 | |
provided by:
For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license. Welcome to the world of Poodles! This article helps you decide whether the Poodle is the breed for you. If it is, I’ll help you find that perfect Poodle and give you information on training, health, and more. No matter what type of Poodle you choose, and no matter what kind of activities you want to share with your pet, when you buy a Poodle, you add a new member to your family. Your new companion will be with you for years and will always give you his best; you should be prepared to give him your best as well.
Understanding the Poodle BreedThe following sections give you background information on Poodles and on the different varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Strolling through a brief historyMany people look at Poodles and think “froufrou.” It must be the
hairdo, I guess, and the fact that sometimes the hairdo includes bows. A Poodle may even wear nail polish, which does make it hard for him to look “macho.” Or maybe the Poodle get its feminine label because people used to, or still, refer to Poodles as French Poodles, with the connotation that a French dog is dainty and above everyday doggy pursuits such as chasing a ball or chewing a stick. In reality, the Poodle was bred as a working farm dog — ready, willing, and able to kill rats, herd livestock, and retrieve fallen game. Although the exact origin of the breed is unknown, the Poodle likely originated in Germany, not France. Early breeders designed the froufrou hairdo as a way to lighten the weight of a waterlogged coat while providing warmth and protection for vital organs and joints. Can you say the same for your designer cut? And as for the bows? Well, maybe they’re used to attract affection.
Reviewing sizes and personality traitsWhen researching a Poodle to add to your family, one of the most important decisions you make is whether to go small, medium, or large (sorry, no supersizing). The following list breaks down the three Poodle varieties:
A Standard Poodle, according to the breed standard measures over 15 inches tall at the withers (the highest part of the back, between the shoulder blades). Most Standards are between 23 to 25 inches, and you may see some that are 27 to 28 inches. Females weigh between 40 and 45 pounds, and males weigh between 50 and 55.
Miniature Poodles stand between 10 and 15 inches at the withers and weigh between 12 and 15 pounds.
Toy Poodles measure less than 10 inches at the withers and weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. As dogs go, a Poodle has a relatively long life span, living anywhere from 14 to 18 years. Standards usually come in at the lower end, and Toys commonly have the longest lives. All Poodles should be lively, friendly dogs who get along well with other dogs and with people, and every dog has his own unique personality. The following list presents the different personality traits that the different varieties may exhibit. Remember that you’re dealing with a living creature, so there are no hard and fast rules:
Standard Poodles are a bit more reserved and self-contained than Minis and Toys, and they appreciate having jobs to do. Yes, they enjoy work! They also may be a bit calmer. I’m not saying that Standards are mellow and laid-back; they have tons of energy and enough bounce for any family.
A Miniature Poodle wants to be active all the time, whether that activity involves playing with a ball, taking a walk, chasing a Frisbee, or going for a swim. Because Minis are small but still sturdier than Toys, they often are an excellent choice for families that have children but aren’t able to meet the space and exercise needs of a Standard.
A Toy Poodle is happy to cuddle, though he’s active when he needs to be. Many professional breeders and handlers consider the Toy to be a natural in the show ring, with personality plus to charm judges. All Poodles, no matter the size or type, have a sense of humor. They like to have fun, and they want to make you laugh!
Considering breed standards
A breed standard is the “blueprint” for a given breed. It describes what makes the Poodle a Poodle and not, say, a Basset Hound. Conscientious breeders follow the standard and try to produce the ideal dog. For instance, the Poodle standard calls for a “square dog”; a long, low Poodle wouldn’t be used in a breeding program. The following list breaks down how two governing bodies of Poodle standards separate the varieties
The American Kennel Club (AKC) places the Standard and Miniature Poodles in the non-sporting group and the Toy in the toy group.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) puts the Standard Poodle in the gun dog group and the Miniature and Toy in the companion dog group.
Is A Poodle the Best Dog for You?
So, you’ve read and heard some information about Poodles, and you’re wondering whether a Poodle is the right dog for you. Before you run to a breeder or a shelter and stock up on pretty bows, you should ask yourself a few questions:
Will a Poodle fit in with your lifestyle? Poodles like people and require quality time with their owners.
Do you have room in your home for a Poodle? A Poodle needs an adequate amount of room to be comfortable.
Can a Poodle handle living with your children or other pets? You need to take care when introducing a Poodle to kids and other animals. You also need to consider the costs of Poodle ownership. Not only do you need to factor in financial costs — such as the price of buying a Poodle, healthcare costs, and grooming fees — but also time issues. Do you have enough time to train, groom, feed, and exercise your Poodle?
Selecting the Perfect Poodle for You
Have you done your research to determine whether a Poodle is the right dog for you? Are you ready to go out and get your Poodle? Have you scoured the Internet for cute doggie merchandise? Not so fast! First, you should pick out the traits you would like:
Puppy or adult?
Toy, Miniature, or Standard?
Male or female?
Which color?
You can go to a breeder to buy a Poodle, or you can check out shelters and rescue groups in your area. However, you should stay away from pet shops. Among other pitfalls, you don’t get to see the mother’s temperament, you don’t receive a health guarantee, and the price is sky high. Registering your dog with a reputable organization, such as the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club, gives you proof that your dog is a purebred Poodle. This proof is important if you plan to breed your Poodle. Even if you have no plans for breeding, your Poodle will need to be registered if you want to show in conformation. If you just want a pet and have no plans for breeding or competing, then you don’t need to register your dog.
| |
provided by:
For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.