Often perceived as a "show dog," elegant and groomed, Poodles are considered the second most intelligent breed after Border Collies. Regal in stature, proud, and particularly family friendly, you'll often find a Poodle with its head held high, supported by a long, strong neck. However, don't be fooled, Poodles love to work and play!
History
Would you believe the Poodle was originally bred as a duck hunting dog? These Poodles were larger in size weighing between 18 - 32kgs. There is controversy surrounding the Poodle's origin, as some sources credit Germany and others France. The word Poodle comes from the German word "Pudel", or "Pudelin", which translates to "splash in the water", appropriately given to their love of water and swimming ability. The French word for Poodle is "Caniche", derived from "Chien Canard", which translates to "Duck Dog". Poodles have become so popular and adored in France they are now their national dog breed!
Small Poodles, now called Miniature and Toy, were bred with other small Poodles, and trained to sniff out truffles in European forests.
Poodle-like pictures have adorned Egyptian and Greek artifacts and tombs dating back to the first centuries B.C.
The Poodle actually has hair and not fur. The iconic Poodle cut that we know today, was designed to be functional and not a fashion statement. The close shaved hair was better for swimming, but due to the close cut they suffered from the cold. Therefore, the hair was allowed to grow around the joints and vital organs to keep them warm, giving the Poodle the best of both worlds.
Early gypsies found the Poodle to be great circus dogs, trained to do tricks, such as balance a ball on their nose, while wearing fancy costumes. Gaining in popularity, the merchant class began to "fluff and puff" their dogs too, leading to what we now know as the show dogs.
The Kennel Club in England first registered the Poodle in 1861, and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1866.
Physical Characteristics
The Poodle is unique in that it has hair and not fur. Crossing a Poodle with various other breeds is so popular, because their hair is hypoallergenic, which is ideal for people severely allergic to dog dander. Additionally, Poodle hair is odourless, so no need to worry about having a stinky dog!
Poodle coats are very curly, wiry, and dense. This dense waterproof coat keeps them protected when swimming, but it also means that it does not stop growing and will need regular clipping and grooming, if you want to keep them looking elegant.
The traditional haircut of the Poodle had a purpose! The "lion cut" kept joints and important organs warm while these dogs often splashed around chasing waterfowl in cold water. The rest of the hair was often clipped short to make them more streamlined in the water and to prevent tangling.
Poodle coats come in a range of colours including black, tan, white, grey, silver, brown and crème. Early aristocrats used to dye the Poodle's coat to their desired colour.
Today's Poodle has an expected lifespan of 10 - 15 years.
Personality and Temperament
Poodles are known for their sense of humour and playfulness. They are natural born clowns! They get along well with other pets and children and can easily outwit even their pet parents.
Poodles can be stubborn, so consistency in training is key. Although there are three sizes with many similarities, there are key differences.
Standard Poodles are the most obedient, like to have a job, and are shyer than the smaller poodles. Miniature Poodles are the most active of the three and are probably the best if small children are around. Toy Poodles make great lap dogs and companion dogs but can be "yappy". Miniature and Toy Poodles are more mischievous than Standard Poodles.
Many pet parents treat the toy and miniature sizes as princes and princesses, which is how they get their "prissy" reputation. It is important for us to remember they are dogs, not dolls, or your spoiling will result in destructive behaviours. Your Poodles want to be with you every step of the way, from the ruggedness hiking or throwing a frisbee to the gentleness of visiting older or sick relatives. They never want to leave your side!
Socialisation
Like any breed, the Poodle needs to be socialised with other dogs. If you have a Poodle puppy, make sure you set up playdates with other dogs you know are well behaved. You don't want your dog to suffer from any trauma at a young age by being introduced to an overly aggressive dog. This could lead to a fear of other dogs. Dogs learn best from other dogs, but they can develop bad habits from them too.
Be wary of dog parks before your Poodle is 12 months of age. Too often puppies are bullied or intimidated by older or bigger dogs. The same holds true for doggie daycare.
There is no real way to anticipate how your dog will interact with a large population of different dogs and no way to guarantee if a troublesome dog will be present at a park or daycare.
The Wrong Kind of Socialisation
Many new puppy parents cannot wait to take their new puppy out in public or straight to the dog park. This is where some of the seeds of behaviour problems are sown. Unfortunately, Bark Busters trainers see many dogs who developed a fear early on in life as a result of another dog's inappropriate behaviour. We see perfectly adorable puppies turn into dog aggressive adolescents, due to a bad introduction to a bossy puppy or older dog. One bad experience can leave a young, inexperienced dogs with emotional scars, that are not easy to reverse.
We need to expose our dogs to new sights and sounds so they don't develop any irrational fears later, but we need to do so slowly, particularly if your dog shows any hesitation in the beginning.
Select those dogs as playmates for your Beagle puppy, that are low energy and tolerant dogs.
Grooming
Poodles take a lot of maintenance. One of the most challenging tasks to having a Poodle is keeping them well groomed. As Poodles have hair and not fur, they can be high maintenance in the grooming department. They don't shed, which is what makes them great dogs for people who have allergies. Instead, just like ours, their hair keeps growing and is wiry, gets unmanageable and dense, if not cut every three to six weeks. Also, because of their curly hair, they are susceptible to ingrown hairs. Poodles tend to have more hair in their ears than other breeds, so they need to be cleaned regularly to allow air flow to travel in their ear canals. Poodle hair can be easily matted so it is important to brush your Poodle's hair twice a week.
Many Poodles have fashionable haircuts, but the most common cuts and clips are the Lion Clip, Puppy Clip, Continental Clip, and the Bikini Clip.
Poodle puppies need to start having regular dental care at two months and will have their adult teeth by 8 months. Brush your dog's teeth with pet toothpaste because human toothpaste can upset their stomachs if swallowed. Like some other breeds, their eyes tend to weep, so wipe them daily with a warm cloth or pet wipes.
Breed Traits
The Poodle's intelligence requires this breed to be kept mentally and physically challenged. A Poodle whose mind is engaged is much less likely to display unwanted behaviours.
It is important to establish good leadership with this breed as their intellect can often be a forerunner to assertive behaviour.
Poodles don't like to be alone, and are extremely family friendly, which can often cause Separation Anxiety. Gentle and sensitive, Poodles respond best to encouragement and praise rather than strong discipline or a harsh voice tone.
Barking is nearly always an issue. It is not wise to encourage your Poodle puppy to bark! They will find their voice soon enough and then you will need training to address this unwanted behaviour.
Although we often think of Poodles with a bouffant hairdo and an air of distinction, make no mistake that the Poodle is a working dog and does best when it has a job to do.
Poodles are extremely diverse dogs. They have won "Best in Show" from the Westminster Kennel Club five times in 1943, 1956, 1961, 1973 and 1991. They love to learn and have been known to perform some impressive tricks.
Capabilities
Christie Price, Bark Busters Trainer
In my 15 years of being a Bark Busters trainer, I've worked with all sizes of Poodles and many 'doodle' dogs. Give me a Poodle any day of the week. Regardless of size, they are a cheerful breed. The Poodle is a graceful and proud dog and is said to be the second most intelligent breed, and because they require calm and confident owners, which are key components of a good dog owner, they are exceptional students. It's important to give a Poodle consistent guidance and leadership, or they can walk all over you.
The Toy and Miniature Poodles can be yappers, jumpers, and biters. This is fairly typical of all small breeds that are overindulged, mollycoddled, and over-handled. Small dogs figure out pretty quickly that if they jump on their pet parents, they get petted, which just rewards this behaviour. Since dogs generally are not fans of being picked up, they may growl and snap when approached. I say to clients, remember, you're not picking up an 30kg Rottweiler, why would you pick up your 5kg Poodle? The hands should always be associated as a positive, and by minimising the picking up and getting your dog to come to you and not going to them, it's easy to change your dog's view that hands are a good thing.
While the Poodle has always been a popular dog, it's been the butt of many jokes as a prissy dog with some of those wacky, and bouffant hairdos! The Poodle is actually a water retriever, a working dog, far from prissy, and requires physical and mental exercise to keep it stimulated and engaged. They have great temperaments and adapt well with children and other dogs. As born performers, these dogs thrive doing skilful activities like agility, obedience, tracking to herding and they make great assistance or service dogs too. Through the years there's been a Poodle or two in the circus.
Poodles love to learn and please. Daily training like general obedience, recall, and lead work will help maintain your leadership and enhance your relationship. Oh, and there's not a Poodle on the planet that doesn't love problem-solving toys like a Bark Busters GameChanger®.
"Poodles are Labradors with college educations. After a day of retrieving, your Lab wants to curl up in front of the fireplace and take a well-deserved nap. A Poodle wants to be the fourth at the bridge table and tell naughty stories!"
Anne Rogers Clark (1929 - 2006) American dog breeder and trainer.
Health
Everyday Illnesses and Injuries
Your Poodle's health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to vomiting and diarrhoea, a 2-year-old Poodle is more likely to develop Addison's disease, and a senior Poodle may suffer from hip dysplasia or arthritis. Poodles also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions. They're prone to allergies, and because they are an energetic and active dog, they can suffer from lameness and limping.
If you are ever concerned about your dog's health, your local veterinarian is a great resource, no matter how small the question.
Genetic Health Concerns
Like many popular breeds, the Poodle has a number of hereditary health issues, like hip dysplasia and allergies. Reputable breeders will have their breeding stock checked and scored by a vet, for these hereditary ailments. You should request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these health problems.
Many other health issues are also hereditary, and you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.
Many rescue organisations also check for common ailments before making them available for adoption.
Preparing Yourself
As a pet owner, you should expect to pay for basic veterinary care like vaccines, spay / neuter, and annual checkups. Many pet owners don't consider the unexpected illnesses and injuries that can occur throughout a pet's life, and they don't prepare for them. Pet medical insurance can help a pet owner to prepare for the unexpected.
Training your Poodle
Donna Ryan - Bark Busters International Head of Training
Poodles are typically very intelligent dogs, which is one reason they are cross bred with so many other breeds, to make oodles of doodles. They are also energetic dogs. This combination can sometimes make them challenging dogs to live with.
Exercising their brains is a requirement for Poodles. If you don't keep them busy, they'll make up their own games, which can tend towards chewing and other destructive behaviours. Practicing basic obedience is certainly a good way to engage their brains. Teaching them tricks is another good tool to use.
Their intelligence makes them very trainable, and they often excel in obedience school and even competitive obedience events. The combination of high energy and intelligence make them good candidates for agility competitions, if that is something that appeals to you.
Most Poodles readily take to water. They were originally used to retrieve bird game from water during hunts. Their love of water and high energy can make them competitive "dock divers", which is one of the relatively new sports for dogs combining chasing and jumping with swimming and retrieving, all of which can come very naturally to these canine athletes.
If you let your Poodle swim, make sure you teach it where to exit the water. Dogs naturally try to get out where they enter so teaching them to always go to a place that is safe to exit the water, is vital for their safety.
Due to their intelligence and athleticism, Standard Poodles can make good service dogs, especially performing physical tasks. However, as with every dog, there can be pros and cons to their personalities and characteristics.
Poodles are working dogs and need to be stimulated both mentally and physically and look out when they aren't. This is often when Bark Busters trainers are called to help.
Behaviour Problems
Poodles are extremely smart, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need dog training. In fact, you need to be careful, so your Poodle doesn’t outwit you! Our Bark Busters trainers consider them good students with a keen passion to learn.
They are fast learners and once they know what you want, they get with the programme. Gentle, consistent training is all that is required when training any breed and Poodles are no different. However, because of their high intelligence, they might try to turn the tables on you and look to train you.
As with any breed, you must establish good leadership, or your Poodle will take control. When we say leadership, we don’t mean your dog will lose their enthusiasm or zest. Instead, they will understand you are serious about rules and boundaries. If you don’t want your dog barking uncontrollably at the front door, chewing through your favourite shoes, or walking you, versus you walking them, your Poodle will need daily training.
Bark Busters bases its training on the way dogs naturally communicate, through voice tones and body language, and most dogs respond quickly to our methods. When your dog listens to a command, you reward him with praise and petting. When he doesn’t, you address his undesirable behaviour with a tone of voice and body language. NEVER is there a reason to lay an unkind hand on your dog. You can modify your dog's behaviour without being cruel. Being physical with a dog will only teach fear.
Instead, our dog training will evolve into a relationship with your dog based on love, trust and respect.
At Bark Busters, we want to encourage all dog owners to love their pets. When you are picking them up for a snuggle, never try to do this to control them. Dogs and especially Poodles, hate being controlled in this way. Don’t pick up your Poodle to stop an undesirable behaviour. Instead, address the behaviour by using communication and education methods.
Contact your local Bark Busters trainer for more information on dealing with and understanding your Poodle.
Puppy Selection
When you are choosing a Poodle puppy, there are many factors to consider, particularly when it comes to size. For instance, Standard Poodles tend to be calmer than Toy Poodles or Miniature Poodles. If you have small children, a Toy Poodle might not be the best choice as they can be hyperactive. The first thing you must decide is what do you want in a dog? Do you want a "show dog"? Do you want a family dog? Do you want a lap dog?
When you get a new puppy, speak to your local Bark Busters trainer about training for your dog. A show dog will need training as they must learn to be calm around other dogs and people, and they need to accept being handled too.
A show dog, one that is capable of winning ribbons, usually comes from a reputable breeder with a strong pedigree. A good breeder should provide you with the genetics of both parents, any health issues, vaccination schedules, worming instructions, and registration details etc.
If you are looking for a family dog, there are many rescues and shelters that are breed specific. Bark Busters have trained more than 1 million dogs worldwide, and your local Bark Busters trainer will tell you it's a myth that all shelter dogs come with more baggage!
If possible, observe the puppies in their natural environment. The puppy who sits off to the side by themself may be calm but harder to socialise. The confident puppy may push the other dogs away for food and jump on them but can be more bull-headed and difficult to train. As you observe the different personalities and temperaments, you'll get an idea of which puppy you will want to take home.
Be ready to accept the grooming responsibility of a Poodle because their hair can be high maintenance. Also, Poodles are not great in extreme temperatures and flourish better indoors.
Four Basic Needs
As a responsible dog owner, your dog depends on you for four basic needs.
Let's examine those four basic needs and why your dog needs them to keep it healthy, balanced and content.
Food - diet / nutrition
The size of your Poodle will determine the amount of high-quality food your dog needs to eat. Bark Busters has found that certain foods can adversely affect your dog’s behaviour. You will want to check with your vet on the best nutrition for your Poodle.
Consult with your veterinarian about which brand of food you should purchase, or which raw diet is best for your dog. Your dog's diet is important to meet his nutritional needs and to maintain his overall health. As they are so small, you don't need a lot of food to fill them up!
We promote a diet that is grain free, low in carbohydrates and without any harmful e-numbers, colours and preservatives. Carbohydrates do add energy that the dog needs to burn off and can make an already hyperactive dog more active.
The right diet, grain free and filled with fruits, vegetables and raw meat will have advantages to how your dog will feel, look and act.
If you want to understand why grains can make a dog more energetic, you only need to think of racehorses and how their trainers give them grain to get highly energetic racehorses. Energy in, equals energy out.
Bark Busters dog trainers are not vets or dietitians, so we urge you to do your own research into the best diet for your dog. A diet that you will be comfortable with.
We do however have vast experience of how highly concentrated grain diets effect behaviour and can cause hyperactivity. This is very prominent in Japan, where most dogs are fed high levels of rice in their diet which can adversely affect concentration and focus.
Shelter - a place to call their own
Dogs love nothing better than to curl up on the couch or in a place they can call their own, even when there is more than one dog. The Poodle is very sociable, and they will think nothing of all snuggling in together. Provide your dog with its own "den", a place where they can call home, and somewhere they can go to for a bit of peace and quiet. Just make sure their "den" is warm, easy to clean and maintain.
Safety - through leadership and education
All dogs need strong leadership and to know where they fit into the family unit. If they know they have a leader that will make all the decisions, one who is fair and just, they will be happy and content.
On the other hand, if they have no structure in their life, they have inconsistency, and don’t know how things will be from one day to the next, then they will become stressed and may experience health ailments, skin and stomach issues and behaviour problems. Routine and respect must be established. With equal doses of love and structure your dog will feel safe and secure.
Your dog just wants to please you but many times he doesn't know how. If you don't quickly establish yourself as the leader, a Poodle will gladly assume this role and chaos could follow.
Entertainment - toys and games
A very important part of your dog's four basic needs is their need to have something to do. If we want to avoid our pets becoming bored and destructive, then they need a way to fill their day.
Dogs thrive with physical and mental exercise. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, and they need to keep their brains active as much as their bodies. Entertainment is an important part of their well-being and essential to your dog's overall mental health.
One great toy is the Bark Busters GameChanger® which helps to prevent boredom, stress, and separation anxiety. By filling it with small treats, your dog will have plenty of fun trying to get the treats to dispense.
Games to Play
Although we often think about exercising our dogs, we rarely think about playing with them. Poodles love to play, and it is a great way to release stress and energy for both of you.
It is important to choose games you both like to play. Poodles are faster than humans, so if you like to jog, a Standard Poodle can be a great jogging companion. Along the way, you can stop to play Hide and Seek, hiding small treats or objects for your dog to find. Poodles also like to play Catch Me, where you dart behind trees or bushes, and it is their job to find you.
Poodles were originally bred as duck retrievers, so they love to play ball or frisbee. Vary the game by bouncing a ball against the wall and having your poodle catch it on the rebound. Poodles generally love to swim, so frolicking with them in the shallows of a pool, lake, or pond can be fun too.
Poodles are intelligent, playful, extraordinary companions who are always lovingly at our side. Playing their favourite games is a gift we give to our dogs and to ourselves.
Child’s Play
Poodles are great family dogs but they do need to be controlled around children or they might hurt them with their overexcitment. They do learn very quickly, so spend time educating them on what is good and what is not. If you are patient and understanding of their capabilities, you will be able to enjoy many great times, as a family, with your dog.
Dog Parks
With today's dog owners having such busy lifestyles, more and more dog owners are turning to dog parks as a way of socialising and exercising their dogs. While this is great fun for most dogs and dog owners, not every dog will do well in this environment.
Breeds like Poodles are high energy and love to run and chase. While this sounds like a perfect match for a dog park, owners must pay close attention to how their dog directs its focus. If your dog is allowed to run wild and herd other dogs, your dog will likely have high levels of adrenaline. While adrenaline is helpful on a farm, if the dog becomes too focused on the wrong target in the dog park, this could quickly turn into a problem. If a dog doesn't enjoy being chased or nipped, they could feel threatened and become agitated. While the Poodle is just playing, if the dog being chased feels threatened and turns on them, this could escalate into a fight. As the dogs have no prior relationship and are in a high stress environment, this can easily happen.
The best way to prevent this behaviour is to be sure you have strong voice control over your dog in low, medium and high level distraction environments before attempting to visit a dog park. Try visiting the dog park in off peak hours and practice gaining focus from your dog before you allow them to run off and play.
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This article is the copyright of Bark Busters® and is intended for information purposes only. Dog owners should fully research any problems that they may have with their dogs.