Poodle: Breed Characteristics and Care
The Poodle is exceptionally clever, energetic and friendly. Under that curly, low-shedding coat is an athlete and, all round, a wonderful companion. These dogs usually get on very well with people and can be trained for all sorts of jobs, including work as service and therapy dogs. Although the Poodle is registered in France and is France's national breed, it actually originated in Germany. The name Poodle is thought to come from the German "Pudelin", which means to splash about in water.
In the beginning there was only one kind of Poodle; today we know four.
Standard Poodle - Stands up to 58 cm tall and weighs between 20 and 35 kg. This one is alert, which makes it a great watchdog.
Medium Poodle – Smaller in size – between 35 and 45 cm tall and weighing 7 to 12 kg. It shares a great many traits with the Standard, which is why people often mix the two up.
Miniature Poodle – Reaches up to 35 cm in height. The Miniature has the longest life expectancy – up to 20 years.
Toy Poodle – Stands up to 29 cm tall and weighs no more than 5 kg. Very affectionate, and if you are after a lap dog, this is the right choice.
What are the common problems in Poodles? How do you prevent them?
Poodles are prone to allergies, including skin allergies and food sensitivities. Regular visits to the groomer and hypoallergenic diets can help keep things under control.
The larger ones are susceptible to hip dysplasia and other joint conditions. A balanced diet, regular exercise such as throwing and fetching a ball, and keeping to a healthy weight can all improve joint health.
Poodles are known to develop various eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. It is recommended that your Poodle sees a vet, an ophthalmologist, for check-ups once a year, so that problems are picked up in time and treated appropriately.
How do you care for a Poodle?
Daily brushing: the Poodle's dense, curly coat needs constant brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Try to brush them through every day to keep the coat healthy and tidy.
Professional clipping: Book regular visits to a professional groomer to keep your Poodle in the clip you want and the coat in excellent condition.
Ear care: Poodles are prone to ear infections because of their drop ears. Clean their ears regularly and keep them dry to reduce the risk of infection.
Dental care: Like many other breeds, Poodles are susceptible to dental problems. Get into a routine of brushing their teeth regularly and provide chew bones or toys to keep their mouth healthy.
How should you feed a Poodle?
What you feed your Poodle has a significant effect on their health, both now and in the long term. Read food labels carefully and avoid anything containing artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives. Some have been linked to neurological problems and to certain kinds of cancer.
Is exercise important for a Poodle?
Making sure your Poodle is active enough is vital to good health, and it is one step that can help extend their life.
Physical exercise keeps the heart healthy, works to maintain muscle tone and can reduce the risk of several diseases, including canine diabetes and even some kinds of cancer. Aim for at least two longer walks a day and give your four-legged friend the chance to run off the lead. Poodles love fetching a ball, catching a frisbee and jumping over obstacles.
Mental exercise helps a dog burn off pent-up energy and often leads to better behaviour. Puzzles are great, because they give your dog a chance to use some of their natural problem-solving ability. Keeping your dog busy with interactive toys can build their confidence. Set aside time and teach them new commands. Not only will this create a deeper bond between you, it will also sharpen their focus.
Regular visits to the vet
Routine check-ups are an important part of care. Just as people should have an annual check-up, so should pets. Older Poodles need geriatric check-ups twice a year. A huge number of health problems, when caught in time, are far easier and cheaper to treat.
The vet will carry out a full physical examination, listen to the heart and lungs and run screening tests (urine analysis, a faeces sample, blood tests) to rule out problems commonly seen in dogs.
In today's busy world it is easy to assume your dog is doing fine and that nothing about their care needs changing. Even so, plenty of problems can be hiding just below the surface. Follow this advice and you can be confident you are giving them the best possible care for optimal health, happiness and safety. Still have questions? Why not have a quick online consultation with a vet? See the vets available at the following link!
