Poodle is one of the most popular breeds of dogs on the planet. And rightfully so. These canines have been dubbed “girly” or “sissy” dogs over the years. They, on the other hand, have a lot to offer and are much more than that.
Poodles are bright dogs who also like playing. While they wait to be fed, they will play fetch with you. Poodles are also adept at picking up on human tricks. They excel in obedience events and other canine sports that require concentration and intelligence.
There are several crucial aspects to consider when thinking about adding a new dog to your family. You should consider your family’s lifestyle as well as the type of medical care your dog may require as it grows older. Certain breeds may not be able to live comfortably in an apartment and will demand a backyard.
Poodle breed types
Poodles are a little dog breed that originated in Germany. In the United States, they are the fourth most popular breed. They were bred as water retrievers and hunting companions in Germany.
They are divided into three sizes: small, medium, and standard. Males in the small category will grow to be between 16 and 20 pounds as adults, while females in the same category will grow to be between 18 and 22 pounds. Males in the medium category will grow to be 22-28 pounds as adults, while females in the same category will grow to be 26-35 pounds. Males in the typical category will grow to be 28-40 pounds as adults, while females in the same category will grow to be 32-45 pounds.
Poodles need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
Poodles, especially standard poodles, require a lot of practice to keep them occupied during the day. To be healthy, these dogs demand a spacious backyard in which to run around and play. They require mental stimulation as well. Without physical and mental exercise, they may become bored and uninterested. When this happens, they may act out in your home by barking, chewing destructively, and becoming hyperactive. If you don’t have much space in your home or yard, we recommend getting a miniature poodle or toy.
A poodle, regardless of size, need enough exercise and opportunity to engage in activities. They enjoy a variety of activities, but they particularly enjoy swimming, hiking, and running with their family. This is a fantastic approach for your youngster to develop a relationship with your dog. Take a walk with the whole family and let the older kids hold the leash. This is also an excellent method to begin involving your youngster in the care of your new family member.
Training
Poodle training is one of the most crucial components of dog training for all breeds. Because they are exceptionally intelligent and react best to positive reinforcement training methods, training them differs from training any other type or breed of dog.
Poodles are one of the easiest breeds to teach and one of the most clever, preferring activities such as agility training and tracking. This puppy is great for teaching some entertaining tricks that are usually a hit with children because it is so eager to please. It’s critical to keep training ongoing, and correct socialization is crucial, as it is with most dogs.
Personality
Poodles are devoted companions who enjoy being around other dogs and animals. They are happy-go-lucky creatures who enjoy life to the fullest.
A poodle’s personality is as variable as its outward look, yet these canines all have good manners and are sociable. Coax your puppy into obedience training when you first obtain them to make them an eager friend! Because your puppy will be eager to please you from the time they meet you after obedience school, they will quickly realize that their new owner is their best buddy!
Smaller dogs can be hostile toward individuals who are not members of their family or toward other dogs. Early socialization with other people and pets, as well as a firm hand in training, are essential. They are capable of defending their families and homes.
Poodles might be stubborn at times, but they enjoy being rewarded with food or toys for their successes.
Regular grooming is required for poodles.
Brushing is required for standard poodles on a regular basis. Every four to six weeks, you should clip them back. You don’t have to crop them to make them look like standard poodles, though. You may also brush their coat to make them look like a regular dog with no ruffles and a short coat.
While it’s excellent that the poodle doesn’t shed as much, his coat has a lot of hair that must be brushed every day unless you wish to keep it short.
Some dogs require brushing on a daily or weekly basis, which is a waste of time that you may not have. Grooming and coat care, on the other hand, are essential and should never be disregarded.
Poodles have thick or wavy coats that curl and extend like human hair and are hypoallergenic. They require adequate grooming and grooming to avoid undercoats, which is a typical problem among pups that are not properly maintained. Thankfully, shortening the coat can help cut down on grooming time.
Health & Longevity
Unfortunately, dogs have a short lifetime and health issues, particularly if they are huge breeds with a history of major health issues. Losing a pet can be incredibly distressing for youngsters, so keep this in mind when adopting a dog. Another crucial consideration is health, as some dog health issues can be costly to address.
Poodles are resilient and have a long lifespan, with toy poodles having the longest lifespan. The longevity of all three Poodle sizes is approximately 12 to 15 years, which is significantly longer than that of the normal dog. On the other hand, you’ll be responsible for a dog for the next 12 years or more.
The following are the most common health issues to be aware of:
Progressive retinal atrophy (cataract)
Skin condition: weep
Allergy
Infections of the ears
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint.
The bulge of Von Willebrand disease
Gray in the early stages
The truth is that almost every dog breed has health issues. Poodles are no exception. They aren’t any more prone to issues than any other breed. Many frequent health issues can be avoided by examining your dog’s genetic lines before purchasing a puppy.
Children and poodles
While poodles and children get along swimmingly, you should always be ready before adopting a new dog into your home. Ascertain that your child is aware of the expectations for caring for your new puppy, and that everyone is there and understands about to appropriately connect with and handle an animal. Naturally, you can do the same for your new dog to ensure that everyone is respectful of one another.
Allow your youngster to assist you in caring for your new puppy, whether it’s grooming, feeding, or walking the puppy. Always keep an eye on young children while they’re around a dog, and stick to your rules and timetable to keep things running smoothly.
As previously said, a dog’s capacity to be safe and tolerant with youngsters is of paramount importance. Dogs are still animals, and if they are pushed past their limits, they will retaliate, endangering both your kid and your pet.
Poodles are generally friendly and safe around children, although toy poodles are more prone to bite them if they are pushed around too much. They are the finest choice for families with young children because they are gentle and safe around them.
Are Poodles Smart?
They most definitely are! Poodles, as we mentioned in a previous piece, are one of the most intellectual dog breeds. They may not be as intelligent as your Golden Retriever, but their strong energy and aptitude to learn new things rapidly make up for it. Sure, some of us may think a poodle’s IQ to be higher than we’d want to admit.
