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The Poodle may be
one of the most misunderstood breeds, as many people
will think only of a show Poodle that is trimmed and
dainty. This is a very active and hardy dog that was
originally bred to work with the hunter to retrieve
water fowl and other game. The Poodle is one of the
most intelligent breeds as well and should be very
good at learning tricks and activities for
competition. We have put together 10 of the most
common questions asked about Poodles and have
provided answers for each.
1. What is the history/background of the Poodle?
Though this dog is often thought of as a French
Poodle, it is really a very old breed, with roots
that go back hundreds of years. Its origin is still
in questions but some trace it to Russia or Asia.
The Portuguese water dog is a related breed. There
is some evidence that a similar type of dog was part
of Egyptian and Roman life centuries ago.
2. Where does the
name come from? Why is it called Poodle?
The name originates with the Old German word “pudel,”
which means “to splash about.” The Poodle was
originally bred to be a gun dog or water dog, for
retrieving game. In France, this breed is known as
the caniche.
3. How big does the Poodle get?
There are three recognized sizes or varieties in the
Poodle breed. They are the toy, the miniature and
the standard. The toy Poodle will usually weigh less
than10 pounds and stands less than a foot tall at
the shoulder. The miniature will be a few inches
taller and weigh up to 15 pounds. The standard may
be 20 inches tall or more and can weigh 45 to 70
pounds.
4. I see all types of trimming and grooming on
Poodles. What is best?
The unique trimming of the Poodle coat was
originally done by leaving some parts of the coat
long to protect parts of the body. Other parts were
cut very short to avoid tangling the coat when the
dog worked in the outdoors. Many owners clip the
Poodle for show in styles such as the English Saddle
with leg bracelets and the Continental or lion clip.
5. What is a “corded” poodle?
This occurs when the curly or short coat is allowed
to grow longer and the cords hang naturally. This is
actually recognized as one of two distinct types of
coat in national registries. Histories of the breed
show that the corded or “wavy” coat is the older of
the two types.
6. Are Poodles really very intelligent?
Some consider this breed to be the most intelligent
of all purebred dogs. The Poodle is certainly very
intelligent and excellent at learning tricks and
activities for competition. The Poodle is also a
rather mellow dog overall, especially the standard
variety as an adult. This breed has a natural
hunting instinct, though even toy Poodles will point
birds. Poodles are so intelligent that they may
become bored quite easily if not challenged or given
some chance to play and exercise regularly.
7. I have heard they do not shed much. Is this
true?
Poodles do not shed nearly as much as many other
breeds. However, the coat will require regular
attention to keep it from matting and getting
unmanageable. A good pair of scissors is often
enough to keep a pet Poodle in trim. Show poodles
may need professional grooming.
8. Are Poodles good family pets and watchdogs?
The short answer to this question is yes. Poodles
are excellent watchdogs due to their intelligence
and overall alertness. They generally bond with all
family members rather than one person and can be
great with children. They are very smart and eager
to learn, so they can be fun as pets.
9. How long do Poodles live?
Smaller dogs tend to live a bit longer than the
larger breeds. Poodles may live as long as 15 to 20
years with good care and proper nutrition. However,
this breed can be subject to some inherited diseases
such as hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy, so new
owners should consult with the breeder and a
veterinarian about these conditions.
10. What can Poodles do other than as a house
pet?
Most Poodles today are kept as pets, but the breed
was originally an active outdoor animal, used in
hunting and even in tracking. Some Poodles are now
used for hunting, as guide dogs and in some cases
for finding truffles.
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