What is a poodle?
Most people probably know the poodle, the charming dog with fluffy curly fur. In addition to their amazing fur, they are also known for their intelligence and playful personality. They are a popular family pet and come in several different colors and sizes.
As the poodle has so many sought-after characteristics both in terms of fur and personality, this has become a very common breed to cross with other dogs. Examples of such crosses are the labradoodle and the cavapoo, both of which continue to increase immensely in popularity worldwide.
Facts – Poodles
- Origin: France
- Wither height: 24-60 cm in height at the withers
- Life span: 12-17 years
- Taken: 20,000-30,000 kroner
Origin of the poodle
The origin of the poodle is disputed. Many associate the poodle with France, where it was a popular dog several centuries ago. Others believe instead that it originates from Germany.
The poodle has been a popular dog breed in many European countries for several hundred years and is mentioned in both writing and art as early as the 15th and 16th centuries. The breed became popular among the nobility in France and Germany and there are many paintings from this time depicting poodles with their owners.
The first breed clubs for the poodle were formed in England and Germany at the end of the 19th century, but since the 20th century it is the French Kennel Club that stands for the breed standard for the poodle. It is therefore generally said that the poodle originated in France.
Original uses
The name “poodle” comes from the German word pudel or poodle, which means “to splash in water”. In French, poodle is called caniche, which means duck dog. Both counterparts thus have strong connections to water. Why then you might wonder?
The poodle was originally bred as a retrieving hunting dog in water. They were particularly well suited for this as they have large and substantial paws that are equipped with webbing. They also have a thick, greasy, water-repellent coat that is optimal for wet environments. The poodle is also very intelligent and easy to learn, which is very helpful when fetching.
As a water-retrieving hunting dog, the poodle’s task was to seek out and retrieve the shot prey, which was usually birds. It was usually the larger poodles that were used as hunting dogs, while the smaller ones were usually used as companion dogs. The larger poodles also worked as truffle dogs and circus performers.
The history behind the poodle hairstyle
The hairstyle that the poodle is most recognized for has to be the lion cut. The half-naked hairstyle with legs and tail adorned with small balls of fur combined with a very fluffy mane and fur?
The history of this famous poodle hairstyle goes back to the 18th century when they worked as hunting dogs in water. In order for them to be able to move more freely in the water, the fur was cut off from large parts of the body and tail. Around the chest and joints, however, the fur was left as protection from the cold water.
This hairstyle also became fashionable for the smaller companion poodles who were also cut in very elaborate lion hairstyles. The poodle haircut has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but it remains one of the most distinctive and recognizable styles in the canine world.
What does a poodle look like?
The poodle’s appearance is about so much more than just the characteristic curly coat. The breed has a very unique personality which is also clearly reflected in the appearance.
Poodles are by nature very proud animals, which can be seen in their posture and behavior. They give a confident impression in silhouette and posture, which has made the poodle known for being a handsome and elegant dog.
They are also very playful and often have a very happy and almost mischievous attitude.
The poodle’s different sizes
The poodle is available in four different sizes. These are called large poodles, medium poodles, dwarf poodles and toy poodles.
- Great Poodle: This is the largest size of all four. The Great Poodle is somewhere between 45-60 cm tall at the withers.
- Medium Poodle: The medium poodle is the second largest in size and is between 35-45 cm in height at the withers.
- Miniature Poodle: This is the second smallest size for poodles. The dwarf poodle measures somewhere between 28-35 cm in height at the withers.
- Toypudel: The very smallest poodle size, the toy poodle, is approximately 24-28 cm high at the withers.
The different colors of the poodle
According to the breed standard, there are five approved colors for a poodle. All of these are solid color and can be either solid black, white, brown, gray or apricot red.
There are also multi-colored poodles, but these do not count towards the breed standard and cannot win prizes in show competitions. The breed club also opposes the deliberate breeding of multicolored poodles.
To meet the breed standard, the color must be easy to determine. For example, it should not be difficult to see whether the dog is black or brown. The color must be completely even and clear in color.
What is it like to own a poodle?
The poodle is one of the most loved dog breeds in the world, which is no wonder given their loving and well-behaved qualities. Poodles are incredibly loyal and are always eager to please their owners. They are excellent dogs for families with children and tend to be very patient with children. Poodles are also good dogs for older people because they are both social and easy to care for.
The smaller poodles are very protective and can be perceived as aggressive towards strangers. They like to bark loudly and a lot at unexpected noises and people and therefore need to be trained socially at an early age to get used to both animals and people other than those already in the home.
Poodles are also highly intelligent and easy to train, meaning they can easily learn new tricks and commands. This also means that they perform very well in dog sports such as agility and obedience.
You must also not forget that the poodle is a very mischievous and funny dog that likes to offer many laughs. This is usually particularly appreciated by children who like to play and make noise with this funny and charming dog.
Something that is very characteristic of the breed is that they retain their mischievous mentality even into old age. Thus, they are young at heart and continue to enjoy life through play and merry antics even when they are old.
Poodle as a family dog
Poodles are lively and playful dogs that like to get attention and like to play fetch or other energetic games in the park. They are therefore active dogs and therefore enjoy family life very well. It likes to be involved everywhere and should ideally be involved in all the family’s activities, whether it concerns boat trips, camping trips, forest walks or play and mischief with the children.
However, this also means that they need a lot of mental stimulation and can get bored easily. They also do not like to be left alone for too long, but like to spend time with their loved ones as much as possible.
Health and diseases
The poodle is a healthy dog breed that lives a long time. Large poodles often live to be 12-13 years old and smaller dogs often live to be 15 years or older.
Large poodles must be HD X-rayed before breeding. This means they need to be checked for hip dysplasia. HD index A, B and se are approved when breeding large poodles.
Smaller poodles do not have to be HD X-rayed, however they must be DNA tested for prcd-PRA.
How to take care of your poodle
The poodle is best known for its curly coat and playful personality and this also shows in the care of this dog breed. Namely, it is the coat and the energetic side that need the most care and stimulation when it comes to taking care of your poodle in the very best way.
Fur care
The poodle has a frizzy coat with a slightly rough coat and a very strong and dense undercoat. It is therefore important to take care of the fur properly so that it does not retain its fine luster and volume and to avoid tangles.
The coat should preferably be brushed daily to remove loose hair and prevent tangling. One can also use an investigative spray to help dissolve any knots.
Since the poodle’s fur requires a lot of care in terms of brushing, combing, bathing and cutting, it is important to get the dog used to this already as a puppy. This is done by putting the puppy on a table and teaching it by being handled. Brush it a little every day, look at the claws, teeth and ears and let the dog get used to sitting still when it is being groomed.
The poodle’s coat grows relatively quickly and should in any case be cut 4-5 times a year, but if you have a show dog it needs to be cut much more often.
Motion
Poodles are active and playful dogs that love life and movement. They need more exercise than many other dogs, but do not require an unreasonable amount. A slightly longer walk a day combined with several shorter distances is enough, even if the poodle also likes to walk more and further.
If there is the opportunity to run around freely, for example in a fenced garden, this is more than appreciated. There is nothing better for a poodle than to run and play freely.
What food should I give my poodle?
There are several different feeds on the market that are specially adapted to promote the poodle’s health. Poodle food usually contains more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than other dog food, which helps promote healthy hair growth to maintain the coat’s properties and luster.
The kibbles are also designed to be the perfect size and shape for a poodle’s mouth and contain a substance that helps prevent tartar build-up. In addition, they often contain ingredients that help support the poodle’s vision and energy as they age.
Also keep in mind that there is special food for puppies and adult poodles.
Poodle in case of allergy
This is definitely one of the most common dog breeds that are usually called hypoallergenic. It is of course not completely allergy-free, but usually very often works well together with allergy sufferers.
The fur does not shed, which is a plus, but requires extensive fur care with brushing, bathing and clipping. However, if it is only a companion dog and not a show dog, the fur care will be much less demanding.
Raising a poodle puppy
Poodle puppies, just like all other puppies, require consistent and clear training. Since the breed is by nature very easy to learn, however, raising a poodle puppy can be somewhat easier and faster than other breeds.
This is of course very individual and you have to be patient and never lose your temper. This can instead have the opposite effect, making the puppy even more defiant.
How much does a poodle cost?
The poodle is a fairly expensive dog breed and you can expect a price tag somewhere in between 20,000-30,000 kroner for a pedigree poodle. The smaller poodle sizes usually cost a little more than the larger dogs.
keep in mind that be careful with your choice of breeder when to buy a puppy. Always do your research beforehand to be sure that the breeder is serious and that the breeding has been done the right way.
One tip is to look for upcoming litters of puppies on the Swedish Poodle Club’s website.
