poodle
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elegant, brazen, and astuteThe numerous best-in-show medals from any of these dog breeds attest to the Poodle's impressiveness. The friendly family dog with a long history and a variety of skills can be found hiding behind blue ribbons, stunning hairstyles, and a regal demeanor.
Despite being purebred canines, you might find them in shelters or with rescue organizations. Don't forget to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, avoid shopping.One of the smartest dog breeds is the poodle. They should be offered duties to do because they are extremely trainable and suitable for almost any job. If they aren't kept active and challenged intellectually, bored Poodles might become destructive. However, energetic owners who can provide for their dog's requirements will find a devoted, intelligent, trainable, and affectionate family member.
For a complete list of Poodle breed characteristics and information, see below!
Information on This Breed
Rest assured: These are genuine dogs bred to perform actual work, despite the fact that modern Poodles appear to represent a life of luxury and leisure. The Poodle breed was initially bred to be a water retriever, which involves diving into the water to fetch ducks for hunters, despite the fact that it rarely appears plausible when you observe a primped-up Puppy in the show ring.
In truth, the English name pug is derived from the animal German phrase pudel, or pudelin, meaning splash inside this water. In France, mutts are referred to as caniche, which is derived from the French word chien canard, which means duck dog.
Even the intricate coat styling for which the breed is renowned formerly served a useful purpose: long hair around the joints and internal organs shielded the dog out from cold water, while cut regions decreased the load of the puppy's coat yet wouldn't catch on underwater detritus.
From large to small, the three sizes of poodles—the toy, miniature, and standard—are all recognized as belonging to the same breed. Of the three breeds, the Standard is most likely the oldest, and some continue the Poodle legacy of serving as a lake retriever.
Regardless of size, poodles are known for their high intelligence and playful yet dignified personalities. This is an "A" student when it comes to fitness, and the Poodle shines in competitive sports like obedience, jumping, and hunting tests.
The Poodle is not a snob, despite his air of royalty. These are sociable dogs who enjoy spending time with their families and are up for a solid game. They become lonely when left alone for extended periods of time.
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Your poodle may believe he is the head dog of the household if you spoil him and don't train him. The smaller types, such as Miniature and Toy Poodles, who would be more likely to be spoiled and untrained, are particularly prone to this. It will demonstrate to your dog that you are the pack leader if you teach him good manners and then ensure that he follows them.
Since poodles are intelligent and fun, obedience training is crucial to keep their minds engaged. Being engaged in thought and learning prevents boredom, which prevents poodles from engaging in destructive behavior.
The Poodle's coat requires a lot of maintenance to remain attractive and healthy. Every three to six weeks, the majority of poodle owners take their pets to a professional groomer. You can learn to do your own grooming if you do save money, but it requires work.
Poodles have teary eyes that can discolor the hair nearby. Use a washcloth bathed in warm water or an alcohol-free animal wipe to gently clean the face each day to prevent stains.
Never purchase a puppy from a negligent breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet shop if you want a healthy dog. Find a trustworthy breeder who tests her breeding dogs for hereditary problems that they could pass on to the puppies.
History
One of the earliest breeds created specifically for waterfowl hunting is the poodle. The majority of historians concur that although the greyhound originated in Europe, France is where he grew into his own unique breed.
Numerous European water dogs, particularly Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and other Russian water dogs, are thought to have been crossed to create the breed. Other historians believe that the North African Regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, which were again brought to the Iberian Peninsula, are one of the ancestors of the Poodle. The breed then traveled to Gaul, where its hunting prowess was put to use.
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Poodles are also sometimes thought to have originated as Asian herding dogs that migrated with the European Goth and Ostrogoth people before becoming a type of German water dog. Another hypothesis holds that the Poodle originated from canines that were carried from the Asian grasslands by the invading Berbers of North Africa and later made their way to Portugal with the Moors in the eighth century.
This breed is extremely old, regardless of its ancestry. Inscriptions on Egyptian and Roman objects and tombs from the early twentieth century B.C. depict dogs that resemble Poodles. Drawings and statues show dogs resembling modern Poodles herding livestock, carrying game nets, and hunting game in marshes.
Although some claim that the Micromachine and Toy Poodles appeared soon after the Standard Poodle, many others think that breeders didn't start creating smaller Poodles until the 1400s, first the Miniature and then the Toy, to please the Parisian bourgeoisie. Instead of breeding spaniels to smaller breeds, toy and miniature variations were created through crossbreeding between small poodles.
The larger Standard Poodle was used by the French to hunt ducks, and the medium-sized Miniature Poodle was used to find truffles in the forests. On the other hand, the little toy poodle's primary function was to accompany the royalty and wealthy merchant elite. Rich Renaissance owners frequently carried their toy poodles in their broad shirtsleeves, giving rise to the moniker.
Gypsies and itinerant entertainers discovered that poodles were excellent circus dogs. Poodles were trained to perform tricks, and to enhance their theatrical attractiveness, costumes and imaginative coat sculptures were created for them. Rich customers began cutting, cleaning, and then even dying their poodle partners after noticing this.
The first Poodle was registered with the English Kennel Club in 1874, and the first Poodle enthusiast club appeared two years later. Although the exact date of the Poodle's introduction to the United States is unknown, the American Breed Standards registered the first Poodle in 1886. In 1896, the Poodle Club in America was established, but it was soon dissolved. In 1931, poodle lovers restarted the club.
Before World War II, poodles were very uncommon in the United States. By the 1950s, however, the poodle had surpassed all other breeds as the most popular in the country, a position he would hold for nearly 20 years.
Size
There are three sizes of poodles: toy, miniature, and full. These dogs are not different breeds, but rather variations of the same dog. The toy poodle weighs between six and nine kilograms and can grow as tall as 10 meters. The Miniature Poodle stands 5 to 15 inches tall and weighs 18 to 30 pounds. The Standard Poodle weighs 45 to four pounds for males as well as 30–45 pounds for females, and is at least 15 inches tall (typically 22 inches).
Charisma
Poodle aficionados frequently use the adjectives "intelligent," "loving," "loyal," and "mischievous" to describe the temperament of the breed. The Poodle is also renowned for having what his admirers refer to as "an air of distinction"—a dignified demeanor that is challenging to describe but obvious in the dog.
The Poodle, despite his regal demeanor, has a playful side and loves to play; he's always down for any kind of game. He enjoys being around people and wants to win them over. You have a dog who is quite trainable when you combine that with his renown for intellect.
A well-behaved Poodle with proper dog manners is calm, especially if he exercises frequently to burn off his geothermal sources. Some proprietors and breeders believe that the Toy and Micro Poodles are a little bit more sensitive than the Standard Poodles, but other owners and breeders do not share this belief.
The Poodle is a guard dog who will bark to alert you if someone approaches your home since he is possessive of his family and home. He may take some time to warm up to new people, despite the fact that he is affectionate with his family.
The intellect of the Poodle is a remarkable quality. He is frequently credited as possessing human-like intelligence and incredible cunning, which astounds his owners. Of course, having a smart dog can be a challenge. They pick up information quickly, both good and bad behaviors, and they retain it all.
Medicine
Although poodles are typically healthy, they are susceptible to some health issues like all breeds. Even though not all poodles will contract any or all of these illnesses, it's still vital to be aware of them unless you're thinking about getting one.
If you are purchasing a puppy, find a reputable breeder who will provide you with the veterinary clearances for both of your puppy's parents. A health certification attests to a dog's having undergone testing and being declared free of a specific ailment. Expect to see health certificates for Poodles from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease, as well as for thrombopathia from Auburn University and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
Addison's disease, sometimes referred to as hypoadrenocorticism, is a very dangerous disorder brought on by the adrenal gland's insufficient production of the adrenal hormones. Most animals with Addison's illness vomit, are lethargic, and have a low appetite. It is simple to miss this condition as a diagnosis until it reaches more significant levels because its symptoms are ambiguous and can be confused with other conditions. When a dog is under stress or when calcium levels rise to the point where they compromise heart function and lead to severe shock and death, more severe symptoms appear. Your veterinarian may do a number of tests to make a diagnosis if Addison's is suspected.
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Gastric dilatation-volvulus, often known as bloat, is a potentially fatal illness that affects large, dark dogs like poodles, particularly if they are served one large meal per day, eat quickly, drink a lot of water thereafter, and engage in strenuous activity right afterward. Bloat happens when the stomach twists after becoming inflated with gas or air. The regular flow of blood to the heart is hampered because the dog is unable to roar or vomit to get rid of the extra air in its stomach. The dog has a dip in blood pressure and shock. The dog could die if not given timely medical care. If your dog has an enlarged abdomen, increased salivation, and retching without vomiting, you should suspect bloat. He could also be agitated, despondent, and lazy.
Hyperadrenocorticism, often known as Cushing's disease, is a condition that develops when the body makes too much cortisol. It could be brought on by an adrenal or pituitary imbalance, or it might happen when a dog has too much testosterone as a result of other health issues. Heavy drinking and urination are typical symptoms. Take your poodle to the vet if it displays one of these two signs. There are medical and surgical options for treating this condition.
Idiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent cause of epilepsy in all kinds of poodles. It frequently runs in families and can result in mild or severe spasms. Unusual behavior, such as frenzied running as if being pursued, stumbling, or hiding, can be a sign of seizures. While watching a seizure can be terrifying, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have a fairly excellent long-term outlook. It's crucial to keep in mind that seizures can be brought on by a variety of other conditions besides idiopathic epilepsy, including metabolic problems, brain-affecting infectious diseases, tumors, exposure to poison, serious head injuries, and more. As a result, it's crucial to take your poodle to the doctor right away for an examination if he experiences seizures.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the ball of the hip bone (femur) can partially slip out of the hip socket due to an ill-formed hip socket or ligaments that are too lax. Environmental variables can occasionally have a significant impact on the development of canine hip dysplasia, which is inherited. Decay of the joint over time can result in arthritis, discomfort, and even lameness. The development of canine hip fractures can be attributed to excess body weight, excessive or extended exercise before maturity, rapid growth, and high-calorie or enriched diets. Veterinary treatment includes nutritional supplements, medications, and even surgery.
Hypothyroidism is caused by a thyroid gland that is not functioning properly. Epilepsy, hair loss, gluttony, lethargy, browning, pyoderma, and other skin disorders are thought to be caused by it.
Legg-Perthes disease is an additional condition that affects the hip joint. This disease is prevalent in several toy breeds. The blood flow to the head of the femur, which is the major rear leg bone, decreases when your Poodle has Legg-Perthes, and the head of the femur that attaches to the pelvis starts to deteriorate. The initial symptoms of Legg-Perthes, including limping and muscular atrophy in the leg, typically appear in puppies between the ages of 4 and 6 months. The issue can be treated surgically by removing the diseased femur from the body so that it is no longer connected to the pelvis. The surgical scar tissue develops a fake joint, and the puppy is typically pain-free as a result.
It is possible for the femur, or kneecap, to luxate. Luxation is the medical term for the dislocation of anatomical parts (as a bone at a joint). The painful condition known as patellar luxation causes the knee joint, usually in the back leg, to shift in and out of alignment. Although it can be incapacitating, many dogs with just this condition lead very normal lives.
Progressive Macular Atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye conditions that cause the retina to progressively deteriorate. Affected canines develop night blindness early in the illness. They begin to lose their vision during the day as the illness worsens. Many affected dogs adjust to their loss of vision or reduced vision very well, as much as the environment doesn't change.
Occipital Cortex Hypoplasia: This condition refers to the optic nerve's congenital failure to mature. In the damaged eye, it results in aberrant pupil response and blindness.
The condition known as sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a major issue in poodles, particularly standards. Affected or carriers account for 50% of all standard poodles, according to estimates. Due to its difficulty in diagnosis, hypothyroidism, allergies, and other diseases are frequently misdiagnosed as this hereditary condition. The apocrine glands in the dog's skin become irritated for unexplained reasons when they have SA, and they eventually die. Sebum, a fatty fluid that helps prevent skin dryness, is normally produced by these glands. When the dog is between 1 and 5 years old, that is typically when it is first seen. Dogs with the condition often have dry, scaly skin and hair loss on their backs, necks, and tops of their heads. Dogs with severe diseases may have secondary skin infections, thicker skin, and an unpleasant odor.
Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited blood condition that prevents the blood from clotting. Excessive bleeding following an injury or surgery is the most prominent sign. Other signs include heavy bleeding, bleeding gums, and stomach or intestine bleeding. There is presently no cure, and the sole treatment is a blood transfusion using blood from healthy dogs. New treatments, including medication, are the subject of ongoing research. With von Willebrand's disease, the majority of dogs can live normal lives. A vet can examine your dog and check for the ailment. This condition should prevent breeding in dogs.
Care
Poodles adapt well to any kind of residence, from condos to mansions, as long as they have exercise regularly and lots of human company. In particular, the smaller Toy and Midget Poodles, which have no issue letting their bruv out in the house and like to live indoors with the family.
It's easy to mistakenly teach your Poodle negative behaviors as it is to teach him good ones, so if you're new to dogs, enroll in an obedience class with an experienced trainer. This clever breed picks things up quickly. That also applies to toy and miniature poodles. Many small dog owners neglect training, which results in a poorly behaved dog.
feeling
Standard recommendations call for 1.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals; for toys: 1/4 to 1/2 cup; for miniatures: 3/4 to 1 cup.
Note: Your adult dog's appetite is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of exercise. Like people, each dog is unique, so they don't all require the same amount of food. A very active dog will require more than a fat, lazy dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake it into the bowl.
The poodle will gain weight, just like any breed, if he is overfed, which can lead to joint issues and other health issues. Keep him moving, limit treats, and feed him between meals rather than always having food available. Even while many owners of Miniature or Toy Poodles, in particular, feed their pets leftovers, you'll train your dog to be picky. Even though dog food is better for him, he will reject it.
Instead of having food available all the time, keep your poodle in good form by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day. Give him the hands-on and eye tests if you're not sure if he's obese. Look down at him first. You ought to be able to observe
Coat Design and Maintenance
Poodles don't shed, making them an ideal breed for allergy sufferers. A poodle can often be kept by allergic people without causing any problems.
Numerous hues, notably blue, black, white, grayish, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream, are available for the coat. The hair is dense, wiry, and curly, and because of its special structure, it may be styled into a wide variety of imaginative forms by trimming, clipping, grooming, shaving, and other methods. However, you shouldn't go overboard with the styling if your dog is planning to compete in the show ring. The American Kennel Club only permits four specific clip styles for poodles in architectural events.
Poodle grooming is not for the weak of heart. Poodles require a lot of upkeep. Every three to six weeks, or even more frequently in some cases, he needs to be groomed to maintain the health of his coat. Think about the cost of grooming and coat maintenance if you're thinking about getting a poodle.
But don't be alarmed. The coat can be worn in a variety of ways for simpler maintenance. In actuality, lots of owners just shave it off.
However, simple maintenance does not imply neglect. To keep the coat clean, short, and tangle-free, your Poodle will need to be brushed, bathed, and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more frequently.
However, if you're committed and have the time, you can learn to groom your poodle yourself. Most owners pay a professional groomer. To properly groom your Poodle, you'll need a nice set of electric clippers and blades, a good pair of scissors, a brush, a comb, a toenail trimmer, and a good how-to grooming book or DVD. There are many specifically for Poodle owners on the market.
Your poodle still requires daily brushing, even if you delegate the complicated tasks to a professional. Poodles don't shed as much as other breeds do, so loose hair builds up in their coats. If this hair isn't brushed out every day, it will mat extremely rapidly.
The hair under the eyelids of many poodles is stained by their weepy eyes. The tearstains are more obvious on dogs with lighter coats. Wipe the area around your eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or a washcloth moistened with warm water to prevent stains.
Check your Poodle's ears frequently each week for debris, redness, or an unpleasant odor that could be an infection. Then, to avoid issues, wipe them clean once a week with a cotton ball moistened with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner. Because the ear canal remains dark and wet, dogs with drop-down ears are more likely to develop ear infections. In addition, the poodle's ear canal sprouts hair. This hair needs to be pulled out occasionally. If it's not, ask your doctor or groomer.
For the sake of removing tartar development and the bacteria that hide within it, brush your puppy's teeth at least twice or three times every week. Even better than twice-daily brushing is the prevention of foul breath and gum disease.
If your dog does not really naturally wear down his nails, you should trim them once or twice a month. They are too lengthy if you could somehow hear them clicking on the floor. The feet are kept in good condition by having short, beautifully trimmed nails, which also protect your legs from being scratched as your Poodle rushes up to welcome you.
Start educating your poodle to accept being combed and examined when he is still a young puppy. When it comes to their feet, dogs are delicate, so handle them occasionally and check their lips. You can establish the groundwork for straightforward veterinary examinations and other handling simply because he is an adult by making grooming a pleasurable experience that is filled with praise and rewards.
When you are grooming your pet, check their feet, nose, throat, eyes, and skin for rashes, rashes, or infection-related signs such as redness, stiffness, or inflammation. The optimal eye condition is one with no redness or discharge. Your thorough weekly exam allows you to spot any health risks early on.
Kids and other animals
The Toy Poodle, the tiniest and most delicate variation of the breed, is especially vulnerable to injury from young children who are not trained to handle dogs.
In order to prevent biting or ear or tail tugging on either party, you should always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs. You should also carefully supervise any encounters between young children and dogs. Teach your youngster to never try to steal a dog's food or approach a dog when he or she is eating or resting. Regardless of how nice they are, dogs and children should never be left unattended.
Poodles will appreciate the companionship of other dogs or pets if they have the opportunity to engage with them frequently in group training sessions, dog parks, and the like. If your Poodle is used to being the only pet in the house, he may need some time and special training to help him accept a newcomer.