About Poodles:
This breed is highly intelligent and responsive. It is loyal and gentle, though assertive. The Standard Poodle is bold but easygoing, and a very alert watchdog. The Miniature Poodle may be too excitable for young children, but it makes an excellent pet for apartment-dwellers. The Poodle’s exact origin is unknown. Although it probably came from Germany or Russia, it has been the national dog of France for years. The English word ”‘poodle” comes from the German word puddeln, which means to paddle or ”splash”: This reflects the fact that the standard-size dog, the first size variety to be developed, was employed as a water retriever. The now-familiar trimmed coat with shorn areas was originally intended to help the dog swim faster. Trims later became universally adopted as a symbol of fashionable elegance. In Russia, large, usually black, standard poodles were used to pull milk carts. Breeders in France are credited with developing the miniature as a companion dog.
Care and Exercise:
Amount of coat care depends on size, but at least 2 to 5 hours a week of grooming are necessary for either size. Trimming and shaping should be done by a professional every 4 to 6 weeks. Standard Poodles should have a fair amount of outdoor exercise. Miniatures are very active both indoors and out, but require less outdoor exercise. Both adapt to urban life.
Recommended Households:
This fine dog should only be purchased from the most reputable breeders, because its immense popularity has led to puppy-mill breeding of bad-tempered, excessively nervous dogs. A well-bred, Canine Care Certified, Poodle is a fine pet. It does not shed and is one of the few breeds that some allergy sufferers can live with. The Poodle is the perfect dog to fuss over or to jog with.
About Toy Poodles:
The Toy Poodle is pert, lively, and playful. This is a highly intelligent and willing to please breed. This most popular of the toy breeds is easily trained. The Toy Poodle is vain about its smart appearance, but it enjoys a good romp in the dirt just like any other dog. An all-time favorite, the Toy Poodle is not a distinct breed, but is instead a size classification of the Poodle, along with the standard and the miniature. Although the larger, standard Poodle which is over 15” tall—is generally accepted as the oldest type, there is little question that toys were the well- established, pampered pets of royalty during the 18th century in both England and France. Highly intelligent and easily trained, all sizes of the Poodle were used in dog acts throughout Europe. Unlike the standard, the Toy Poodle was never a sporting dog; it was developed exclusively as a companion animal. This small version retains all the other attributes of its larger ancestors.
Care and Exercise:
Requires weekly bathing and brushing, particularly if has fancy show coat. Blow-dry while brushing after bath. Needs professional clipping and trimming every 3 to 6 weeks, because—unlike other breeds—hair grows fast and has no natural maximum length. Ears must be cleaned frequently. Teeth should be checked regularly for loosening. Check with a veterinarian for instructions and help. Requires a good daily run in an area free of long grass or brush, unless coat is in pet trim. If a run is impossible, substitute long walks on a leash.
Recommended Households:
The Toy Poodle makes an excellent family dog, as it adjusts to any situation and responds well to other pets and children. Like the other toy breeds, it is ideally suited for apartment life, although it does require some exercise-- either daily walks on a leash or runs in a protected park. This breed is only for those who are willing to devote considerable time and expense to coat care. A superb pet breed. One of the most intelligent of all dogs.
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