Considering a poodle for your next family pet? There are many reasons why you should! These pups have consistently been among the top five most popular dog breeds, and pet parents love their unique look, mild disposition, and energetic nature. Did you know it’s also the national dog of France?
Let’s take a look at the Poodle’s history, exercise needs, grooming requirements, medical care, and the associated costs of bringing one home.
Poodle History
Poodles have been popular throughout history, having been featured on coins dating back to ancient Greece. Carvings of poodles appear in Roman tombs. The national dog of France has certainly seen popularity in Holland and Italy as well, with familiar illustrations of them in early manuscripts.
These dogs, with their distinctive appearance, have inspired several artists throughout history, as seen in the artwork of Albrecht Dürer and Goya, among others.
The miniature Poodle was bred in the 18th century to serve primarily as a companion for city dwellers. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that the American Kennel Club recognized them as a distinct breed from the standard Poodle, with its own breed classification.
You may be wondering where the Poodle developed its many adorable coat trims. The most distinctive coat trim, with a shaved torso and puffy legs and chest, actually has a purpose. Because this breed is first and foremost a water retriever, the trimmed midsection helps reduce the weight of the fur when it is wet. The fur left on the legs and chest helps to keep extremities warm and prevent injury from hidden hazards in the water. Although you may not typically see this outside of a dog show ring, it remains popular in certain countries.
Temperament of Poodles
Poodles are extremely intelligent. Coupled with their active personality, this makes them ideal for agility training and other canine sports. If you’re looking for a running partner, you’ve found it!
They are also attention-hounds, literally. Sometimes, poodles can act out or start barking when they aren’t getting enough attention, so this is something to keep in mind, especially if you aren’t home for long periods.
You’ll find that poodles make great family pets. They can keep up with the activity levels of young kids while being gentle. Poodles often become very protective of their guardians. Smaller breeds are more likely to be resistant to people outside the family unit, but early socialization can help prevent this.
Exercising Your Poodle
As we mentioned, poodles are very active because of their history as hunting dogs. They will require regular physical activity, especially outdoors, whenever possible. Popular activities that poodles love are fetch, running around with other pups (dog parks are a great option!), and agility training.
Standard Poodles may not thrive in small environments, such as apartments. However, miniature and toy breeds are ideal. Smaller breeds still require a fair amount of attention and exercise, so play with them often to prevent nuisance behaviors.
Be sure to consider your lifestyle and whether or not you can provide the exercise and mental stimulation that your dog needs. These needs are significantly higher when your puppy is young, so be prepared to enjoy plenty of walks with your new pet.
Poodle Grooming Guidelines
A poodle’s coat is different from most other dog breeds, so it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking great and mat-free. Their fur is curly and dense, which helps to regulate body temperature and repel water. Poodles typically shed less, making them an ideal pet for individuals with allergies.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended for poodles due to the tricky nature of grooming them at home. However, a chat with their groomer and a good set of tools at home can help prolong the time between visits.
What tools should you have handy?
- Clippers to trim fur
- Scissors to shape
- A slicker brush to remove tangles
- A comb for keeping an even coat
- Shampoo and conditioner designed for poodles
Poodles should start receiving professional grooming services at a young age so they become accustomed to the process, and it’s less likely to cause distress. Seeing a local groomer also makes it easier to groom at home when needed.
Vet and Medical Care for Poodles
Poodles are susceptible to several medical conditions, including those common among all dog breeds, such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. According to the Poodle Club of America, the other conditions that poodle parents should be aware of are:
- Addison’s disease
- Heart malformations
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Cushings disease
- Epilepsy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Optic nerve hypoplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
If you are adopting a poodle from a reputable breeder, they’ll likely have screened for many of these before you take your new friend home. Not all breeders do this, but it’s wise to ask if any tests have been done. You may not know the medical history of a pet adopted from a shelter, but they can still make excellent companions just the same.
Finding a good veterinarian is essential to stay on top of any health issues that arise as your poodle ages and to ensure they receive the proper vaccinations to maintain their health.
Bringing a Poodle Puppy Home
Poodles are a popular breed, and finding one locally around the Space Coast shouldn’t be too difficult. Thanks to their popularity, you may even discover a poodle at a local shelter waiting for a second chance at a loving home.
If you’re adopting from a breeder, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a standard poodle, with costs often higher for miniature and toy varieties.
No matter where your new furry family member comes from, it’s essential to have trusted pet care lined up for when life gets busy. At Space Coast Pet Services, we’re here to provide your Poodle with the personalized attention, exercise, and love they deserve—whether you’re at work, traveling, or need an extra helping hand.
🐾 Ready to give your Poodle the best care while you’re away? Sign up & schedule your Meet & Greet with us today!
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