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Poodle
Breed:
Poodle belongs to the non-sporting breed group; it is a gun-dog noted for its ability in water and bird hunting skills.
This ancient breed appears in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy; Standard being the oldest.
The Poodle was originally bred to be a water dog that retrieved game fowl, but this versatile breed was able to master many tasks and earned the reputation as a fine companion.
Poodles can be hard-working, and are used by the French Customs in contraband searches.
Origin:
Country/Region of Origin: uncertain; likely Germany or Russia
This dog appeared so early that its land of origin is still controversial.
It is said that the Poodle originated in Germany, where it is known as the Pudel. The breed most likely originated in either Germany or Russia, but it may also have come from the Iberian Peninsula. The Poodle breed is related to the Portuguese Water Dog and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Personality:
- The Poodle is an agile, athletic, elegant and dignified breed. It is considered one of the brightest and most attentive of all breeds, so intuitive, and such a skilled reader of body language and expression that often appears telepathic.
- Excels at obedience and agility competition .Is usually polite with strangers and sociable with other
- Lively and playful, they are easily trainable.
- Poodles have a tremendous sense of humor and a true love for life. They need companionship with people and dislike being alone. They are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children.
- Some turn out to be good guard dogs and some can even be trained as hunters.
Home adjustment:
- The Poodle is loyal and deeply devoted to its owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely sensitive to their family's moods and emotions. The Poodle may become overly attached to one particular family member and suffer from separation anxiety.
- The Standard and Miniature varieties are typically more sociable than the Toy variety, which has a tendency to be neurotic.
- The Poodle is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog.
- Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are adequately exercised.
- Poodles need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds, or else they tend to become shy or suspicious leading to defensive biting.
- Poodles are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up with stomach upsets and neurotic behaviours, if the people in their home are having family problems.
- Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs that need a peaceful, harmonious home.
Care:
- Require extensive grooming - to keep their curly coat short and free of tangles, Poodles require regular brushing and trimming every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo.
- It is necessary that the Poodle's teeth/ears are checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
- Health problems include hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, diabetes and epilepsy.
- Easily trained and eager to please, the Poodle requires early socialization and obedience training. Because of their sensitive nature, they do not like heavy-handed methods, but fairness, respect, patience, and consistency. They excel at learning tricks, including agility, retrieving, and competitive obedience.