Dog Breeds: Poodle Information

Dog Breeds: Poodle: Lively, energetic and friendly the Poodle needs continuous and involved dog training to avoid it becoming rebellious and naughty. This breed enjoys playing and walks and it is especially important for the larger varieties to get plenty of regular time outdoors. Though Poodles do well in apartments if they are not give regular exercise they will quickly become unruly and naughty. Though originally bred as a water-hunting dog (they love swimming) and used extensively in circus acts this dog excels as a companion due to its happy and intelligent character.

Questions and Answers:
Q: Balzar our nine month old Miniature Poodle seems to have an extra canine tooth on each side of its upper jaw. Is this normal?
A: It is very likely that Balzar still has a couple of its baby teeth, which poodles usually lose at around nine months. If the problem persists you should take your dog to the veterinarian to have the extra teeth removed before they cause any serious problems.

Unique Needs: Poodles must be groomed everyday to avoid their long soft hair becoming knotted or matted. It is especially important in summer to comb their hair with a shedding tool approximately every six weeks so that the heat does not become unbearable for them. If you plan to have this breed participate in any competitions it will be necessary to have its hair cut in the very distinct "lion cut." Normally most people simply opt for the more modern cut where all of the Poodles hair is cut to a uniform length. The skin of the Poodle can be: brown, gray, white or sliver but should always blend with the color of its coat.

Temperament: Poodles must be groomed everyday to avoid their long soft hair becoming knotted or matted. It is especially important in summer to comb their hair with a shedding tool approximately every six weeks so that the heat does not become unbearable for them. If you plan to have this breed participate in any competitions it will be necessary to have its hair cut in the very distinct "lion cut." Normally most people simply opt for the more modern cut where all of the Poodles hair is cut to a uniform length.

Genetic Defects: Progressive degeneration of the Retina: A hereditary problem that can cause complete blindness in some dog breeds. There is no known cure for this problem or effective treatment. The problem is detected by giving the puppy (or dog) specialized tests. Dogs with this problem should not be used as breeders.

Von Willebrand syndrome: Hereditary illness of the platelets, which causes sudden hemorrhaging for no apparent reason at all.

Height:

• Giant poodle: 45 to 58 centimeters
• Medium poodle: 35 to 45 centimeters
• toy poodle: 25 to 35 centimeters

Colors:

• Black
• White
• Brown
• Grey