The pros and cons of owning a poodle

Today, Poodles are considered to be a French breed of dog. However, it is believed that they were originally bred in Germany, where they were used as water dogs (waterfowl retrievers). Despite the common misconception that poodles are froufrou dogs, they are actually extremely intelligent; it came second in extensive tests to determine the most intelligent dog breeds.

As a pet, the Poodle can be an excellent choice, as it is loyal, affectionate, docile, and as mentioned above, highly intelligent. However, before welcoming any new dog into your home, it’s wise to thoroughly research the breed to ensure it’s the right animal for you. As a breed guide, below is a list of the pros and cons of owning a Poodle.

The pros of having a poodle

As mentioned, the Poodle is very intelligent, therefore training is relatively easy and very enjoyable. Poodles are not the most active dogs and therefore do not require multiple exercise sessions per day. However, the breed enjoys a medium-sized yard in which to play. You may have heard of a poodle being referred to as a hypoallergenic dog, although this is technically untrue, it is true that poodles shed very little and are therefore a good choice for owners who suffer from pet allergies. Poodles are very gentle souls who are patient with children and happy to share their homes with other animals.

The Cons of Owning a Poodle

Poodles should be brushed at least once every six to eight weeks. Similarly, poodles should be bathed regularly, because if not cared for properly, a poodle’s fur can become matted and poorly conditioned. A poodle’s nails grow very quickly and therefore will need to be trimmed once every two to three weeks. The Poodle is genetically predisposed to certain diseases, including Von Willebrand’s disease, retinal atrophy, cataracts, skin problems, and allergies.

types of poodles

There are three varieties of poodle: standard, miniature, and toy. Standard Poodles are 15 inches or taller and weigh at least 20 pounds. These dogs were designed as working animals, primarily as water retrievers and guard dogs, and more recently as sled dogs and pets. Miniature and toy poodles, on the other hand, were bred purely as pets and show dogs. The miniature poodle stands between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 20 pounds, while the toy poodle is even smaller, peaking at 10 inches in height and 12 pounds in weight.

The smaller Poodle varieties are ideal for city and apartment living. However, a standard poodle does not need a large home and yard, as it is not among the most energetic of breeds. According to the American Kennel Association, all sizes of Poodle should have a pointed head with a long, straight muzzle. The eyes should be egg-shaped and dark in color, while the ears should hang low and close to the dog’s head. Poodles have two coats: a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat, which can be almost any color.

If you intend to show your Poodle, its coat must be trimmed and styled in one of the accepted ways. The Continental and English Saddle styles are two of the most popular, both of which involve the legs being shaved to leave just a ring of skin around the ankles. The fur on the face and tail is also shaved, leaving only a bow and a fur pom-pom on the tail. Since the 19th century, poodles have been incredibly popular as pets in France. Today, they are popular around the world, as a loving, affectionate and intelligent family pet.

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