Is a Poodle right for you?
Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but there is a lot you may not know about them. From their history to their temperament, here are 13 interesting facts about poodles that every dog lover should know.
Although they are the national dog of France
the Poodles origins are in Germany, where it is thought that they descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel. In German the word “pudel” means “splashing in the water”.
In France, the breed is known as the Caniche
which means “duck dog” rather than Poodle. The French originally used these dogs for hunting waterfowl and other game birds around 1750.
Poodles are very popular dog breeds
due to their extremely high intelligence, their hypoallergenic coats, and overall friendly personalities. They make great family pets due to their commitment to being “people pleasers” and excellent social skills.
Poodles require daily long walks
playtime, and most importantly mental stimulation. As high energy dogs, they need to be engaged in an activity with their owners for several hours each day. If not exercised enough, they can become destructive by chewing furniture, digging holes in the yard, barking excessively, etc.
The Poodle is a well known breed from across the globe
for being one of the most intelligent dogs in history. They have been used for hunting, herding and performing tricks. They were bred with webbed paws and water resistant coats which makes them excellent swimmers.
The Poodle’s most common color is black
even though they can be found in almost any color or fur pattern. In addition to all the classic colors such as black, apricot, gray and white; other colors include red, silver, brown and cream. Red and Apricot are the least common colors.
Poodle’s are excellent truffle hunters.
Poodles have been used and are still being used to hunt and retrieve truffles. They can smell a truffle up to 100 yards away and retrieve them without damage because they have a “soft-mouth.”
Poodles come in 3 recognized sizes
The Toy Poodle (4-12 pounds), Miniature Poodle (10-20 pounds) and Standard Poodle (40-70 pounds). There is actually a 4th size know as a Moyen Poodle that sits between the standard and miniature Poodle size.
In research, Poodles have been ranked
as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, behind the Border Collie. Basically, what this means is that Poodles are able to learn new commands in less than 5 repetitions and obey those commands 99% of the time!
In research being done at the University of Pennsylvania
the Poodle (standard) ranks high in their energy level at 57.9% and above average in attachment and attention seeking behaviors at 52.2%. The Toy Poodle ranks 100% in attachment and attention seeking behaviors and almost 80% in separation anxiety. They do not like to left alone!
The AKC sponsors dog racing competitions
(100 yards). The average speed of a standard Poodle was 22.7 mph and the fastest recorded speed was 32.73 mph-that is fast!
Poodle Cross Breeds are the Most Popular
of all mixed breeds. Because of their high intelligence, low shedding and athletic ability they are often used when breeding cross breed dogs. Goldendoodle-Labradoodle-Bernedoodle-Cavapoo-Maltipoo and the Cockapoo are just a few popular dogs.
Poodles are generally a healthy breed
but their are some conditions to be aware of such as Addison’s disease, Canine atrial septal defect and Chronic active hepatitis.
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Poodle Humor!
