We are excited to highlight Poodles and talk about what we love about them, as well as reflect on how to keep them healthy. The Poodle is one of the most beautiful and intelligent dogs out there. Read on for why we love them and why they are at high risk for arthritis.
As you know, there is some stigma with having a Poodle. There are many stereotypes: they are prissy, privileged and picky. Maybe like these images...
Which may be true in some instances. For those with Poodles, they tell you the real story. Yes, they love their beauty and their intelligence. But there are other reasons there are oodles of Poodles out there. Due to limited space, we’ll pick just…
5 Reasons Poodles are the Best Breed
- Oodles of Poodle Puppies. Just look at that photo. How can you not LOVE them?
- Oh, to Have Hair Like a Poodle. Beautiful, flowing hair – not fur – that is styled and cut with precision. Is it no wonder there is hair envy for this breed? Plus, Poodle hair never stops growing. And they don’t shed, which makes them hypoallergenic and the dog of choice for people with traditional pet allergies.
- Poodles are Super Smart. Poodles are one of the smartest breeds there is. According to the AKC, the only dogs that are smarter than a Poodle is the Border Collie. Poodles can learn just about anything, quickly. Plus, they have great instincts and are very perceptive. Even someone who is not good at training dogs can train a poodle. It’s almost like they know what you want them to do.
- Poodles are Popular and have the Best Personality. They are also loyal, trainable, active and energetic. With their families, they are an integral part of the family. They learn commands quickly and are always loyal. With a Poodle in your family, you have a friend for life. Standard Poodles are energetic and slightly reserved. Miniatures are patient and perfect for children and Toys are somewhat sensitive, yet mischievous.
- #PoodleLife. Once you have a Poodle, you are in the Poodle lifestyle! A quick check on Instagram or Twitter of #PoodleLife gives you a glimpse of the love these dogs have with their families. Not to mention there is so much Poodle clothes, gifts and art you will obtain as you enjoy the #PoodleLife. And of course, Poodle skirt anyone? With a Poodle in the family, it’s so easy to make a statement!
Oodles of Poodle Varieties
Yes, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are three main sizes of Poodles.
The Poodle (Standard):
- Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart
- AKC Breed Popularity:Ranks 7 of 193
- Height:Over 38 cm (standard)
- Weight: 27 - 31 kg (male), 18 - 22 kg (female)
- Life Expectancy:10-18 years
- Group: Non-Sporting Group
The Poodle (Miniature):
- Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart
- AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 7 of 193
- Height: 25 -28 cm
- Weight: 6 -15 kg
- Life Expectancy:10-18 years
- Group: Non-Sporting Group
The Poodle (Toy):
- Temperament: Agile, Intelligent, Self-Confident
- AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 7 of 193
- Height: No more than 25 cm
- Weight: 2 - 3 kg
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
- Group: Toy Group
Within those three main groups, there are a variety of different colors. The AKC recognises these as standard Poodle colors. But you can expect to see Poodles in oodles of different colors:
- Apricot
- Black
- Blue, which is more of a diluted black
- Brown
- Cream
- Gray
- Red, which has only been an official color since 1980
- Silver
- Silver Beige
- White
There are even choices when it comes to the haircut of your Poodle! For me, I only get one haircut and style it 4 basic ways: up, down, straight and curly. As you can imagine, I’m pretty jealous that there are so many Poodle hairstyles that there is an article on 40 Different Poodle Haircuts You’ll Definitely Love.
Poodle Mixes: Oodles of Doodles
For the last 15 years, breeders have been mixing the Poodle breed with another breed. This is mostly because of the Poodle hair. Often, people will be looking for a dog that does not shed and one that does not activate certain pet allergies. While there are almost 30 different mixes identified as a Doodle, here are the main ones most of us know:
Best low-shedding Poodle mixes:
- Goldendoodle
- Labradoodle
- Bidoodle
Best family-oriented Poodle mixes:
- Cavapoo
- Bernedoodle
- Labradoodle
Best small space or apartment living Poodle mixes:
- Cockapoo
- Maltipoo
- Toy Goldendoodle
4 Poodles Facts You Were Wrong About:
1. Poodles are French.
Turns out, Poodles are German, hailing from Germany. Despite their French reputation, Poodles originated from Germany and were called “Pudel” which in German means “Puddle.” Poodles are notoriously water lovers, which is why the Germans called them “Pudle.”
2. Poodles are Lap Dogs.
Poodles were originally bred for hunting. That’s why the Germans called them puddle jumpers. They would splash in the water to fetch waterfowl while on hunting trips. To this day, Poodles are very active dogs and enjoy running and exercise.
3. Prissy Haircut, Prissy Poodle.
Those haircuts have a purpose! Poodles were hunters that retrieved around water. Poodles have hair, not fur. And when they were jumping in water, the hair would get wet and heavy. Also, since the water was typically cold, they needed to keep warm. Therefore, those interesting haircuts were strategic to keep parts warm that should be warm, without being too heavy so they could jump in and out of the water easily.
4. Poodles are Allergy-Friendly. They are actually hypoallergenic, which means for a majority of allergy sufferers, their hair won’t set off allergies. Poodles are unique in that their coats aren’t the same as other dogs, which makes them a preferred dog when someone in the house has allergies. They have hair, not fur, which helps. But they still have pet dander, just like human hair gets dander. They simply do not shed like other dogs. Another bonus to the hair on Poodles is their coats are odorless. So, if you don’t like a stinky dog, Poodles have the advantage!
Top Health Problems of Poodles
Most Poodles live a long, happy and healthy life. However, all dog breeds will have health issues, and Poodles are no different. Here are the breed-specific issues to look for:
- Eye Problems. Their large eyes give them several eye disorders. On a basic level, the most recognizable eye problem is tear staining due to excessive tear flow. As Poodles age, these problems can elevate to eye infections and ailments. The best thing to do is to keep the Poodle’s eye area clean at all times. You may even consider trimming the hair around the eyes to prevent too much build up opportunity.
- Canine Hip Dysplasia. Larger Poodles, and mixed breeds with the Poodle have a variety of joint issues. Joint problems arise especially in the hip joints. This causes pain and impacts their mobility.
- Loose Knees or Luxating Patella. Poodles inherited kneecaps (patella) that could become dislocated or move out of place as they age. If your dog seems weak or slows down, consider checking their knees as the first point of deterioration in their cartridge.
- Osteoarthritis, or arthritis. Because of the joint problems already mentioned, Poodles are at high risk for osteoarthritis. Arthritis is as painful for dogs as it is for humans. And just like humans, there is something you can do about it. Learn more about arthritis in dogs and check out all the risk factors.
Work Now for Protected Joints in the Future
Keep your Poodle going now and, in the future, when you plan ahead and protect their joints. Help relieve these signs safely and naturally by adding a joint supplement to their diet.
- The best way to prevent signs of arthritis is to begin joint protection earlier. Joint supplements can promote joint health and cartilage development which keep dogs active and youthful, longer. Learn what to look for in joint supplements for your dog.
- If your Poodle is over age 5, consider starting them a joint supplement. Amazingly, cartilage improvement can be seen in most Poodles with a daily dose.
- Keep your Poodle active to help their joints work better. Poodles need regular activity so plan on walks every day, as well as play time. Having a Poodle gives you a great opportunity to go to the dog park!
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Poodles are the Best! What else did we miss? Share this article and let us know!