quickly learn new tricks. They will frequently be used for hunting or obedience performances.
Feeding
Poodles, like all dogs, will need the proper amount of food throughout the day. Many dog food brands make special formulas to fit the various dietary needs of different size dogs and kinds of dogs, so owners should look for one that fits the requirements of their Poodle.
A Poodle’s dietary needs will change as the dog ages and may require a different or more frequent feeding schedule while the dog is growing. Owners should talk to their vets about the proper feeding times and proper amounts of food to be giving their dog.
Owners will also want to ensure their Poodles have access to fresh water consistently throughout the day. Getting enough water helps fight dehydration and keep pups healthy.
Grooming
A Poodle has a long coat and will require daily grooming. As it is common for Poodles to have very unique and specific haircuts, the Poodle will usually need to make a trip to the professional groomer more often than other dog breeds.
In addition to seeing a professional, owners of Poodles will need to brush the coats of their Poodle every day. This will not only keep the dog looking and feeling their best, but it will also keep their long hairs from finding their way into every crack and corner of the owner’s home.
Poodles will also require an occasional bath. In some instances, a weekly bath is necessary. Owners of Poodles will also need to check their dog’s ears for a buildup of wax or dirt that can cause infection, brush the animal’s teeth regularly to reduce the risk of tooth or gum infection, and frequently trim their nails to decrease the possibility of cracking.
Children
Poodles can make excellent additions to any family, as long as the family has the means and time to provide the grooming it needs. For the most part, Poodles enjoy being around children and other family animals. They are highly trainable to fit the needs of living in a variety of households, and because they come in three different sizes, a Poodle can fit in a home or apartment no matter how small.
