Poodles are a popular breed of dog, known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. There are four types of poodle: the standard, the miniature, the medium, and the toy. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray. In this post, I have given detailed info about Poodles. Let’s start with the origin;
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Origin of Poodles;
Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany, although AKC refutes this and actually states that they originated from France. They were used as working dogs and were particularly good at hunting waterfowl. Their distinctive coat allowed them to move quickly through the water without getting wet.
AKC classifies as a companion dog and is currently the third most popular dog breed in the US.
The first Poodles were brought to the United States in the early 1800s.
The appearance of Poodles;
Poodles come in four sizes: standard, medium, miniature, and toy. They also come in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray. However, the most common color is black. Their coat is thick and curly, and their skin is very sensitive to the sun. They should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Poodles have a distinctive face, with a long muzzle and high-set ears. They are often described as looking like “elegant clowns”.
The size of poodles’ muzzle is a bit smaller than its skull.
Height Dimensions:
- Standard Poodle— 45–62 cm (18–24 in)
- Medium Poodle— 35–45 cm (14–18 in)
- Miniature poodle — 28–35 cm (11–14 in)
- Toy poodle— 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in)
Weight of Poodles
- Standard poodle— 20–32 kg (44–71 lb)
- Medium poodle— 15–19 kg (33–42 lb)
- Miniature poodle— 12–14 kg (26–31 lb)
- Toy poodle— 6.5–7.5 kg (14–17 lb)
The temperament of Poodles;
Poodles are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are easy to train and are often used as service dogs. They are also good with children and make good family pets.
However, they can be a bit high-maintenance. They require regular grooming and must be brushed at least twice a week to keep their coat from matting. They also need plenty of exercises, preferably in the form of a long walk or jog.
Poodles are generally considered to be a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Appearance of Poodles
Head: Poodle’s head is long and its muzzle is small in comparison to its skull. The skull has a moderate stop. The nose is black and the lips are tight and black.
Skull: The skull is moderate in size and width. The stop is moderate.
Ears: Poodle’s ears are V-shaped and set high on the head. They are covered with long, thick hair that hangs down over the ear canal. Poodles have long, pointed ears that stand erect. They are set high on the head and are covered with thick fur.
Eyes: Poodle’s eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The eye rims are black.
Teeth: Poodle has a complete set of white teeth that meet in a scissors bite.
Nose: The nose is black and the lips are tight and black.
Muzzle: The muzzle is long and the nose is black.
Lips: The lips are tight and black.
Neck: The neck is strong and slightly arched.
Chest: The chest is deep and moderately wide.
Ribs: The ribs are well-sprung and well-rounded.
Belly: The belly is tucked up.
Back: The back is level and the loin is broad and muscular.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are well-muscled and the stifles are well-bent.
Feet: The feet are small and compact with tight, black pads.
Tail: The tail is set high and curved upward. It is covered with long, thick hair.
Coat: Poodle’s coat is thick and curly. The curls should be tight and close-lying.
Color: Poodle comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray. However, the most common color is black.
The coat of the poodle is one of its most distinguishing features. Poodles have a thick, curly coat that hangs down over their ears. The curls should be tight and close-lying. Poodles come in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, and gray. However, the most common color is black.
Health Issues:
Poodles are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. Other faults of this breed include;
- Tail set on too low.
- Flowing or extended gait.
- Weak hindquarters.
- Light bone structure.
- Eyes may be protruding.
- Undefined color.
Below are some disqualifying faults
- It’s a shy dog breed
- Naturally short tail
- underbite or overbite
Four types of Poodles
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is the largest of the poodle varieties, reaching heights of 18-24 inches and weights of 44-71 pounds. The Standard Poodle is considered the most versatile of the three sizes, as they are good with children and make good family pets, as well as being talented in many dog sports. They are also the most common poodle found in the show ring.
Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is the smallest of the three sizes, reaching heights of 11-15 inches and weights of 6-11 pounds. They are the most common poodle found in households.
Medium Poodle
The medium poodle is the middle-sized poodle, reaching heights of 15-18 inches and weights of 30-44 pounds. They are not as common as the other two sizes, but make great family pets and are often used as service dogs.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three sizes, reaching heights of 9-12 inches and weights of 3-7 pounds. They are the least common poodle found in households, as they are not as versatile as the Standard and Miniature Poodles.
Training Poodles:
Poodles are intelligent dogs and are easy to train. However, they can be very headstrong, so it is important to start training early and be consistent. Positive reinforcement is the best method of training for poodles.
Exercise Needs:
Poodles need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They should be given a good amount of exercise each day, preferably in the form of a long walk or jog.
Feeding:
Poodles should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. They should be fed two meals per day.
Grooming:
Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. The hair around their ears and on their tails should be trimmed regularly. They should be bathed only when necessary. Check out these shampoo brands for Poodles.
Dogs similar to Poodles:
Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Corgis, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs.
Poodle Mix Breeds
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Hi there! My name is Nathan Sambu, a pet parent to two Siberian Huskies and one of the co-founders of Our Pets HQ. I am a recognized pet breeder of thick-coat dog breeds suitable and I am one of the leading dog breed experts in the US and Canada. I write in several blogs providing insights on different dog breeds. I have owned several breeds including a Pitbull who recently died in the middle of Covid lockdown(2021). I also provide part-time consulting on pet breeds for parents undecided on which breed to go for. You can reach me on nate@ourpetshq.com.