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General Pet is your source for advice and information for a happy and healthy pet.
Author: Penny Taylor Article source: http://www.articlealley.com/. Used with author's permission.
AHHHHH! The Poodle. As an owner and breeder of Poodles I can tell you these are not your ordinary dogs. The Poodle is very intelligent, possibly the most intelligent breed. The breed originated in Germany, but have been raised in France for centuries. Thus becoming the national dog of France. The poodle carries itself regally and has a very inquisitive nature. In addition to loving life in general, Poodles love people even more. They are particularly perceptive of our moods and emotions, and respond accordingly. They join in celebrations when we're happy and sit nearby in quiet concern when we're ill, worried, or sad. Poodles are genetically "programmed" to work with humans and use their own emotional intuitiveness to create strong bonds with their owners.
There are 3 different sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Standard stands over 15 inches high at the shoulders and weighs 40-55 pounds and is classified in the non-sporting dog group. The Miniature stands 10 to 15 inches at the shoulders and weighs 14-16 pounds and is also classified in the non-sporting dog group. And last but very not least is the Toy which stands 10 inches or less at the shoulders and weighs 6 pounds or less and is classified in the toy group. Not recognized by the AKC are the tiny toy and teacup toy sizes, usually only recognized by the breeders.
The coat is thick and hard textured and may be any solid color including white, silver, blue, grey, brown, apricot, red, cream, and black(recognized by the AKC), but also come in a rare party color. If not groomed the coat becomes matted into ropelike cords. The poodle has no body odor and does not shed. The poodle can be groomed in a variety of clips. Just to name a few, the puppy clip, the continental clip, and the english saddle clip. Pets are usually kept in a pet clip. These clips are mostly for show or looks but, in the past have been carried out for utilitarian purposes. The poodle having been used greatly in France as a waterfoul retriever had to have its heavy coat clipped in these fashions so it would not be slowed down in the water. The long "lion mane" was designed to keep the dogs vital organs warm when they swam in cold water. The puffs on the feet were to keep the joints warm, the puff on the tail so you could see the dog while it was swimming in the water. The rest was shaved to keep him from getting water logged and to prevent sticks from catching in the hair.
Besides working as waterfoul retrievers, poodles have been used as circus and vaudeville performers. The miniature poodle was crossed with a terrier to produce a truffle hunting dog to sniff out the delicate, flavorful fungus growing just under the soil surface. The physical makeup of the poodle is such that they can perform many athletic feats with ease. Standing on their hind legs and dancing, climbing to heights on ladders and ramps, jumping all types of barriers and sitting on their haunches to "beg" are just some of the Poodle's agile maneuvers. These and many more stunts are possible due to the breed's exceptional sense of balance and dexterity.
Today's poodles are commonly kept as pets and companions. Poodles are less active on their own but need a fair amount of exercise, are stable in temperament, sociable with children, make a good watch dog, and sometimes a passable guard dog. What a versatile breed....... The Poodle!
Penny Taylor - Expert Breeder and Online Pet Supply Store Owner www.passionforpuppies.com www.ourpetsuppliesweb.com pennytaylor@passionforpuppies.com
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