Pet Poodle Facts
Poodles make great pets, and are one of the smartest dog breeds that are kept as pets. Poodles are one of the most interesting breeds, due to their colorful history and the fact that there are three different sizes. Below are some poodle facts that might help you decide if this breed is for you:
Three sizes of poodle are recognized by the American Kennel Club. These are the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle. The biggest, standing over 15 inches at the top of the shoulder, is the Standard Poodle. Next, standing ten inches high at the top of the shoulder, is the Miniature Poodle. The smallest is the Toy Poodle, who weighs between six and eight pounds, and is shorter than ten inches at the top of the shoulder.
While Toy Poodles are the smallest of three varieties of Poodle, there are smaller versions that aren’t recognized by the AKC. These are known as Tiny Toy Poodles, which weigh between 4 and 6 pounds, and Teacup Poddles, who weigh in at a diminutive 2 to 4 pounds.
One of the most important benefits of owning a poodle is that they don’t shed and are hypoallergenic, which makes them the perfect pet for those with allergies. Another one of the interesting Poodle facts is that they don’t have the strong odor often associated with other breeds.
Carvings of a breed of dog that resembles a poodle, which are one of the oldest known breeds of dogs, are found on Roman and Greek coins. Poodles became an AKC recognized breed in 1890, and became the most popular breed of dog in the United States by the 1960s.
Poodles were popular in France, Russia and Germany since the 1500’s - the French like the so much that they made the Poodle their national dog! They are well known for their excellent hunting skills, especially in water retreiving, in fact the name Poodle comes from the German Pudel which is short for Pudelhund meaning “splashing dog”. Of the three different types of poodles, the standard is the oldest.
Poodles have hair which can range from coarse to soft, and because of this you can give your Poodle a variety of clips or cuts. While the show cut is the most recognizable, Poodles can also sport a continental clip, a puppy clip, an English Saddle Clip or a pet clip. Their hair can also be corded like a Puli or Komondor.
Poodles are an intelligent, spunky, and high energy breed of dog. They love to interact with their humans as much as possible. Poodles need challenging toys and activities that keep them from being bored. Poodles are good protectors and field dogs. Potty training a poodle is easier than most other breed due to their quick learning skills.
A healthy poodle will tend to have a long lifespan. Typically a toy will live to 17 years while a miniature will live about 14 years and a standard poodle will go about 11 1/2 years.
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