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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Poodle
The Standard Poodle is an elegant dog with a profuse, but well-groomed and clipped,
wiry curly coat. The head and muzzle are long. The skull is a bit rounded, with
a slight stop. The teeth should form a scissors-bite. The ears are wide and hang
close to the head. The eyes are oval and generally very dark. Brown and cafe-au-lait
colored dogs have dark amber eyes. Apricot Poodles may have amber eyes, but dark
eyes are considered better. The dog's length from breastbone to rump is approximately
the same as the height at the withers. The topline is level except for a slight
depression behind the withers. The feet are compact, small and oval. The tail is
docked to ½ the original length. All solid colors are permissible. The coat
may be groomed into three basic styles: the pet clip (or puppy clip), with relatively
short hair all over the body, the "English saddle" clip, and the "Continental" clip
with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles and pom-poms
left on the tail and hips. The Poodle has a delightful springy gait.
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Temperament
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Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodles are smart, sensitive and very trainable dogs.
They are excellent at learning tricks and do well working in a circus. This breed
is amusing and very clever. Some play well with children while others may be nervous
and sensitive. Poodles are good with other dogs and other non-canine pets. Check
breeders thoroughly, even taking the time to meet the parents and grandparents.
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Height, Weight
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Standard Height: over 15" ; Weight: 45-70 lbs.
Miniature Height: 11-15" ; Weight: 15-17 lbs.
Toy Height: 10" or smaller ; Weight: 4-8 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is prone to several genetic diseases, including cataracts, retinal atrophy,
PRA, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease and skin conditions. They are also prone
to runny eyes and ear infections.
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Living Conditions
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The poodle is great for apartment living. They are active indoors, but do better
with a yard.
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Exercise
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This breed loves to exercise, but is not demanding. They are fitter if they get
regular exercise. Allow them time to roam, run and play in a safe area.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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Extensive grooming of this breed is necessary. They should be bathed regularly and
clipped every two months. Check ears for mites and pull out excess hair. Some owners
opt for the show cut, but others prefer the plain lamb clip. The teeth need regular
scaling. Poodles are good for allergy sufferers as they shed little or no hair.
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Origin
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The Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three poodle sizes. The miniature and toy
varieties developed later. As the Poodle became the rage with the nobility in the
17th and 18th centuries, smaller and smaller specimens were desired, resulting in
the birth of the Toy variety. Toy Poodles were portrayed by the German artist, Durer,
circa 1500, and by Goya toward the end of the 18th century in Spain. Many in Louis
XVI's court fancied the charming dog. The Toy has all the same intelligence and
friendliness as the two larger versions but in a smaller package. The name "poodle"
probably derives from the German word "Pudel" meaning one who plays in the water.
Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help him swim, leaving hair on the leg joints
to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The Poodle is recognized by the
AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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Toy - AKC Toy, UKC Companion Dog
Standard and Miniature - AKC Non-Sporting, UKC Companion Dog
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