" A TOY OR MINIATURE POODLE MAKES A LIVELY COMPANION. "




Poodles have an air of distinction and dignity about them. They are all the same breed but come in three varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy. The Miniature and Toy Poodle are more popular then the oldest large Standard size.


PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

STANDARD

Weight: Over 20 pounds
Height: Over 15 inches

MINIATURE

Weight: 15-20 pounds
Height: 15 inches and under
Life span: 12-15 years

TOY

Weight: 4-9 pounds
Height: 10 inches and under
Life span: 10-14 years


All Poodles are squarely built with and well proportioned with a proud carriage. His tail is set high and docked. Eyes have a lively expression and are dark, wide apart and oval in shape. Ears are flat, wide and lay close to long head. They have an elegant appearance.

These dogs have a curly and dense coat that comes in lots of solid colors. They come in black, cream, gray, silver, blue, apricot, white, red and brown.

Poodle Dog Picture

GROOMING

They do not shed and are considered a hypoallergenic breed. They have no body or fur odor so make a good pet for someone with allergies.

Their coat requires regular grooming to avoid tangles, so they should be brushed at least twice weekly and bathed monthly. Clipped every six weeks. Many owners keep coats trimmed short to reduce grooming time. Their ears need to be cleaned and checked frequently for wax, infection, mites and remove loose hair. Also, their teeth need scaling regularly.

Their coats are groomed in these basic styles.

Puppy or pet clip - relatively short hair all over the body.

English or Continental clip - Rear half body sheared, bracelets left around ankle and pom-poms left on tail and hips.

Both the Miniature and Toy Poodle are ideal sizes for apartment life. Both are active indoors but walks or a place for them to play is ideal. They Toy however needs less exercise and room.

They make wonderful devoted companions and love being around their owners. Poodles have charming manners and they do crave human attention. They however do best with older considerate children and make great family pets. They make good watch dogs because of their fearlessness.

The Toy Poodle is a dainty sensitive little dog but sturdy. He is a perfect pet for a less active person that also has time to pamper him - he is truly a lap dog!

CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT

  • Highly intelligent
  • Sensitive
  • Happy
  • Lively
  • Amusing
  • Eager to please
  • Demanding of attention
  • Extremely people-oriented
  • Good-tempered
  • Clever
  • Delightful
  • Shy with strangers

Poodles are one of the most easily trainable breeds. Start training and socializing them as a puppy and you will be rewarded with a wonderful dog. This breed also tends to bark a lot unless trained.

HEALTH PROBLEMS THEY ARE PRONE TO:

  • Ear infections
  • Runny eyes
  • Digestive tract problems
  • Heart disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Skin conditions
  • Slipped stifles
  • PRA


    You need to find a responsible breeder because mill varities can be high-strung, fearful, aggressive and noisy. Ask to see the parents of the puppy you want to see what they are like. You want the best possible puppy you can get.


    HISTORY

    The origins of the Poodle remains a controversy. They are seen in 15th Century paintings. Germany may be the actual country origin and believed the breed entered France with German troops. However, France officially is recognized as its country of origin. In Germany they were used to retrieve waterfowl. The French used them as circus performers because of their high intelligence and were easily trained. The breed's popularity in France led to "French Poodle" where they were used to snuff out truffes laying underground.



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