Poodle
Origin: Poodles are said to be first bred in Germany in the 1500s but developed into their distinct breed in France in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is believed that Poodle’s early ancestors came from Central Asia. Poodle’s word is derived from the German word ‘Pudel,’ meaning ‘to splash in the water.’ Poodles were bred to hunt waterfowl. It was used for several purposes like duck hunting, guiding fishers, and later performing dog shows and circuses.
Size: A Poodle comes in three sizes; the smaller one is the toy Poodle with a shoulder height of about 10 inches and weighs 6-9 pounds. Then comes the miniature Poodle with a shoulder height of 11-15 inches and weighs around 15-17 pounds. Standard Poodle has a shoulder height of 15-22 inches and weighs about 45-65 pounds.
Coat: The posh-looking breed of dog has a soft and curly coat. They have a single coat of hair that is wiry and dense. Poodles come in various colors such as white, black, grey, brown, and apricot, red, cream, and silver. They have coats similar to that of a sheep’s wool. Poodles do not shed, which makes them a perfect choice for a person with allergies.
Temperament: Smart, loyal, intelligent, and clever are some adjectives that can be used to describe this breed of dog. A poodle is a fun-loving dog that gets along well with kids and always eager to please. This breed has separation anxiety as they love to be around people and get pampered all the time. They can be destructive sometimes if not appropriately trained. They are very protected and loving towards their family but may take some time to get along with the strangers. Poodles do not bark without reason, and since they are easy to train, they can be trained about when to bark. Standard Poodles can make good watchdogs.
Care: Poodle’s energy requirements are high, so they need plenty of exercises to keep them healthy. As long as their energy requirements are fulfilled and they are around people, they remain happy. Leaving them alone or avoiding daily exercise and playtime can lead to their destructive behavior. They are quick learners and remember everything, so training from an early age. Poodles are athletic and super active, so they are always up for any game. Poodle’s grooming requirements are high to keep their coat in a neat condition. Make sure to clean their ears, eyes, and nails regularly to maintain cleanliness in your pet.
Health: The most common health concerns a Poodle can be affected are cataracts, Hip Dysplasia, Ear infections, Skin infection, Allergies, and Bloating. Some of the major issues include Addison’s disease, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
On average, A Poodle lives up to 12-15 years. Many of these can be avoided and treated. Make sure to get your pet tested for all the diseases that are inherited genetically
