|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Poodle
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Poodle is a breed of dog, and is regarded as one of the most
intelligent breeds of dog. The poodle breed is found in small,
medium, and large sizes, and in many coat colors. Originally bred
as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports,
including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles
are elegant in the conformation ring, having taken top honors in
many shows, including "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel
Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in
2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
Appearance
Most poodles have a dense, curly, low-shedding coat that requires
regular grooming. Since poodles do not have the plush double
coat of many breeds, their fur is often referred to as "hair", a term
usually reserved for humans. Most poodles are solid-colored, and
many registries only allow solid colors in conformation shows.
"Parti" (short for parti-colored) poodles have large patches of
colors different from the main body color. "Phantom" poodles have
the color pattern of a black-and-tan dog, although not necessarily
black and tan. Solid-colored poodles may either "hold" their color
(i.e., stay more or less the same throughout their lives) or "fade" or
"clear" to a lighter shade. Usually the ears and the thicker guard
hairs hold more of the original color than other hair.
The tail is usually docked in the US, less often in Europe; the
practice is illegal in the UK and Australia. These days, tails, when
docked, are left much longer than in times past. "Bunny like tails"
(very short-docked tails) are now rarely seen except among puppy
mill pet shop dogs. Poodles have drop ears, which are never
cropped.
Sizes
Unlike many breeds, poodles come in a variety of sizes,
distinguished by adult shoulder (withers) height. The exact height
cutoffs among the varieties vary slightly from country to country.
Non-Fédération Cynologique Internationale kennel clubs generally
recognize three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, sometimes as
sizes of the same breed, and sometimes as separate breeds. The
Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of one
breed, standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Only the Fédération
Cynologique Internationale describes a maximum size for standard
poodles.
The terms royal standard, teacup, and tiny teacup are marketing
names, and are not recognized by any major kennel club.
Temperament
Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual
behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more
readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point
birds. Classified as highly energetic, poodles can also get bored
fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding
mischief. Poodles like to be in the center of things and are easily
trained to do astonishing tricks involving both brains and agility.
They have performed in circuses for centuries, beginning in
Europe, and have been part of the Ringling Circus in its various
forms from its inception. The Grimaldis, the famous British clowns
Kenneth and Audrey Austin, "developed a stronger circus act" with
a clever Poodle named 'Twinkle,' the success of which allowed
them to continue performing even as octogenarians."
Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and generally eager
to please. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with
children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs,
they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session.
Most are fairly agile and athletic.
Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. Play time is vital, but
one must be sure that they get plenty of rest following long play
periods and that fresh water is available at all times.
Potty training can be difficult in many dog breeds, but the poodle is
one of the easiest to train. Whether going outside or being trained
on a pad, they learn quickly where to defecate. However, they are
still animals, and they need time to understand what is desired of
them. It may take a while, but poodles are quite smart and learn
more quickly than most dogs.
Coat
Unlike most dogs, which have double coats, poodles have a single
layer (no undercoat) of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally and
could be considered hypoallergenic (though not completely
allergen free). Texture ranges from coarse and woolly to soft and
wavy. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care
per week, about 10 hours/week for a standard poodle. Poodles are
usually clipped down as soon as their show career is over and put
into a lower-maintenance cut. Pet clips are much less elaborate
than show and require much less maintenance. A pet owner can
anticipate grooming a poodle every six to eight weeks. Although
professional grooming is often costly, poodles are easy to groom
at home if one has the proper equipment.
Show clips
Many breed registries allow only certain clips for poodles shown in
conformation. In American Kennel Club shows, adults must be
shown in the "Continental" or "English saddle" clips. Dogs under 12
months old may be shown with a "puppy clip." The United Kennel
Club (US) allows in addition a Sporting Clip, similar to the puppy
clip, with the fur trimmed short for hunting dogs. The American
Kennel Club allows the Sporting Clip in Stud Dog and Brood Bitch
classes as well.
Some sources believe the show clips evolved from working clips,
which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs
were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for
less drag in the water. Others express skepticism at this theory (if
poodles need to warm their joints, why do other water dogs such
as Labrador retrievers not require this same precaution?), instead
citing the French circus as the origin of the entertaining and
unique clips.
Second Puppy
This clip is also called the Scandinavian clip or puppy clip. It was
invented by Swedish and Norwegian show groomers in the 70s.
This clip is the most common one in all sizes for shows in Europe
and is allowed for adult poodles to be shown in the FCI countries.
The face, throat, belly, feet and the base of the tail are shaved 5 to
7 days before the show to get a nice smooth appearance of the
shaved areas. The hair on the head is left to form a "topknot" that
is fixed by using latex bands; in most European countries hair
spray is banned. The rest of the dog is shaped with scissors. It
makes the parts of the dog look fluffy.
Continental Clip
In the continental clip the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are
shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving "fluffy
pompoms" around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except
for pompons on the lower leg (from the hock to the base of the
foot) and optional round areas (sometimes called "rosettes") over
the hips. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today.
English Saddle Clip
The English saddle clip is similar to the continental, except for the
hindquarters. The hindquarters are not shaved except a small
curved area on each flank (just behind the body), the feet, and
bands just below the stifle (knee) and above the hock, leaving
three pompons. This clip is now rarely seen in Standard Poodles.
Pet Clips
Pet clips can be simple or as elaborate as owners wish. The hair
under the tail should always be kept short to keep feces from
matting in the poodle's curls. Most owners also keep the feet and
face clipped short to prevent dirt from matting between toes and
food from matting around the dog's muzzle. Beyond these sanitary
requirements, desired clips depend on owners' preferences. Some
owners maintain a longer clip in winter than summer, which they
groom often with a wire slicker brush to remove tangles and
prevent matting.
Corded Coat
In most cases, whether a poodle is in a pet or show clip, hair is
completely brushed out. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with
rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor or human
dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly poodle, corded
poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and
take a long time to dry after washing. Any poodle with a normal
coat can be corded when their adult coat is in. Corded poodles
may be shown in all major kennel club shows.
Health
The most common serious health issues of standard poodles
(listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle
Health Registry (as of August 20, 2007) are Addison's disease,
gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV = bloat/torsion), thyroid issues
(hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy,
sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and
cancer. Standard poodles are also susceptible to some health
issues usually too minor to report to the poodle health registry.
The most common of these minor issues are probably ear
infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties. Ear
problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian
should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection, lest
a minor issue turn into a major issue.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is (as of August 20, 2007) the illness most
commonly reported to the Poodle Health Registry. The number of
reported cases of Addison's disease is nearly twice as high as the
next most common problem (GDV). Addison's disease is
characterized by insufficient production of glucocorticoid and/or
mineralocortoid in the adrenal cortex. Addison's is often
undiagnosed because early symptoms are vague and easily
mistaken for other conditions. Standard poodles with unexplained
lethargy, frequent gastric disturbances, or an inability to tolerate
stress should be tested for Addison's. Addison's can cause fatal
sodium/potassium imbalances, but, if caught early and treated with
lifelong medication, most dogs can live a relatively normal life.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
Standard poodle owners should take special note of the high
incidence of GDV (Gastric dilatation volvulus) in this breed. Excess
gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the
stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by excess gas.
Symptoms include restlessness, inability to get comfortable,
pacing, or retching without being able to bring up anything. The
dog's abdomen may be visibly swollen but dogs can bloat or
torsion without visible swelling. GDV is a dire emergency condition.
If you suspect a dog is bloating, you should not wait to see if he
improves. A dog with GDV requires immediate veterinary care. The
dog's survival usually depends on whether the owner can get him
to the vet in time. It is a good idea for a standard poodle owner to
know the route to the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, so time is
not wasted looking for directions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poodle
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country of Origin
Germany
Weight
Varies by size class
Height
Varies by size class
Coat
Single coat, curly, sheds minimally
Color
Many
Life span
Standard: 11-12 years
Toy and Miniature: 14-15 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Poodle Puppy at Ten Weeks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dog DNA Test samples analyzed in about two weeks
|
|
|
|
Sitemap
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
