The poodle is a group of formal dog breeds, the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from [wiki base=”EN”]Germany[/wiki] as a type of water dog.
Ranked second most intelligent dog breed just behind the Border Collie, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports and activities, including agility, obedience, tracking to herding, circus performers or assistance dogs. Poodles have taken top honors in many conformation shows, including “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007 and 2010.
Size variants
The poodle has been bred in at least three sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. According to the American Kennel Club, which recognised the breed in 1887, the Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, and was later bred down to the miniature and toy sizes. The British Kennel Club also recognises three sizes, stating that the miniature and toy are scaled down versions of the standard. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes four sizes of one breed: standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Poodles exist in many coat colors. Despite the Standard Poodle’s claim to greater age than the other varieties, some evidence shows the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today.
Temperament
Poodles are known as a highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable breed. They require both physical and intellectual activities. Of note is this breed’s keen sense for instinctive behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable in poodles than in most other breeds. A typical poodle should be reserved with strangers upon first introduction, but after a while should slowly reveal a warm and personable disposition. Snappy, vicious behavior is considered a serious fault in the breed.
Poodles are highly trainable dogs that typically excel in obedience training. A poodle will do well at many dog sports, including [wiki title=”Dog_agility” base=”EN”]dog agility[/wiki], [wiki title=”Flyball” base=”EN”]flyball[/wiki], [wiki title=”Dock_jumping” base=”EN”]dock diving[/wiki], [wiki title=”Tracking_trial” base=”EN”]field tracking[/wiki], and even [wiki title=”Schutzhund” base=”EN”]schutzhund[/wiki], and can follow owners on hiking trips or any trip involving swimming, as long as the dog is accustomed to water and swimming.
Health
The most common serious health issues of Standard Poodles listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry (20 August 2007) are [wiki base=”EN”]Addison’s disease[/wiki], [wiki title=”Gastric_dilatation_volvulus” base=”EN”]gastric dilatation volvulus[/wiki], [wiki title=”Thyroid” base=”EN”]thyroid[/wiki] issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), [wiki title=”Tracheal_collapse” base=”EN”]tracheal collapse[/wiki], epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Standard Poodles are also susceptible to some health issues usually too minor to report to the health registry. The most common of these minor issues is probably ear infection. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties because their nonshedding coat grows into the ear canal, where it traps wax and dirt. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care, including regular cleaning and plucking of hair within the ear canal. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection.
Standard Poodles in UK, Denmark and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of 11.5 to 12 years. In a UK survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (30%), old age (18%), GDV (6%), and cardiac disease (5%).
Miniature and Toy Poodles in UK surveys had median lifespans of 14 to 14.5 years. In Miniatures, the leading cause of death was old age (39%). In Toys, the leading causes of death were old age (25%), and kidney failure (20%).
Poodle. (2017, July 20). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Poodle&oldid=791505001