Poodles -- Choosing The Breed Of Dog That'S Right For You

When choosing a dog, it's important to choose the breed that's right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you're thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Poodle is just one breed among many from which to choose.

The Poodle is the oldest known breed of dog and dates back to possibly as early as AD 30. Where it was developed is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in Germany as a retriever of water fowl. The stylish clip was designed by hunters to help this breed move more efficiently through the water, and patches of hair were left to protect the joints and vital organs from the cold. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word "pudel," which means one who plays in water. This breed of dog has been used as a circus performer in France. It achieved popularity after World War II and was considered extremely fashionable. It was the most popular breed in America by the 1960s. Today the Poodle is primarily a show dog and companion.

Poodles come in three size varieties - Standard, Miniature and Toy. The Standard is over 15 inches in height at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. The Miniature is over 10 inches but less than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Toy is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 6 to 9 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, apricot and gray but never parti-colored. Most have a dense, curly, low-shedding coat. They have no undercoat and could be considered hypoallergenic, though not completely allergen free. The coat is coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. The tails are usually docked in the US. The ears are dropped and never cropped.

Poodles are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience. They have an air of distinction and dignity and a keen sense for instinctual behavior. They are highly energetic and get bored fairly easily. These dogs are extremely people oriented, generally eager to please and affectionate. They are adaptable and easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Standard Poodles, in particular, are good with children and are fairly agile and athletic. Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. This breed of dog is one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and learns more quickly than most dogs. Poodles may tend to bark a lot if not given rules. The standard variety is a bit calmer than the smaller varieties.

The most common health problems for Poodles include Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (twisted stomach), thyroid issues, tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis (inflamed sebaceous glands of the skin), juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. A minor issue includes ear infections. The life expectancy for a Standard Poodle is 11.5 to 12 years and 14 to 14.5 years for Miniature and Toy, and some Toy Poodles may live to be 17 years or more.

Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, but Poodles need a daily walk or may display behavior problems. They enjoy a good romp in a safe open area such as a fenced-in yard. Standard Poodles require more exercise than the smaller varieties. Without the proper type and amount of exercise, they may be high strung and timid.

Grooming for this breed of dog consists of brushing on a regular basis and bathing every two to three weeks, more frequently if dirty. Clipping should begin at an early age, and they should be clipped every six weeks. The ears should be cleaned and checked frequently for wax or infection. Hairs growing inside the ear canal should be pulled out. The teeth need regular scaling.

Poodles are good dogs for apartment life and do okay without a yard. They are more sedate when indoors but love to play outdoors. They need lots of activity to stimulate their mentality.

This breed of dog comes in 3 size varieties, is one of the easiest to housebreak, is people oriented and is good for those with allergies because of the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat but requires frequent grooming and proper training to ensure good behavior. If you are willing to provide proper grooming and training, then perhaps a Poodle is the right breed of dog for you.