Poodle Breed Information

Poodle

The Poodle is among the most intelligent dog breeds and is one of the few breeds that comes in a variety of sizes.

Origin
The Poodle is often considered to be the national dog of France, but is believed to have originated in Germany. The name “Poodle” is derived from the German word “Pudel,” which means “to splash in the water.” German hunters used the Poodle as a water retrieving dog and were responsible for creating the unusual clipped look of the dog’s coat. The Poodle was strategically clipped to allow the dog to move through water more efficiently while also protecting their organs and joints from the cold.

Size
The Poodle is classified into three varieties, based on height. The three varieties include the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The Standard Poodle is the original Poodle breed and the largest, weighing between 45 and 70 pounds and standing 15 or more inches tall. The Miniature Poodle weighs between 15 and 18 pounds and stands between 10 and 15 inches tall. The Toy Poodle weighs just 5 to 9 pounds and stands less than 10 inches tall.

Grooming Needs
The Poodle requires regular grooming to maintain their thick, curly coat. If the Poodle is being shown, they will need to be professionally trimmed and bathed every three to six weeks. If the Poodle is not being shown, they can go longer without grooming – every six to eight weeks is usually enough. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing, is necessary for the Poodle otherwise their hair can become matted and tangled.

The Poodle also has runny eyes that tend to stain the hair on their face. Their faces should be wiped clean daily to minimize the staining.

Character
The Poodle is smart, proud dog with plenty of affection for their families.

Temperament
The temperament of the Poodle varieties is similar, but there are some differences between them. All types of Poodles like to play, but the Standard Poodle is more energetic and adventurous while the Miniature Poodle tends to be more sensitive and the Toy Poodle slightly more rambunctious. All varieties crave attention, they love being with their owner and around people. Poodles do not like to be left alone for too long and can develop separation anxiety.

The Poodle needs to be socialized with other people and pets or they may be prone to barking at unfamiliar faces. The smaller Poodle varieties may be more aggressive toward strangers. The Poodle can get along well with children, although the Miniature and Toy varieties should be watched closely when in the company of young children simply due to their small size.

Training Needs
Although some may perceive the Poodle as a nervous and hyperactive dog, the breed is quite intelligent and can be easily trained. The Poodle enjoys learning new tricks and likes to be challenged. They typically excel at agility and obedience competitions. One of the keys to training a Poodle is consistency. The dog thrives when their routine is the same from day to day. The Poodle also needs to know that their owner is the pack leader or they will try and take over as the alpha of the home.

Activity Level  
The Poodle was originally bred to be a working dog and still requires a daily walk. The Standard Poodle generally needs more activity and loves to run and play in the water. Without regular exercise, the Poodle can become hyperactive. Despite their need for consistent activity, the Poodle is not an outdoor dog.  
 

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