This ancient breed appears in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard is the oldest. The Poodle was originally developed to be a water dog that retrieved game fowl. Favored by royalty as well as gypsies, this versatile breed was able to master many tasks and trades and maintain a reputation as a fine companion. Poodles come in a variety of sizes from the toy poodle to the giant poodle, but here we are going to look at the average, better known as the normal poodle. They are classed as a small to medium dog with a height of approximately 16 inches with the male dog weighing in at 66-77 pounds and the female bitch weighing in a little less at 46-70 pounds. They have a single coat that is curly in appearance and they do not shed much of their dense hair, which does require quite regular grooming. They are most commonly single coloured and it is very rare to find a multi-coloured poodle.
There are also several different poodle breeds. These dogs are created by the crossbreeding of two different purebred dogs. Some people call them hybrid poodles, but that is incorrect terminology. The correct terminology is crossbreed. Hybrid is the crossing of two different species. Some common poodle crossbreeds are the cockapoo or the spoodle, which is made by crossing the poodle with a cocker spaniel. Another crossbreed is the goldendoodle, which is from a cross with a golden retriever.
Poodles are prone to ear infections, so need to have these checked during grooming. More seriously the puppy's can suffer from renal problems, and as adults their main issues are predispositions to Addison's disease, airway problems, thyroid problems and hip dysplasia. More minor ailments consist of cataracts, Progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and bloat.
The Poodle requires extensive grooming. Professional clipping must be done every six to eight weeks. The coat may be groomed in three different styles: the Pet Clip, English Saddle, and Continental. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent mats and tangles. It is important that the Poodles teeth and ears are checked and cleaned on a consistent basis. This breed is prone to cataracts, PRA, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease.
Although Poodles are classed as non-shedders their coats do require a great deal of care. They need to be combed or brushed very regularly, and will most likely require regular trips to the salon for professional care. Brushing their teeth preferably daily is also required to reduce the incidence of gingivitis.
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Height: 15-21 inches
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