Today, poodles are thought to be a French dog breed. However, it is believed that they were originally bred in Germany, where they were used as water dogs (waterfowl retrievers). Despite the misconception that poodles are froufrou dogs, they are actually extremely intelligent; ranked second in comprehensive tests to determine the most intelligent dog breeds.

As a pet, the Poodle can be a wonderful choice as they are loyal, affectionate, docile, and, as mentioned above, highly intelligent. However, before welcoming a new dog into your home, it is wise to research the breed thoroughly to make sure it is the right animal for you. As a guide to the breed, below you will find a list of the pros and cons of owning a Poodle.

The advantages of owning a poodle

As mentioned, the Poodle is very intelligent, subsequently 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 with. You may have heard a Poodle referred to as a hypoallergenic dog, while this is technically false, it is true that Poodles shed very little and are therefore a good choice for owners with pet allergies. Poodles are very kind souls who are patient with children and happy to share their homes with other animals.

The cons of owning a poodle

Poodles should be groomed at least once every six to eight weeks. Similarly, poodles should be bathed regularly, because if not cared for properly, a poodle’s coat can become matted and poorly conditioned. Poodles’ nails grow very fast and therefore will need to be trimmed once every two to three weeks. The Poodle is genetically predisposed to certain diseases, including Von Willebrand’s disease, retinal atrophy, cataracts, skin problems, and allergies.

Poodle types

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 retrieval dogs and watchdogs, and later 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 house 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 top coat, which can be almost any color.

If you intend to show your poodle, its coat must be trimmed and groomed 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 only a ring of fur around the ankles. The fur on the face and tail is also shaved, leaving only a bun and a fur pom pom 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, loving and intelligent family pet.