For hundreds of years the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Poodle seems to be most associated with France, however, many countries claim the breed. Denmark, France and even Russia claim the Poodle's original birthplace. Poodles probably originated in Germany so say many more authorities. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German Pudel which means to splash in water.
Today, the Poodle is available in three different sizes and many different colors, which also accounts for its massive popularity. The toy poodle is classified in the toy breed group by the American Kennel Club.
Although the size of a toy, standard and teacups or miniature is different, they typically look the same having a long head and muzzle with long, flat and wide hanging ears. The tail is typically docked. The coat is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture, which requires daily grooming.
Of interesting note about the toy poodle is that it was commonly used in circuses and floor shows as dancing dogs.
The poodle has a pleasant personality and enjoys constant companionship with its humans. He actually prefers the company of humans rather than other dogs. They do make excellent pets for children and people of all ages. The Poodle has been known to be "gentle" with children.
The poodle is quite intelligent. In fact it is felt by many that the poodle is the most intelligent of all breeds of dogs. They learn quickly and enjoy pleasing people performing a variety of tricks rather than responding to commands. For this reason, I think the Poodle must be sort of a "natural entertainer."
The poodle was also the favorite breed of Louis XV Louis XVI of France. Under Louis XVI the Toy Poodle became the official dog at court. The first recorded grooming parlors were established in France. In France during the 19th Century, grooming their dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy. So identified did the Poodle become with France that the breed was known as the "French Poodle," despite the probability that it did not originate there.
Since the first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers, the first clip most suitable to them resembled what is known as the Continental clip. In this clip a mane of hair is left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were completely shaven. Because the clip also made the Poodle resemble a lion, the clip became known in England as the Lion clip. The Amercian fancy adopted the Lion clip with some variations of its own and called it the English Saddle clip. The Poodle is the only breed whose coat is traditionally styled in a variety of ways. Today these styles range from a variety of different pet clips to the formal clips seen in the show ring.
A few tips in grooming the Poodle:
• When brushing the hind legs, hold leg straight out behind the dog.
• Hold the hair with one hand as you brush with the other (a technique that is said to result in a fuller look to the leg furnishings).
• Wring and towel out as much moisture after the bath as possible before blow drying.
• Comb the topknot up and forward.
• Comb through ears to make sure no snarls are present.
• The pompon is combed through before being scissored.
As with all breeds there are some health concerns. For the poodle the list may include:
• Progressive retinal degeneration;
• Medial patella luxation;
• Epilepsy;
• Cataracts;
• Hyperadrenocorticism;
• Intervertebral Disk Disease.
Poodles are also sometimes prone to hair loss, ear infections, bladder stones, allergies, diabetes, and deafness. The typical lifespan of a toy poodle is 15 to 18 years. As mentioned above, Poodles do quite well with children and adults of all ages.
Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com
About the Author:
Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our FREE newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a toy dog breeder and article directory. Purchase ad space for your toy dog business at $25 per year.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Most Intelligent Poodle by John Pawlett
The Poodle is commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligent of all members of the canine race. There is a general belief that he is a fop, whose time is largely occupied in personal embellishment, and that he requires a great deal of individual attention in the matter of his toilet. It may be true that to keep him in exhibition order and perfect cleanliness his owner has need to devote more consideration to him than is necessary in the case of many breeds; but in other respects he gives very little trouble, and all who are attached to him are consistent in their opinion that there is no dog so intensely interesting and responsive as a companion. His qualities of mind and his acute powers of reasoning are indeed so great that there is something almost human in his attractiveness and his devotion. His aptitude in learning is never denied, and many are the stories told of his marvellous talent and versatility.
Not merely as a showman's dog has he distinguished himself. He is something more than a mountebank of the booths, trained to walk the tight rope and stand on his head. He is an adept at performing tricks, but it is his alertness of brain that places him apart from other animals.
The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity that if not kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little cords which increase in length as the new hair grows and clings about it. The unshed old hair and the new growth entwined together thus become distinct rope-like cords. Eventually, if these cords are not cut short, or accidentally torn off, they drag along the ground, and so prevent the poor animal from moving with any degree of comfort or freedom.
Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable appearance of the coat, attract a great deal of public attention when exhibited at shows; but they have lost popularity among most fanciers, and have become few in number owing to the obvious fact that it is impossible to make pets of them or keep them in the house. The reason of this is that the coat must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keep the cords supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, as their coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the dog clean is to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a lengthy and laborious process. Further, the coat takes hours to dry, and unless the newly washed dog be kept in a warm room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the coats of corded Poodles are almost invariably dirty, and somewhat smelly.
Poodle's General appearance
Head: Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.
Muzzle: Long (but not snipy) and strong not full in cheek, teeth white, strong, and level, gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.
Eyes: Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.
Nose: Black and sharp.
Ears: The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.
Neck: Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.
Feet: Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.
Legs: Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle.
Hind-legs: Very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.
Tail: Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.
Coat: Very profuse, and of good hard texture, if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.
About the Author
Dog Breed Rescue is an informative resources site on Dogs. Find out how Dog Breed Rescue can expand your horizons.
Not merely as a showman's dog has he distinguished himself. He is something more than a mountebank of the booths, trained to walk the tight rope and stand on his head. He is an adept at performing tricks, but it is his alertness of brain that places him apart from other animals.
The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity that if not kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little cords which increase in length as the new hair grows and clings about it. The unshed old hair and the new growth entwined together thus become distinct rope-like cords. Eventually, if these cords are not cut short, or accidentally torn off, they drag along the ground, and so prevent the poor animal from moving with any degree of comfort or freedom.
Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable appearance of the coat, attract a great deal of public attention when exhibited at shows; but they have lost popularity among most fanciers, and have become few in number owing to the obvious fact that it is impossible to make pets of them or keep them in the house. The reason of this is that the coat must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keep the cords supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, as their coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the dog clean is to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a lengthy and laborious process. Further, the coat takes hours to dry, and unless the newly washed dog be kept in a warm room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the coats of corded Poodles are almost invariably dirty, and somewhat smelly.
Poodle's General appearance
Head: Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.
Muzzle: Long (but not snipy) and strong not full in cheek, teeth white, strong, and level, gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.
Eyes: Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.
Nose: Black and sharp.
Ears: The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.
Neck: Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.
Feet: Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.
Legs: Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle.
Hind-legs: Very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.
Tail: Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.
Coat: Very profuse, and of good hard texture, if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.
About the Author
Dog Breed Rescue is an informative resources site on Dogs. Find out how Dog Breed Rescue can expand your horizons.
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