Learn About Poodles!
Poodles are beauty and brains in one package!
Three sizes of Poodle - Toy, Miniature and Standard, share a single description in the American Kennel Club's rules. There's a reason for that - you can't improve perfection!
Poodles have proven their versatility as human companions for many years. The breed is intelligent, highly trainable, responsive, and, to the delight of many, can be complete clowns.
According to the Poodle Club of America, "The Poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog which is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred Poodles in all three varieties have steady, calm nerves, hardy constitutions and they can be easily trained. A Poodle is a "person" and he expects to be treated as one. Each one is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions."
Here at our shop, Golly Gear, we are always on the lookout for the best products for pups of all ages. Our dog-loving staff is ready to help find the solutions you need for your beautiful, brilliant Poodle companion.
Poodle information and resources
- Poodle Information | American Kennel Club
The Standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Miniature varieties except as regards heights. - Poodle group on yahoo
- Poodle Meetup Groups - Meetup
Helps groups of people with shared interests plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities around the world about Poodle - Great Stuff for Poodles! - Golly Gear
Poodles are among the smartest and most versatile dogs around, but they still have certain requirements. Here are great harnesses for poodles, collars with and without sparkle, and interactive toys to keep poodles' minds active.
Doesn't Lexi look lovely?
Lexi, a titled obedience and agility friend of ours, is modeling the Rolled Microfiber Step-in Harness & Leash Set. Available in four colors (Black, Pink, Green, or Purple) in three sizes.
Lexi is a beautiful gray Poodle, one of a vast array of colors that are acceptable in the breed, but the entire coat should be the same color for show dogs. Some variation is acceptable, but the multi-colored, or "Parti-colored" Poodle coat is a disqualification for showing in conformation.
Three sizes, one standard of excellence
Contrary to popular belief, Poodles are not "frou frou" dogs meant only to lounge in luxury. The breed originated in Northern Europe as a hunting dog and water retriever. The extreme haircuts seen on Poodles in the show ring had a function - the "poufs" of hair over the dog's joints was thought to help protect them from temperature extremes in retrieving game from the water.
It's believed that the Poodle was developed in Germany, although it has been so embraced by the people of France that it is the national breed.
All sizes of Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability and energy. If you're looking for a dog to just sit around all day - a Poodle probably isn't a good choice. Poodles need to exercise both body and mind. Bored Poodles can find creative ways to cause mischief!
Poodles can be wonderful family dogs - although, like all toy breeds, the Toy Poodle can be injured by rough handling, especially around very young children. Sudden movement can excite the dogs' prey drive, so supervision is always necessary when dogs and children interact.
Poodles' coats require some grooming - they have "hair" instead of "fur," which continues to grow without shedding. Any hairs that do eventually shed can become entangled in the dog's coat and may cause matting, so regular brushing is a necessity.
While there is no such thing as a truly "hypoallergenic" dog, the Poodle is about as close as any breed comes. If someone in the family does suffer from dog allergies, try to arrange visits with a Poodle breeder to see if these dogs will trigger the allergy before adding one to the family.
© 2009 Hope
