Poodle
Toy Group- Toy Poodle Non Sporting Group- Standard and Miniature Poodles
Height: varies  Weight: toy 6-9 pounds, miniature 15-17 pounds, standard- 45-55 pounds  
Color: Any Solid Color

The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. He is also the only breed that comes in three size varieties. This size choice may be why the Poodle is one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration statistics. The breed originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish "Poodle clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Standard variety is the oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses. He was registered with the AKC in 1887. General Appearance The sizes of the official AKC recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by the weight. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Standard Poodles which are 15 inches or less cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Standard Poodle. These dogs are known for their abundant, tight curls, with a coat that is profuse and harsh in texture. The coloring of the Poodle can vary and includes brown, red, silver, cream, black, white, and apricot. They have long, tapering muzzles, and a wise, thoughtful expression. The ears are long and hang to the side of the face. Temperament The Poodle is a popular family pet with an impressive top ten ranking in the AKC popularity lists. The Poodle is one of the most intelligent and trainable of all breeds. This is a proud looking and intelligent dog, that is very quick to learn and is easy to train. The Poodle is a dog that will suit both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. He is a good natured, sociable dog, and although lively and energetic is also calm when indoors. The Poodle enjoys interaction and companionship from his owners, and is not suited to those with little time to dedicate to their pets. They are eager to please their owners, and make excellent family pets. The Poodle does have a fair amount of energy and does need regular exercise, so this is not the right choice for a couch potato - mental and physical stimulation are important to this intelligent breed. The Poodle is loyal and protective of his loved ones, and makes a relatively effective watchdog. He gets along well with children, but his size means that he is best suited to older children. These dogs are normally welcoming and polite with strangers, and tend to get along well with other pets. The steady temperament coupled with his sociability makes him ideal for active families who will welcome him as a member of the family. Grooming Pet Poodles can simply be clipped every 6 weeks or so. He will need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis. His ears should be checked for cleanliness and dryness regularly in order to reduce the chances of infection. His nails will need to be kept trimmed too, and every four to six weeks clipping and scissoring will be necessary. Professional grooming is a good idea for this breed if you can afford it. The good news is that the Poodle is ideal for allergy sufferers as he hardly sheds at all. Health Problems and Life Expectancy The life expectancy of the Poodle is around 10-13 years for Standard Poodles, 13-16 years for Miniature Poodles and up to 16 years for Toy Poodles. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes Addison's Disease, HD, PRA, bloat, SA, epilepsy, entropion, cataracts, renal disease, and allergies. Activity Level The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions, and securely leashed walks. They greatly benefit from regular opportunities to romp and run off lead in a safe area. Poodles will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated to help curtail their tendency to excessively bark, and to keep them physically fit. Custom Search