Most people tend to look upon Poodles as being aristocratic show dogs. They appear in the ring with carefully sculpted and decorative coats, and few imagine they are excellent hunting dogs. What? This prim and proper Poodle a hunting dog? But, yes, this is a hunting dog used for retrieving waterfowl from lakes, ponds, and marshes. The Poodle has a ‘soft mouth’, which means that it does not have a tendency to bite. This is useful for bringing back game birds in good condition.
Poodles are a very old breed and started to be recognizable as such way back in the Middle Ages. Since the Germans call the dog breed ‘Pudel’, it’s a pretty good guess that this is where the dog originated. From the start, Poodles have always been active, intelligent dogs that bond closely with their owners. While Poodles are excellent with children, they can be somewhat reserved at times with other dogs, which means it would be a good idea to socialize them to dogs and other pets while they are young.
Which Size Poodle for You?
To begin with, all Poodles were what is now called standard size. Now, however, there can be up to seven different sizes, but for this article, we will stick with the three most commonly recognized. The variation in size seems to be the result of people who lived in cities or suburban areas wanting a Poodle, but not a large one. Those carefully groomed and shaped coats were just too appealing, and had to be available to a wider audience. All Poodle sizes make good companions due to their friendly nature.
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The Standard Poodle is the largest, and is the breed from which the others were bred. A Standard Poodle can generally weigh about fifty pounds, although there can be variations due to sex. These Poodles can be up to 24” at the shoulder. This is the size Poodle that was used as a retriever dog, and probably still is by some people. They are very intelligent and train easily, in part because they like people and want to please their owners.
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A few notches down in size is the Miniature Poodle. This fellow is exclusively a companion dog. These Poodles are usually around 12” to 14” high, and weigh under 20 pounds. Like his big brother, the Miniature Poodle has a lively and winning personality. These dogs will enjoy getting exercise every day, and love playing with their owners.
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For those living in an apartment who want a dog, the Toy Poodle can be the perfect choice. These little guys are often only 8” to 9” at the shoulder and generally weigh under 10 pounds. Like the Standard and Miniature Poodles, the Toys are lively and smart dogs and enjoy training as long as it’s kept positive.
It’s nice to know that there is, in effect, a Poodle for just about any situation and household. Just always keep in mind, that regardless of size, Poodles all need exercise and mental stimulation. They are good at learning obedience and even agility; their quick reflexes and intelligence means they can be very good at these. At the heart, Poodles are ‘working dogs’ and giving them something to do will keep any size Poodle happy. However, when it’s time for your poodle to unwind and relax, he or she will love something to chew from Best Bully Sticks.
Caring for That Special Coat
Even if you don’t plan to show your Poodle, his or her coat is going to need quite a bit of care. And, you don’t have to be on the show circuit to want to pretty up your dog, either, it’s fun to shape and train a Poodle’s coat into various designs. The nice thing is that most Poodles don’t mind standing quietly while they are being worked on – after all, they are still getting attention. Always remember, too, that the condition of your Poodle’s coat will depend in large part on the quality of the food they eat. Make sure you choose a premium food to keep your Poodle’s health at the maximum.
Most of us are probably most familiar with the Continental Cut for Poodles, which features long, puffy hair on the chest, hips, tail tip, legs, and on the head. There are other attractive cuts like the Dutch Cut, the English Saddle Cut, and the Princess Cut. These are the kind of hair sculpture you will see sported by Poodles at dog shows. I suspect that most Poodle owners will opt for cuts that are easier to take care of like the Puppy Cut or the Summer or Winter Cut. However, regardless of the cut you choose for your Poodle, the dog will have to be brushed and groomed every day to prevent mats and tangles.
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The long, curly hair of Poodles means that their coat will be subject to tangling. One of best ways to avoid this unsightly, and uncomfortable tangles is to use a comb like the Li’l Pals Double-Sided Dog Comb. This comb would also be useful when preparing your dog for a show, as well as daily grooming.
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Because Poodles have such dense and abundant hair, you will need a slicker brush to help remove excess hair before it can form mats and tangles. Slicker brushes are good at this job, and daily use of this brush will keep your dog looking good.
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A reliable clipper is an absolute necessity whether your Poodle is a pet and/or a show dog. You can help get your dog ready by using the Show Tech Laguna 2-Speed Cordless Clipper. This clipper is especially useful because the two speeds allow you to work on both small and large areas. The lower speed is great for around the feet and face, while the higher speed takes care of more expansive areas easily.
Has your Poodle gotten a little dirty, maybe from an unauthorized romp outside? No problem, there are plenty of excellent dog shampoos that can help remove dirty and oil and leave your pal’s coat clean and sweet smelling. For freshening up your poodle between water baths, try Lil Luv Dog Dry Shampoo. These are natural shampoos can are easy to use and help keep your dog smelling sweet.
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