Poodles are a high-energy breed that makes wonderful companions for those who love to be active and is our list of Top 5 Easiest Dogs To Train. To sum up, the poodle is a very active and elegant dog.
They were originally bred as hunting dogs and still retain many of their instincts from that time, so they can be a little more stubborn than other breeds. However, the standard poodle’s intelligence has been highly cultivated by breeding for generations and this contributes to its being one of the easiest dogs to train, they love to make their owner proud.
There are three kinds of breed, Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle breed, that are recognized by the American Kennel Club and I will outline those details in the article below.
Poodle Stats
(these stats are from AKC)
Standard and Miniature Poodle Dog Breed Group: Non-Sporting Group
Toy Poodle Dog Group: Toy
Standard Poodle Weight: Male Poodle 60 – 70 lb (27 – 32kg), Female Poodle 40-50 lb (18 – 23kg)
Miniature Poodle Weight: 10 – 15 lb (5 – 7kg)
Toy Poodle Weight: 4 – 6 lb (2 – 3kg)
Standard Poodle Height: above 15 in (0.38m)
Miniature Poodle Height: 10-15 in (0.25 – 0.38m)
Toy Poodle Height: below 10 in (0.25m)
Coat: long and curly, needs brushing and grooming
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Lifespan: Typically live between 10 – 18 years.
Activity Level: Very active breed
Intelligence Level: High, eager to please, easy to train breed
Compatibility with Children: Very High
Pros of Owning a Poodle:
- Poodles are very intelligent dogs.
- They require less exercise than many other breeds.
- Poodles can be great family pets as they enjoy spending time with people and playing games.
- Many a poodle owner reports that their small dog tries very hard to please them and will do anything for a treat.
- Poodles are also considered hypoallergenic as they shed little or no hair at all.
- Due to their size poodles are great for living in an apartment as they don’t need a garden or a lot of space.
Cons of Owning a Poodle:
- The Poodle’s coat requires extensive grooming.
- They have a lot of energy and need daily walks.
- Poodles are smart but need intensive training.
- Some poodle health problems include cataracts and hip dysplasia.
- Poodles are not the best guard dogs.
History of Poodles: Miniature, Toy, and Standard Size Breeds
Although poodles were originally bred as gun dogs for flushing and retrieving game from dense undergrowth (their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers), they are now highly valued for their intelligence and trainability.
In fact, they are one of the most intelligent breeds in the world.
They were used by hunters to indicate when birds had been downed, or to pick up the dead or wounded game from the undergrowth.
The miniature and toy poodles were discovered when breeders in France saw that some dogs in litters were not growing at the same rate as their littermates, but were still healthy and full of life.
It is believed that both the Toy and Miniature Poodle breeds originated from smaller versions of Standard Poodles who were selectively bred down in size over time. The mini poodle is not a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
While the exact time this occurred is unknown, historical records from as far back as the 15th century mention small Poodles that were used as circus performers and for companionship.
It is said that during world war II poodle flourished because of their intelligence and trainability. The only fault they have is a tendency to be too friendly with strangers, which can easily be corrected through training.
Poodles have been popular all over the world since they were brought to North America in the 18th century. In 1927, the poodle received official recognition as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
In addition to their hunting and companion dog uses, poodles also make fantastic show dogs due to their intelligence and trainability.
They have been popular in this capacity for a long time. In fact, they’re one of the most popular breed in America and a very easy dog to train and take care of.
Poodle Temperament and Behaviour
The poodle has a very playful temperament because he loves to engage with his owner all the time. He loves to play games and take part in activities with his owner so that they can spend time together.
The poodle also gets along very well with young children because he is gentle and mild-mannered. He rarely barks which makes him a great family pet. He’s social and will get along with other animals, too.
Poodles can be very stubborn if not properly trained, and it’s important for them to have a job to do. Keeping the poodle busy with daily exercises and training sessions will prevent him from getting into trouble.
They need a lot of exercise every day – both physical and mental – or else they will become bored and destructive by chewing on shoes or digging holes in the yard. Poodles love being involved in dog sports and agility training.
Poodle Grooming Requirements
Due to the fact poodles do not shed hair this makes them an ideal choice for those with allergies.
Their coat is a single-layer curly coat that is thick, and silky. As poodle hair grows longer, the curls tighten into almost knots, which can grow into long dreadlocks, this is called the corded poodle. The only way to remove these knots from the poodle coat is through clipping.
These can be very painful for the dog and therefore should be taken seriously. The clipping sessions should not take more than fifteen to twenty minutes, and if done properly there will be no pain or discomfort for the dog.
There are over 25 haircut styles for poodles ranging from the Continental Cut to the Corded Poodle Cut where the hair is grown very long and then dreadlocked.
Feeding Requirements
Poodles are often known as fussy eaters, but this simply isn’t true. They love food and usually just choose to ignore what you put in front of them.
They need to be fed around twice a day. It’s always important to only feed the recommended amount of dog food in one sitting, dividing it into two meals will do more harm than good.
Their food should be placed in a bowl and left to dry until they lick it clean, at which point you might want to put some more out for them.
When feeding a poodle around 2-3% of their bodyweight per day is the right amount.
If you have a poodle pup or a very old, or ill adult dog, you should talk to your vet before giving them food. The vet or reputable breeder might recommend a different diet or less food for the day.
Common Health Issues and Concerns
The poodle breed is a healthy dog. There are only a few problems that are known with the breed.
They may get eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Some poodles are born with deformed knees which can make it hard to walk when they get older.
Poodles can also be born with something called Von Willebrand disease which causes them to bleed too much after injuries or operations.
Training Tips for Poodles
Poodles are intelligent, so training is usually easy. But they can be stubborn and hard to train sometimes. The best way to make sure they respond correctly is for owners to be patient and consistent.
All types of poodles are obedient and love to please their owner. They like to do agility training and other things like chasing balls.
Poodles are really smart, but they need exercise. If the poodle doesn’t get enough exercise, it will act out in the home and be hard to handle.
People Also Ask:
Do Poodles Like to Cuddle?
Poodles are very social and love to sit with their pet owner, but they are not much for snuggling.
They also don’t like being picked up.
Poodles are great lap dogs, but they will need their own space when it comes to cuddling up on their owner’s lap.
Is this breed right for you?
Poodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions and loving pets despite their high energy levels.
They’re very intelligent dogs, so they pick up new tricks and tasks quickly, but can also be stubborn about actually doing what they’re told when they want to do something else.
Poodles are not the best choice for people who cannot make a lot of time for their dog or who may be gone from home often.
They would do great in an active family with lots of energy and love to give. They need a lot of exercise, but also enjoy being in the house and being a part of the family.
Do poodles get along with cats?
Poodles usually get along well with adult cats who are not aggressive and have good manners.
However, you should be aware that poodles may attack young cats, even if they are friendly.
One may also find their poodle playing a little too roughly or nipping at the cat for attention or playtime.
On the positive side, poodles are actually very gentle when taking care of kittens since they know how fragile young felines are.
Some poodles can absolutely not live with cats, as poodles are so energetic and always alert to their surroundings that they cannot sit still around a cat for too long.
To put it mildy, the poodle would probably play way too rough and not know how to tone it down just because there is a fragile feline living in the same house.
If you currently own a cat and are thinking of possibly getting a poodle soon, it would be wise to introduce the cat and the dog in separate but indirect situations, to see how they will act towards each other.
This way, you can find out before getting the poodle if it is or isn’t recommended that poodles live with cats.
Do poodles get along with other dogs?
Many poodle owners report no changes in their dog’s behavior even when adding another dog to the family.
If your multi-dog family is well balanced and stable the chances are good the pooches will get along just fine
Poodle personalities vary so what works for one poodle may not work for another. It should be noted that poodles have been recognized for being friendly with other canines. The multi-dog household can be a great place for your new poodle puppy or adult poodle.
How far do poodles run in a mile?
On average, poodles can run between five and seven miles per day. When they are running at full speed, it will probably take them around 20 minutes to complete one mile.