Poodles Intelligent and Adoring Companions But Need Clipping and are Demanding

     Poodles are known to melt the hearts of dog lovers. As Poodle breeders will tell you, this elegant animal is both beautiful and intelligent. They are exceptionally skilled at dog events including agility, obedience, tracking and even herding. They are extremely people-oriented dogs and are eager to please. The standard Poodle in particular tends to be good with children. They are adaptable, easy to train and love to go for walks and play. These qualities make for a great family pet. In this article, we'll discuss the different varieties available and how to care for your furry friend.

You can have a white, red, apricot, silver, brown or black Poodle, and they can appear in part-color or multi-colors. They have dense, curly, non-shedding fur that requires regular grooming. Most owners choose simple cuts and they are perhaps the most easily recognizable dogs in the world thanks to their distinct clips. In the puppy clip, the face, throat, base of the tail and feet are shaved. The coat may be shaped with scissors for neatness. Although this clip appears simpler than the other clips, the length of the hair makes it as difficult to maintain as the adult clips. In the continental clip, the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving "pompoms" around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except for pompoms on the lower leg. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today. The English saddle clip is similar to the continental. The hindquarters are not shaved except a small curved area on each flank, the feet, and bands just below the stifle and above the hock, leaving three pompoms.

According to breeding standards, Poodles have a moderate build, an elegant, balanced appearance, and should carry itself in a proud or dignified manner. This makes them extremely popular at dog shows. They are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably one of the most intelligent breeds, historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even the toy Poodle will point birds. Classified as highly-energetic, this dog group can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief.

With proper care and nutrition, many Poodle puppies live well into their teens. The most common serious health issues of the standard breed are Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus, thyroid issues, epilepsy, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. The most common issue is ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all Poodle varieties but can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible if the dog shows signs of an infection.

If you're looking for a pet that will love to play and go for walks, then breeders definitely give Poodles two paws up! No matter which kind of Poodle you choose, you'll get a beautiful and intelligent pet to enrich your life.