Poodles: breed description, species, care and training

Poodles are a popular and talented breed of domestic dogs, which is famous for its incredible stunts and acrobatic abilities in circus performances. In this article you will learn about the common types and breeds of poodles, the peculiarities of their maintenance, care and training.

Everything that is exactly known about this breed at the moment indicates its rich historical past, dating back thousands of years. Primitive images of these animals were found on ancient Roman and Greek coins, as well as on the stucco of some temples.

At various times, many European countries were considered the birthplace of this breed. Most often, preference was given to Hungary, Germany and France, where this breed was used in the Middle Ages. Initially, poodles were used exclusively as a hunting breed. - they caught the wounded prey from reservoirs and marshland. From the German language, the word "poodle" literally translates as "swamp" or "puddle", from English puddle also means "puddle".

In French, the breed is called "Kanish", which is derived from the expression chien canard, which translates as "dog for hunting ducks."

It is believed that poodles were formed by crossing several different breeds at once. Among them were: barbet, bullets, commander, retriever, toy spaniel, bichon. It is precisely known that the breed acquired its real popularity in the 18th century, when poodles entered the European market and almost instantly became pets of rich and famous persons. Earlier in France, grooming services were opened - specialized dog grooming salons, and with the advent of poodles, their activities were able to gain momentum.

At one time, poodles became the favorites of such famous personalities as Marie-Antoinette, Schopenhauer, Ludwig van Beethoven. They all admired the beauty, grace and intelligence of these pets. It is also known that some breeds of poodles were bred specifically for participation in military battles. These dogs could bring food, supplies and reports unnoticed by the enemy, and also find injured people and drag them away from the battlefield.

This variety was officially recognized only in 1886, when the world's first standard of such a breed was published. A little later a similar document was drawn up in France and Germany. This breed also came to Russia in the 19th century, and dogs became favorite pets for many representatives of the Russian nobility.

The Poodle is one of the few purebred breeds that is immediately recognized in the crowd of other dogs. The reason for this recognition are extraordinary hairstyles and haircuts, which are awarded to these animals by their owners.

Below will be considered the typical characteristics of the appearance of poodles, depending on the variety.

• Royal (large). The largest species among the poodles. Height is up to 60 centimeters at the withers, the average weight of an adult - from 20 to 23 kg.

• Small poodle. Up to 45 centimeters at the withers, weight less - up to 8 kilos. Unlike the royal variety, small types of poodles need a more balanced feeding, however, they do not require a large amount of space to play in the apartment.

• Dwarf breed. Typical dimensions: not more than 35 centimeters in height, rarely heavier than 6 kilos by weight.

• Toy Poodle Up to 28 centimeters in height with a weight of no more than 4-5 kg.

The color variations of poodles can be completely different. Since the breed became widespread, breeders have achieved impressive results in terms of coat color: peach, snow white, chestnut, red, gray, and even red shades.

Regardless of the breed, all poodles have roughly the same exterior features. Let's take a look at them in more detail.

• Head. Elongated, slightly oblate, the back of the head stands out significantly against the neck. The bridge of nose is wide and smooth, the muzzle itself is long, significantly narrowed towards the nose. The eyes are small, solid brown or dark in color, occasionally there are blue shades. Remarkably developed nose, not covered with hair, color black, pinkish or brown, nostrils well visible.

• Ears. Mostly long ears (sometimes the length of the chest), hanging type, covered with a dense layer of curly long hair. The inside of the ears is also covered with wool. The shape is often rounded, the width of the base is much smaller than the width of the end part.

• Neck. Medium length, gracefully curved, covered with a thick layer of wool, because of which it seems excessively thick and broad.

• Torso. Elongated type, the correct proportional shape. The back is indirect, however, there is no deflection. The chest is narrow and almost flat, but at the expense of hair appears to be arched forward. The abdomen in adults is tucked up, folds are absent. In individuals after pregnancy folds are masked by hair.

• Limbs. Due to the rest of the body and abundant amount of hair, they seem thin, but in healthy animals they have well-developed muscles. The legs are set correctly and parallel to each other, also covered with a thick layer of wool. The paws themselves are small, the pads of the oval type, the fingers are closed.

• Tail. Most individuals are poorly represented, as it is most often pruned in nurseries at birth. It can grow up to 40 centimeters, however, pedigreed specimens with tails up to 7-10 centimeters are often found. The tail is also covered with a thick layer of wool and resembles a hair ball. Usually looking up or curved.

• Leather. Pigmented type. In individuals of white, gray or platinum color, the cover of a silvery tone, in individuals of variegated colors, corresponds to the basic shade.

• Wool. Depending on the variety, there may be two types. The first type: thin, but thick and curly curly hair, the texture is soft and springy. The second type: long curls of cord type, stiff in texture, have low springiness, are disobedient.

Poodles are an incredibly intelligent breed of dogs that possesses specific characteristics of a character. The main character traits strongly depend on the conditions of upbringing and maintenance, which is why it is worth taking time to train the dogs from an early age.

• Relationship to family members. Practically from the very first days of dating, poodles try their best to contact new owners. They are by nature extremely sociable, like constant attention and games, prone to empathy.

• Attitude to children. For young children, poodles become real friends.These are their constant companions who will support in any games, walks and acquaintances. Even when it comes to the appearance in the family of a newborn baby, poodles are extremely patient with night-time shouts, whims and harassment.

• Relationship to other pets. If we are talking about cats, then poodles are one of those few dogs that can make friends with them. However, a lot here depends on the nature of the cat and the age of the poodle itself. Young poodles find it harder to make friends with cats - they are too active for them and can cause many injuries to the cat in the heat of the game. Until the age of six months, the poodle is better not to have contact with an adult cat. If we are talking about other breeds of dogs, then poodles do not have any problems with them. But it must be animals of about the same age.

• The need for communication. As already mentioned, poodles are extremely social animals. They literally cannot stay alone indoors for a long time. Even an adult poodle will haunt you everywhere in your apartment, keep track of your affairs and draw all the attention.

• Attitude towards other people. If new people come to the apartment or you met someone of your acquaintances during a walk, do not expect a playful mood and a desire to meet your poodle. In the presence of other people, the poodles are slightly timid and shy, but incapable of open aggression. The maximum that any poodle can afford to strangers is warning barking.

• Vengefulness Not particularly pleasant feature of poodles, which overtakes everyone who is indifferent or neglectful to them. As already mentioned, poodles attract the attention of the host with all their might. This is reflected in ubiquitous sabotage: gnawed slippers, damaged furniture, puddles and wet wallpaper in various places.

• Empathy. With a healthy relationship of a pet and owner, poodles have amazing empathic abilities. These animals feel very fine the spiritual state of their owner, they can copy his emotions: rejoice and grieve in unusual and unusual situations. Poodles will support absolutely all your ideas: from a long hike in the forest or out of town to the usual rest on the bed while watching a movie.

The advantages of purchasing poodles will be as follows:

• cheerful, restless and ready for adventure;
• wool very rarely sheds, cleaning is not difficult;
• considered to be a breed capable of training and exhibitions, has a developed intellect;
• he is soft and good-natured by nature, but he can stand up for himself and for his master;
• is a so-called greenhouse breed, that is, it feels great in an enclosed space;
• the breed in many countries is represented as elite;
• the coat does not have a specific dog smell;
• gets along well with all family members, including children.

Minuses:

• despite the remarkable adaptability to the apartment, it needs daily walks in the fresh air;
• capricious and vengeful with lack of attention;
• To make the pet's coat look nice and tidy, you should take care of it regularly: combing and styling.

The average adult poodle is not much different from other domestic animals in terms of life expectancy.Depending on the conditions of detention, the life expectancy of a poodle can vary from 10 to 15 years. The strongest and most enduring individuals live up to 20 years.

The life span of this breed, like all other quadrupeds, depends on the following factors.

• The quality and integrity of care. Poodles are not recommended for inexperienced owners, who have no idea about the content of the dog. Some aspects of caring for a poodle may seem difficult for an ordinary breeder.

• Nutrition. It is the second factor affecting the life expectancy of any domestic animals. Poodles cannot be called exceptional gourmets - they are able to eat almost anything that comes handy, however, there are types of foods that are contraindicated for these animals. About them will be discussed below.

• Relationship with the owner. Healthy, cheerful and pleasant relations with the owner not only improve the mood of the pet, but also actually prolong its life.

• Heredity. A factor that is almost impossible to somehow control. This usually means that the pet has some genetic diseases that could have been transmitted from grandparents. That is why experienced breeders recommend checking the puppy's parents passports when buying a young individual.

• Activities and sports. Poodles are always in motion. Even being in the walls of the house, these pets are unable to sit in one place for a long time. Without regular walks in the fresh air, poodles can completely lose their cheerfulness, become passive and closed.

At the beginning of the material, the main varieties were already indicated, depending on their size and weight: large, small, dwarf, and toy poodle. In this subtitle, you can familiarize yourself with popular varieties, depending on their original color. So, there are the following poodles.

• Harlequin Poodle Breed, which is characterized by a contrasting black and white color with the prevalence of white. These individuals are characterized by white limbs, chest, abdomen, and occasionally - withers, as well as a muzzle. The rest of the body is occupied by extensive black spots. The ratio of white and black should be something like this: 60/40.

• Phantom Poodle Is one of the most beautiful recognized breeds of poodles. The breed differs from the rest in a unique brown-orange color. Dark brown or chocolate color occupies more than 80% of the hair, orange, white or yellowish spots are located on the chest (at the base of the forelimbs), cheeks, inside of the hind limbs and on the outside of the front, near the legs.

• Poodle Pointer It is the result of breeding surveys to cross poodles with pointers, gunmen and setters. Breed is used exclusively as a hunting. It differs from the rest of its relatives by continuous brown or chocolate color with relatively short hair and pronounced long hair on the face.

• Maltese Poodle or Maltipu. It was bred by crossing a toy poodle with a Maltese lapdog. Differs in extremely small growth - up to 35 cm, and weighing up to 3.5 kilos.The most common colors are red, brown, apricot and white. The poodles differ from their relatives by a round head with a blunt muzzle, as well as short and strong limbs. Breed is considered decorative.

Before you buy a poodle in your house, you should soberly assess the future conditions of your pet. Before buying, you need to pay attention to the following factors.

• Family. It is necessary to understand whether a certain breed of poodle is suitable for your family. So, dwarf or toy-poodle should not be bought in families with children. These animals have an extremely fragile skeleton and bones. Children in the process of playing with an animal can bring him serious harm. If this is a family of elderly people, then poodles of medium or small type will be more suitable for which too much care is not required.
• Dimensions. It should be understood that the larger the poodle in size, the more he needs to feed, care and care. In addition, large breeds often need walks and plenty of space for games and entertainment. The amount of feed per day also depends on the size of the breed.
• Your free time. Poodles, like most of the domesticated dogs, need constant communication, games and active recreation. If you are busy all the time at work, at home or with children, it is better to choose a different breed. In addition to entertainment, dog training and feeding, you will need to spend hours each day walking and jogging with the dog. And she will not wait until you finish your work to impose a handful.
• The purpose of the purchase. It should immediately be said that the modern breeds of the poodle are exclusively decorative, and it is worth buying them for this very purpose. They may be your protector on the streets, but they will not be able to guard the house.
• Gender of the animal. Even before buying, you need to decide who you want to have - a boy or a girl. Females are prone to greater affection, they easily make contact and quickly establish friendly relations. But females from time to time estrus occurs, which can affect their character. Males are more active, restless and sociable, they can be difficult to learn something. It will take more time for males to walk - they will not leave the street until they have marked several places. There are also problems regarding sexual maturation.
• Pet age. Experienced breeders know that the best time to buy an animal in a house is two or three months old. It was at this time that the puppy's puppy becomes more intelligent, already knows how to execute elementary commands, and is accustomed to walking.
• Climate. Despite its impressive curly fur coat, poodles are poorly adapted to sharp climatic declines and temperature shifts. It should be taken into account if you decide to start a dog in a cold, unstable and often changing climate.

Now it is necessary to consider the factors and signs that need to pay attention when choosing a puppy in the nursery or with private hands.

• Behavior and activity. This is the first thing to look for when choosing a poodle puppy. Puppies are usually in a good mood, playful, constantly running, and can even bully. This is a sure sign of a healthy poodle with a smooth character. Especially closely it is necessary to look closely at the activity of individuals of the dwarf type.
• Dimensions. Among the puppies of the same sex should choose the one who weighs more and visually overall in size. Thin and small individuals are often extremely weak and susceptible to many diseases. Remember that sometimes the entire litter of a female may consist of weak and small puppies, but this does not mean that they are in poor health.The more individuals in the litter, the less their weight separately.
• Eyes. They must be clean, unclouded, without tearful "tracks", redness, suppuration and dirt. The eyes are reflected most of the dangerous diseases for dogs.
• Limbs. The legs of a healthy puppy puppy should be strong, straight and long, with dense pads on the legs. Make sure the pet is not limping and not having difficulty running.
• Belly and chest. Regardless of the type of poodle, the animal must have a healthy dense coat without bald patches and bald head. Pay special attention to the pet's skin - in sick puppies you can find redness or rash, suppuration on the tummy, breast and under the legs.
• Ears. Very young puppies still do not have the characteristic tanks with thick hair, so they will be quite easy to check. In healthy individuals, the ears should calmly hang, in the inner part there should be no suppuration, scabs or dirt.
• Wool. Very much can be understood by the state of the wool itself. In healthy animals, it is smooth, whirling, springing under the arms. In sick individuals, bedsores, felted wool, yellowed patches on the skin may be noticeable. Look at the fur around the anus - in healthy pets it should be clean and dry.
• Parents. Some breeders prefer to judge the condition of puppies by their pedigree. Usually they pay attention to the merits, mental state and physical health of parents. It is best to focus on the father in this situation, since any females after birth, even the first litter begins to deform the body - especially with regard to skin and coat on the abdomen (folds, hair).

Immediately after the purchase of a pet, it is worth figuring out exactly what the previous owners fed it. Make your puppy a smooth transition to a new diet. Newly-born puppies should not be bought - babies should get all the vitamins and elements necessary for their nutrition in the first days from mother's milk.

Regardless of the size and breed of your poodle, it is adapted exclusively for home maintenance in the walls of the apartment. Below you will find the rules for keeping poodles that will help you properly care for these animals.

• A place to rest and sleep. Allocate your pet its own place - it should be where people constantly go. It is desirable that the pet's house has good circulation of fresh air (without drafts) and is protected from direct sunlight. Avoid placing the house near radiators and heated walls - with such thick hair, excess heat for poodles will be harmful. If possible, arrange there a special warm sunbed.

• Restroom. Immediately it is worth understanding that the dog is not a cat, and cannot get used to shitting in some strictly specific place. In a sense, for this type of animal is unnatural.

• Toys and entertainment. The pet spends the bulk of its active time doing its activities and games. That is why you should buy a few toys in the apartment with which the dog could have fun while you are busy. First of all, you should take care of the purchase of a special vitamin stone. This is especially true of young individuals, whose teeth are just starting to grow. Also a necessary attribute for games will be a ball, a squeaker and a toy with a riddle (a plastic ball with food inside will help distract your pet for a long time and shake off its teeth).

The right conditions of detention are not only a good place to rest, toys and walks, but also regular thorough care for your pet. Below is a list of procedures that should be carried out with your pet regularly.

• Care of the coat. The main part of worries about the poodle will depend on the care of the scalp. Without its dazzling springy coat, the poodle turns into an ordinary dog, and therefore it takes a lot of patience and money to care for the coat. The first thing you should buy is a good hair brush or a thick comb. It is especially important to comb it out at a young age, when the pet sheds almost every day, changing puppy hair for an adult. Upon reaching the semi-annual age, you should comb the poodle at least 3-4 times a week.

• Skin care. Pay attention to the condition of the skin of your animal - it reflects more than 30% of all diseases dangerous for the animal. To prevent the formation of boils, boils, abscesses or non-healing wounds, special powders can be used.

• A haircut. Despite popular belief, poodles need to be cut even for decorative purposes. Over time, the wool grows, and can interfere with the animal to fully move. Experienced breeders recommend cutting at least once every two months.

• The washing up. Many owners often prefer to bathe their dogs because of the specific smell. However, the poodles do not have this smell, and it would seem that such frequent washing is not so necessary. But this is not so - the longer the hair of your poodle, the sooner it will lose its appearance. In order to get rid of dirt on wool or just wash your pet after a dusty walk, regular bathing without soap or shampoo will do.

• Ears. It is necessary to constantly check the ears of your pet for prevention. The cleaning itself should be done at least once every two weeks - especially for active individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.

• Claws To help kogterezki should be resorted to as needed. For young individuals such procedures may not be necessary - these dogs effectively grind off their small claws during outdoor games.

• Eyes. If you see morning slime in your eyes in your eyes, take it a habit to clean your eyes every morning with wipes moistened with cool boiled water.

• Oral cavity. Some of the diseases of poodles relate to the teeth. To protect yourself from these risks, you should brush your teeth with a special brush and paste for dogs at least once a week.

At the moment there are two ways of feeding poodles. The first one concerns feeding with ready-made feeds - you have to buy a balanced ready-made feed, which includes all the vitamins and minerals necessary for life. The second method is the feeding with natural products, where the owner himself chooses the supplied elements and can freely add some new products to the diet.

Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. First will be considered the pros and cons of the finished feed.

Pros:

• Balanced feed, with which you only need to monitor the amount of food for a certain breed and size of a dog;
• these forages a priori contain everything necessary for a full life for both young and adult individuals;
• long storage in a dry and ventilated area - up to six months or more.

Minuses:

• high cost if you want to buy super-premium food (as necessary for poodles);
• lack of variety in the diet, because of which the animal may disappear appetite;
• the owner will never be completely confident in the composition of the products that he gives the animal.

Natural food also has its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of natural food are obvious.

• The owner independently monitors the quality and the process of cooking, therefore, can be confident that the animal eats.
• For natural feed in domestic animals is much more trustworthy.
• Variety - the owner at any time can add to the feed some new product or treat. The diet of such food is easy to change and adjust to the current vitamin needs of the pet.
• Even the highest quality natural products cost far less than specialized poodle foods.

Cons natural feed also available.

• Exceptionally short storage time. The calorie and nutritional value of natural cooked foods is most evident in the very first hours after cooking and serving as food.
• The need to keep track of calories, the difficulty to maintain a balance in nutrients when changing diet, lack of vitamins and minerals.
• Unlike ready-made feeds, new portions of natural food need to be prepared almost every day. It will take much longer.

Despite all of the above, most poodle breeders prefer natural feeding with the addition of special vitamin supplements. With such feeding is to adhere to the following recommendations and rules.

• Fresh quality meat. It occupies the main place in the daily diet, accounting for about 2/3 of the total amount of food. Of the meat products is to turn to beef and lamb. You can use offal as a substitute. All of the above products should be served only boiled.
• Fish products. Served in the diet is not as a main dish, but serves only as an additive to replenish the body's phosphorus and other vitamins.
• Sour milk products. Unlike many other pets, poodles just need to buy yogurt, cheese or cottage cheese several times a week. They are needed to replenish vital calcium for the body, which is responsible for the integrity of their skeleton.
• Vegetables, fruits and cereals. The rest of the daily ration should be cereals, fruits and vegetables. It is worth stopping on buckwheat or rice porridges. Vegetables and fruits in this case can serve as an additive, and as a treat. From vegetables here fit tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, spinach.

Poodles have an innate ability to train and learn. No wonder that poodles are so often used in circus performances. Training and training in the life of these animals are not just mandatory - they bring real pleasure for a healthy dog. This is especially true of young poodles or puppies who are willing to obediently carry out their master's commands for hours, consciously honing their skills.

Further you can familiarize with the list of rules which need to be observed at desire of training of a healthy and clever poodle.

• Start learning almost from birth. It is at this age that the animal best remembers all the rules and attitudes. With the training of an adult pet, things may not be so simple.
• Any pet should have its own name. It will serve as a guide for the pet. If you use a pet’s nickname with certain commands regarding a situation, it’s more likely to remember them.
• There should be no violence in training. Avoid screams and open aggression in the direction of pets - they feel it very well. Instead, have patience and resort to a method of promotion. For each perfect trick, treat the poodle with a small delicacy, affectionately praise or just stroke.
• Mark closed and open areas immediately. There should be no indulgence in visiting closed places and rooms. As soon as the animal crossed the border, immediately return it back.
• Teach a poodle to care. The smaller the pet will twitch during such procedures, the calmer you and he will be. That is why you should start the procedure from birth.
• Only one owner should train an animal. It will be difficult for a pet to get used to a large number of even identical teams from different coaches, because they will be spoken with different arrangements and intonations.
• After passing the baseline, go to the training of other teams. The simplest teams for training should be: “next”, “to me”, “sit”, “voice”. Do not forget about the method of promotion.
• Systematic. Classes should be held regularly, at the same time. Give them at least an hour a day. After passing the next stage in training, sometimes return to the old material for fixing.

Most owners note the inquisitive and keen mind of poodles. Many are delighted with the learning speed of these animals, as well as their natural beauty and grace. In addition, people notice a complete lack of aggression towards other pets and children.

As for the negative reviews about this breed, they all relate to the difficulties of caring for the delicate hair of poodles. As for the rest, as owners note, this is an absolutely ordinary dog ​​that requires a lot of attention, love and care.

For more on the features of the breed, see the following video.