Dog Breed of the Week: Poodle
Wednesday December 24, 2008
If you don't know Poodles, you might think they are snooty, prissy dogs. After all, they were once the companions of French nobles. Plus, many of them have the signature Poodle haircut - that's not exactly ordinary. However, there's more to the popular Poodle than meets the eye.
Poodles were historically bred as hunters and water dogs. The "fancy" haircut was developed to protect the joints from cold water while working. Poodle are quite intelligent dogs, making them very responsive to training. Many of us think of Poodles as "circus dogs" - they are often used in entertainment and performance. The truth is, Poodles are wonderful, loyal companions that are suitable for all kinds of households.
Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. This feature surely adds to their popularity. Are you a Poodle lover? Tell us about yours, and consider submitting a photo!
Image China Photos / Stringer / Getty Images
I HAVE A MIXED POODLE, WHO I HAVE NAMED – POOKIE BEAR, SINCE EVERYONE CALLS ME POOBEAR. MY POOKIE BEAR IS THE MOST LOVING AND WONDERFUL COMPANION. I AM ABLE TO TAKE HIM ANYWHERE I GO, AS HE IS A SERVICE DOG. WHEREVER I TAKE HIM, PEOPLE ADORE HIM AND PET HIM. SAYING HE IS THE CUTEST. I AM VERY PROUD OF HIM AND LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING IN LIFE. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT HAVE THE WHEREWITHAL TO SEND A PIC, BUT I AM SURE YOU WOULD THINK THE SAME IF YOU SAW A PIC OF HIM.
I have had two toy poodles in the past and currently have a standard. They are very smart dogs and are easy to train as stated. They are also happy, gay dogs. Regardless of size they can be very entertaining clowns!
I have a number of books on dogs, and currently own three little dogs of different breeds and personalities. I’ve read a description of a poodle in one of my books as “not for those who are not into intense bonding.” I’ve had dogs for 50 years, and have NEVER had a dog that loved me like the little miniature poodle/beagle cross I have now.
I have two, four year old Miniature Poodles. An Apricot male, Sweet Hershey Kisses and a Black female, Darling Maggie Gianna. They are two of my greatest joys! My Dad bought me my first Miniature Poodle, a black and white Parti Poodle, at age 9 and she was the best child companion I could have ever had! I will never be without a Poodle in my life!
I have 3 standard poodles. 2 are puppies that are 4months old and so smart and 1 is a 4year old and he is my service dog he alerts me about my heart. They make great pets and working dogs I grew up with 2 mini poodles and they were the best. The poodle makes a great family pet they love being with people and pleasing them. The best is you can make them look any way you want because of their hair and they do not shed. Poodles Rock
Poodles are cool. When I was a kid we had a poodle beagle mix who was wonderful and very bonded to me. Now they are sometimes giving people standard poodles as guide dogs. They are very intelligent and make good guides. Sometimes they are given to people who could not otherwise work with a guide dog because of allergies. They are very versatile. I think a lot of people forget about standard poodles and have misconceptions about the smaller members of the breed as well. Some people I’ve talked to think poodles are smart but stubborn and are surprised to learn that they work as service dogs. But they are loyal, lovable and trainable. Some guide dog schools are using poodle crosses, crossing them with labradors (labradoodles) or German shepherds. There have been some problems with the crosses but the standard poodle is becoming more common among the guide dog community though Labradors are still the most common.
I have 2 rescue standard poodle puppies that I am fostering. One is about 10 weeks and the other is about 15 weeks. They are both black and both from different puppy mills. The older one has huge feet and quite thick ankles on the front legs. Is this a bad thing? The younger one is different with smaller feet and finer thinner ankles. What exactly do you look for in a good Standard Poodle puppy? I want to adopt one of them. I’d like to keep the one that will grow up to be the best looking. Any guidelines?
I recently rescued my miniature poodle from my local shelter and was a little apprehensive about her at the beginning. Mitzi has turned out to be the greatest little companion and happy and bright. I do not know her age, but she is an older dog. I had a Shih-Tzu before and he was absolutely wonderful, but Mitzi is also just great.
We now have our second standard poodle. These are wonderful, funny, INTELLIGENT and loyal dogs. If you acquire or adopt a standard poodle puppy, be prepared for a whirlwind first two years. Lots of energy and mischief. Very trainable and so willing to learn and please. Love these dogs!