Poodle Magic
Saturday August 23, 2008
Basically everyone has seen Poodles, but many people have regarded them as snobby "frou-frou" dogs. This probably has a lot to do with their history as French dogs, plus the famous Poodle haircut. Indeed, these dogs are noble in appearance, but there's more to this quite popular dog breed.
Did you know that Poodles are highly intelligent dogs with strong roots as hunters and water dogs? The fancy Poodle cut was actually developed to protect their joints from cold water. Their incredible brains have made them extremely receptive to training. Poodles are well-known for their entertainment and performance abilities.
Another possible reason why Poodles are so popular: they come in three sizes. Also, they are rumored to have especially long lifespans. While this may not be an official Poodle fact, I must say that I have met a few 20-year-old Poodles in my time! Are you a Poodle lover? Share your Poodle pride here.
Photo Belinda / Wikimedia Commons
Comments
I resisted getting an inside dog for 10 years. I was and am a very usi person with three children and a husband. My children have been, sadly, getting older and older, and as a result they no longer let me hold them. So,,,this started me wanting a puppy. I studied and studied and decided on my WONDERFUL Poodle Pup.Jasmine was 8 weeks old when I adopted her. A black and beautiful toy poodle.(about 10lbs)I had no idea I could love a dog like this!
She has been with us for a year and I cannot remember my life without her! The whole family loves her and we spoil her rotten. Our extended family says it’s ridiculous how spoiled she is. I don’t care though,, she’s happy and so are we!
((She IS a good dog, she minds wonderfully. Even sits in the corner when she is bad!))
Incredibly true! Owners need to know that they can be kept in simple clips, but must be always be kept groomed and clipped, hair removed from their ears, and teeth cleaned. It’s all pretty easy, and they can learn to do it all themselves. Both of mine lived to 17. Just be ready for a dog who is smarter than you are!
We have never owned anything but poodles (toys) and are now on #4 and #5, after 1,2, and 3 passed away. They are so intelligent and elegant without even trying. Truly “people in curly suits.”
I have a 4 year old Standard Poodle who is the love of my life. I am a cancer survivor and for the past two years this dog has stayed by my side while lying in bed unable to move. Such a gentle giant. I have never had a dog as smart as she is. She seems to know what I need before I do. Always walking just close enough so that I can hold onto her and get around without falling but not too close as to make me fall. Her name is Annie “The Texas Tornado” And I don’t know what I would do without her.
When i was younger i thought poodles where girlie but when my parents divorced my mom and i got one. She is the most wonderful enerjetic thing in the world. When i cry she will not leave me until she has licked every tear dry. She is there when i wake up and when i come home from somewhere. And she has been a true blessing in my life. Lilly (thats her name) is a little black miniture poodle thats been a best friend to me for a while. She even needs a bedtime snack. I can hear her crunching from my room.
People who think Poodles are ’sissy’ change their mind after meeting my big, handsome, black standard, Pogo. I keep him in a short clip all over and constantly get, “What kind of dog is that?”, then, “I didn’t know you could clip them that way…” followed by, “WHAT a cool dog!” as he chases a ball (or anything else you’re willing to throw…) into a lake, to retrieve again, and again and again…. He’s a therapy dog, does agility and has a UD (Utility Dog) title in Obedience. He’s 8 years old now and has been such a joy that I added a 10 month old ‘rescue’ Poodle to my household too. He promises to be just as great! Be aware that the grooming on a Poodle is important. They must be bathed and clipped regularly, but if you do, they not only don’t shed, they don’t even smell like a dog! They’re very sensitive their owners, so harsh training is not the way to go. They must be socialized because they make very good guard dogs, so you want them to learn young to be friendly and not over-protective. It’s hard to over-state the intelligence of a Standard Poodle and in my experience, they love kids.
I totally agree with all six comments prior to mine. After my mother (my best friend) passed away I was so empty inside and my heart was so broken that I started looking every where (pet stores, paper, pounds, shelters) for a small dog that I could sleep with, sit and watch tv with, could take to the store with me and low and behold I found my little girl and I knew right away that she was the one, her name is April (I call her April mommy) and she is an apricot minture and she is the light of my life, spoiled totally, will play ball or any thing I throw for her all day and night if she could, she is very protective of me with just about anyone and I know she always know exactly what I am saying to her and yes I just can’t even imagine not having her in my life. I can turely say that she is the BEST dog I have ever had and I know she feels the same about me, (two peas in a pod).
I have a 19 year old toy poodle named BoBo. I inherited him from my grandma after she died about 8 years ago. We are the best of friends! (we should be we ARE the same age after all). In his “glory-days” (when he could hear) all you had to do was spell out the word walk and he knew exactly what you meant! In his old age however he has forgotten how to walk on a leash properly as we let him (and our two springer spaniels) wander in our large yard. But boy is he happy to wander and ever so curious! He is very loyal and as we speak he is laying curled up next to my legs. I love this dog and the breed I recommend poodles to everyone they make great companions!