The pros and cons of owning a poodle
Today, poodles are considered to be a French breed of dog. However, it is believed that they were originally bred in Germany, where they were used as water dogs (waterfowl retrievers). Despite the common misconception that Poodles are froufrou dogs, they are actually extremely intelligent; ranked second in extensive tests to determine the most intelligent dog breeds.
As a pet, the Poodle can be an excellent choice as they are loyal, affectionate, docile and, as mentioned above, highly intelligent. However, before welcoming any new dog into your home, it’s wise to thoroughly research the breed to ensure it’s the right animal for you. As a guide to the breed, below is a list of the pros and cons of owning a poodle.
The pros of owning a poodle
As mentioned, the Poodle is very intelligent, therefore training is relatively easy and very enjoyable. Poodles are not the most active dogs and therefore do not require multiple exercise sessions per day. However, the breed does enjoy a medium-sized yard to play in. You may have heard of a poodle as a hypoallergenic dog, although this is technically untrue, it is true that poodles shed very little and are therefore a good choice for owners who suffer from pet allergies. Poodles are very gentle souls who are patient with children and happy to share their homes with other animals.
The cons of owning a poodle
Poodles need to be brushed at least once every six to eight weeks. Likewise, poodles should be bathed regularly, because if not cared for properly, a poodle’s skin can become matted and poorly conditioned. A poodle’s nails grow very quickly and will therefore need to be trimmed once every two to three weeks. The Poodle is genetically predisposed to certain diseases, including Von Willebrand disease, retinal atrophy, cataracts, skin problems, and allergies.
types of poodles
There are three varieties of poodle: standard, miniature, and toy. Standard Poodles are 15 inches or taller and weigh at least 20 pounds. These dogs were designed as working animals, primarily as water retrievers and guard dogs, and more recently as sled dogs and pets. Miniature and toy poodles, on the other hand, were bred purely as pets and show dogs. The miniature poodle stands between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 20 pounds, while the toy poodle is even smaller, reaching a maximum of 10 inches in height and 12 pounds in weight.
The smaller Poodle varieties are ideal for city and apartment living. However, a Standard Poodle does not need a large home and yard as it is not among the most energetic breeds. According to the American Kennel Association, all Poodle sizes should have a pointed head with a long, straight muzzle. The eyes should be egg-shaped and dark in color, while the ears should hang low and close to the dog’s head. Poodles have two coats: a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat, which can be almost any color.
If you intend to show your Poodle, his coat must be trimmed and combed in one of the accepted ways. The Continental and English Saddle styles are two of the most popular, both of which involve shaving the legs to leave just a ring of skin around the ankles. The fur on the face and tail is also shaved off, leaving only a bun and pom-pom of fur on the tail. Since the 19th century, poodles have been incredibly popular as pets in France. Today, they are popular all over the world as a loving, affectionate and intelligent family pet.