January 31, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Training

Poodles have gotten a bad rap over the years, with many people assuming they are a dog to be owned by elitist snobs, and that the dog itself is stuck up. Maybe it's the name, maybe it's how they are groomed for dog shows, but assuming that a poodle is going to be stuck up is the same as stereotyping a bully breed. In reality, poodles are intelligent, playful and excellent with children, making them fantastic family dogs, Animal Planet reports.

The poodle is closely associated with the France, as they did become the country's national dog. While these pooches were noted by the French aristocracy for their elegance and came into vogue among fashionable ladies in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were in fact bred from a mix of water and herding dogs for a specific purpose. The earliest ancestor of the poodle that most closely resembles the modern version is the German one. In fact, the name "poodle" is most likely derived from the German word "pfudel," which means "puddle" or "to splash," likely referring to the pooch's water abilities. Because of its breeding, the poodle was used as a water hunting companion, also moonlighting as a military, guide, guard and circus dog over time.

Now, the poodle is enjoyed by many families and owners because of its extreme intelligence. The news outlet reports that all poodles need a lot of interaction with people, as well as mental and physical exercise. A daily challenge like an obedience session or a toy like the Buster Food Cube will stimulate it mentally, while a walk on its Flexi Retractable Leash will give it the exercise it needs. Standard poodles will particularly enjoy swimming.

This large breed will need high-quality pet food like Whole Earth Farms Adult Dog Dry Food, and because of its curly coat, you will want to invest in pet products like a Resco Pro-Series Large Slicker Brush and groom your pooch regularly. Poodles are great because their hair does not get all over your clothes and furniture. However, it gets caught in the other fur and, if not groomed regularly, can create a matted coat. In addition, these furry canines will need to be either shaved occasionally by you or brought to a groomer and trimmed the way you prefer.

What many people love about poodles is their obedience because they are among the most intelligent of all dog breeds. While they can be trained to be incredibly attentive, they retain a "zest for life's adventures," the news source reports. As such, they are very playful, friendly to other humans and animals, and fantastic companions. 

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