One of the most popular dog breeds in the world is the Poodle. This easily recognizable, athletic animal is a top choice for breeders and pet owners because of a great personality and their gorgeous looks.
The Poodle has been around Europe for over four hundred years, yet there is much speculation and controversy regarding the origin of the breed. Over the years France has come to be known as the country of origin, yet the name Poodle comes from the German word "Pudel" which refers to the water skills of the dog. Other countries of potential origin include Denmark and Russia, yet the case for neither country is quite strong.
Over the years the Poodle has been used for a variety of activities, yet now it is in use more for companionship. In Germany and France a popular use of the Poodle was for retrieving waterfowl during hunts. The French also used the easy trainability of the Poodle to use them as performing dogs in circus acts. Poodles have also been used to sniff out Truffles in the woods for mushroom hunters. Poodles are also known to be good watchdogs and are even used by French customs agents in the search for illegal goods.
Poodles come in three varieties; the toy, the miniature, and the standard. The toy and miniature are smaller, ten to fifteen inches and less than ten inches respectively, versions of the standard Poodle which is fifteen inches or taller and 45 - 65 pounds.
The coat of a Poodle is extremely dense and curly or corded, and sheds little if any. The common colorings include black, silver, white, gray, cream, blue, brown, caf-au-lait, and red. The coat requires a large amount of grooming with a professional trimming recommended about every seven weeks. The accepted grooming styles for the breed include the pet clip, the continental, and the English saddle; though you can opt for a different style if you are not planning on showing your pet. A daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting in the coat since it tends to bunch up easily.
Poodles are known for their intelligence, loyalty and playfulness. The breed thrives on human companionship and is extremely devoted to their family to the point of becoming sensitive to their moods and emotion. This can also be a fault as the dog is prone to bouts of separation anxiety when left for a minimal amount of time. Their intelligence and athletic ability make them one of the easier dog breeds to train. The sensitivity of the animal does not respond well to harsh tones though, so training should be done with a light hand.
Unlike most purebreds, the Poodle is not prone to very many ailments. Ear infections, digestive issues, skin conditions, and runny nose are common; but with proper care a Poodle is a very healthy pet. Daily walks play a vital role in the proper care as dogs not walked tend to display more of a tendency for behavior problems. Poodles also enjoy the opportunity to play in fenced in area, but can do well in an apartment as long as they are provided adequate exercise.
