Mostly known for their classy appearance and relation to the most elite people in society, the Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the history of the world, but not everyone loves them. They are normally perceived as snobby based on misrepresentation in movies and the media, but there are many facts that people do not understand about this pup. The Standard Poodle is one of the most intelligent dogs in history, which is one of the many reasons they can be seen in dog shows and events, as they are easily trained.
They are also great watchdogs, and are very loyal to their owners, making sure to keep them safe from strangers. Though they are not innately aggressive, they can be protective of their owners, but still tend to be manageable towards guests. The Standard Poodle is very alert and attentive, and always listens to its owners commands, which is an added benefit if you ask me. Despite the rumours surrounding the pomp and fluff of the Standard Poodle, it is important to get to know more about this dog before making a decision on what they are like.
History of the Standard Poodle
While its origins have been linked to France and Germany, the Poodle’s nativity remains a mystery, but with its heritage coming from the French Water dog, the France theory may be more plausible. Dating back to as far as the 15th century, the classy Poodle we now know and love is far different from the hunting dog used back in historical times. Because of their intelligence and ability to be easily trained, the Standard Poodle was used in many different positions and succeeded in them all.
They were used as hunters to retrieve waterfowl, ad truffle seeking dogs, and even as gun dogs. When the owners took notice of their intelligence however, they began to be used as circus performers by the French. The Standard Poodle soon began to excel in this area as well, and became popular around France for their intelligence and brilliance, and not long after, was referred to as the French Poodle by French citizens. Breeders then began developing the Poodle into three different sizes: the toy Poodle, the miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle. In the late 19th century, the Poodle migrated with colonists, and became popular in many other countries. Today it is recognized as one of the top 10 most popular dogs in the world, and remains the National Dog of France.
Appearance and Physical Attributes
The Standard Poodle is normally easily spotted based on its signature cut, but the characteristics of the Poodle go deeper than what initially meets the eye. They generally have very long and floppy ears, paired with a long and straight muzzle. They normally have small and delicate feet, so be sure to pay special attention to caring for them. The Standard Poodle also has a corded or curly coat, that stands out from many other dogs, but it also has its own variations.
The Standard Poodle’s coat can be very difficult to take care of if you’re not sure of the grooming process, but it is completely manageable. The coat also comes in a variety of different colours. These include but are not limited to White, apricot, brown, cream, grey or silver, black and cafe-au-lait. The coat is always one solid colour, and does not come parti coloured. Their coat tends to grow very long, very fast, so ensure that grooming is a priority when it comes to your Poodle.
Temperament and Personality
The characteristics of your Poodle may vary greatly depending on its socialisation in the early years of his life, or lack thereof. They do however have some innate characteristics that can be expected despite the environment they are put in. The Standard Poodle will be very loyal and attached to its owner, and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. They are also relatively friendly to strangers and guests, and tend to be very mannerable to everyone.
Another innate characteristic that cannot be overlooked is their brilliance. The Standard Poodle is listed as the 2nd smartest dog breed in the world, which is one of the reasons they are very popular among owners with different personalities. Poodles also generally tend to be very cheerful companions, and are generally very well rounded companions for adoption. They will however need to be both mentally and physically stimulated regularly to stay happy and sociable. Overall, the Standard Poodle should be a delight to add to my family, and will bring joy and happiness wherever it ends up.
Grooming, Care and Physical Activity
Perhaps the most difficult part of owning a Poodle is the grooming and maintenance that they require. The Standard Poodle will need to be trimmed and bathed on a regular basis to remove any excess dirt or buildup that has accumulated in its fur over time. The ideal grooming time recommended is 4 – 6 weeks, but your Standard Poodle should be bathed more frequently than it is trimmed. Fortunately, the Standard Poodle is not a shedder, so need for excessive brushing, but a simple brush once per week should suffice.
The Standard Poodle also has exercise requirements that must be met for her to stay happy and healthy on a regular basis. A daily walk is necessary, but this dog also needs time to play and run around. They also need to be given activities that keep them mentally stimulated such as learning new tricks and any agility based exercise. This is one of the reasons why competing is so natural for the Standard Poodle, because both their mental and physical stimulation requirements have been met. A lack of exercise can cause your Poodle to become very unhappy and unproductive, so be sure that his daily needs are met.
Health Issues and Lifespan of the Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle has a very long lifespan of up to 16 years, so before you decide to take home this cutie, be sure you are prepared for the lifelong commitment. They are at risk for a number of health issues that can be passed down genetically or can be developed over time. These include:
- Seizures
- Immune System Disorders
- Eye Diseases
- Skin Diseases
- Digestive Issues
While the Standard Poodle may appear to be all fluff, there is a lot more than meets the eye with this dog. Do you think this is the right dog for you? Head out and find your perfect pup.
