Things to consider
Advantages of a well-bred, properly raised Standard Poodle can be:
- Intelligence
- Adaptable and trainable
- People oriented
- Hair does not shed out of coat
- Wonderful disposition
- Strong, hardy breed
- Very in tuned and sensitive to human needs
- Sense of humor
Disadvantages of a Standard Poodle can be:
- Requires grooming on a regular basis
- Emotionally dependent on PEOPLE
- Due to their coat care, are not suited for living outdoors.
- Will spoil you from ever wanting any other breed
Poodles are among the most intelligent dogs you can own. A good Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. He is a ‘thinking’ dog who pays rapt attention to his owner, learns quickly, and responds eagerly to positive training methods. Despite their regal air, the Poodle is no snob.
These are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families. They become lonely when left by themselves for long periods of time. They are always up for an adventure. Poodles love to learn and want to please. Their busy minds need to be nurtured to keep them out of mischief. Trick training suits their heritage as circus dogs quite well. In fact, Standard Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulant in order to be happy, well adjusted canine. Among training that Poodles love is agility, hide-n-go-seek, fetch or go get a variety of toys, pick-up and deliver, like picking up the newspaper or carrying a bottle to the recycling bin or bring your slipper, etc. The more advance the training the happier a Poodle is.
A Poodle who has been taught good canine manners has a calm disposition, especially if he gets regular exercise to burn off his natural energy.
No breed has a more highly developed sense of humor that the Poodle. Good thing too. No breed has been the butt of so many jokes. Humor aside, show ring strange looking coat styles aside, a look at the REAL canine, one will find a smart funny Poodle. Those who think the Poodle is ‘prissy’ just really have never come to know this wonderful canine. Poodles are still one of the most popular breeds in the world. Poodle lovers know the dogs for their intelligence, ease of training, low-shedding curly coat, and love of family.
A Poodle’s coat is both a blessing and a curse. The coat is a blessing because the breed sheds less, so it may be more easily tolerated by some people with allergies. The coat, or rather what people do with the coat, is why many people cross the Poodle off their lists.The breed’s froufrou reputation is based on show poodles, who are poof, shaved, and hair-ex tensioned into an appearance that, though once based on practical considerations, is now, well, just plan Show. Family pets can have a simple and easy-to-maintain look.
When considering a Poodle one must consider the grooming aspect. A pet groom can be simple or a little more involved. Poodles require grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. In between It is important to take care of this curly coat with regular brushing. Grooming, even if it is just brushing and bathing, is a wonderful time for the bonding between Poodle and human to take place. Some Poodle owners learn to use clippers and do the job themselves. However, most rely on professionals. Either way it is essential to take care of the Poodle’s curly coat, because without regular grooming, it will become a matted mess that can cause painful skin infections at the roots. The fun part about Poodle grooming is the Poodle can have so many different looks.
Poodles come in different sizes and colors, however, they are all from the same gene pool. The acceptable sizes are Toy, Miniature and Standard. Any other term to describe a Poodle is just a marketing ploy. Poodles come in solid and two-toned colors called Parti Poodles. Phantom poodles have tan areas that are similar to the points on a Doberman Pinscher.
Poodles are active canines. They love a good run. Because of their intelligence Poodles excel at performance activities such as agility, hunt test and obedience. Most people will not be competing with their Poodles, but that does not mean there is not plenty for the bright and agile Poodle to do. These easy to train canines can go anywhere and do anything. They are generally good with other dogs, cats, and strangers.