Poodle Information
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Pet Poodle
Overview
Poodles are magnificent pets (and wonderful show dogs) and are one of the most intelligent of the breeds that one can own.
They are also one of the most interesting breeds with 3 different sizes and an interesting history. Be sure to have a look all around all the pages on this site, the largest Poodle informational site on the Internet! And here are some pet poodle facts you may find interesting:
They are also one of the most interesting breeds with 3 different sizes and an interesting history. Be sure to have a look all around all the pages on this site, the largest Poodle informational site on the Internet! And here are some pet poodle facts you may find interesting:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 3 sizes of Poodles - the Standard, the Miniature and the Toy Poodle. Conformation can be seen here. The Standard is the largest of all 3 and stands over 15 inches at the top of the shoulders. The Miniature is the middle size and is between 10 and 15 inches at the top of the shoulders. Toy Poodles are under 10 inches and weigh 6 to 8 pounds. Toys are in the same category as other very popular little dogs such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Maltese and the largest of the Toys, the Pug. 
The term “Teacup Poodle” is very popular; however it is not a recognized dog breed. The media plays quite a role in this, and many people do believe that there is such a dog as the Teacup. However, these are Toys that are bred down to unnaturally and unhealthy weights and are usually at a dangerous 2 to 4 pounds. 
One of the most well known, but slightly misunderstood facts about pet Poodles is that they are hypoallergenic. This is because they have hair as opposed to fur. However, it must be noted that the dander that is naturally found in hair can cause allergic reactions to some owners. 
It is also widely believed that the Poodle does not shed. However, all dogs, even those with hair, do shed. The difference is that the hair falls off into the coat as opposed to falling off onto the carpet or furniture as with many other breeds. One must be aware that proper grooming must be done with Poodles, if not the hair that falls into the coat can cause mats (tangles) to develop.
Poodles are one of the oldest breeds and carvings of dogs that resemble them can be found on ancient Greek and Roman coins. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1890 and by the 1960’s, they were the most popular breed in America. The pet Poodle has been popular in Russia and Germany since the 1500’s and are even the national dog of France. A “French Poodle” is the same breed as a “Poodle”. In Germany, they were used for hunting and are great water retrievers, in fact the name Poodle comes from the German word “Pudel” which is short for Pudelhund meaning “splashing dog“. Of the 3 different sizes, the Standard is the oldest. As time has gone by, the Standard was bred down in size to give us the Mini and Toy that we have today. 
This dog breed has an interesting type of coat, which can vary from course and woolly to soft and wavy, There are many different ways to clip a Poodle’s coat to create very interesting designs. Most pet Poodles are given the “Puppy Clip”. There is also the: English Saddle, Continental, Sporting, Retriever, Lamb, Miami, Town and Country, Dutch, Chicago Dutch, Pittsburgh Dutch, Criss-Cross Dutch, Pajama Dutch, Sweetheart (Heart Clip), Desi, Y, Swirl, Panda (or Teddy Bear and the New Yorker. 
These are indoor dogs who are very affections and loyal...with proper training, they are not at all "yappy" as some are incorrectly described. They make great watch dogs as well as hunting dogs and are generally very good with children when properly socialized. Due to their high intelligence, one should keep their Poodle amused with toys, walks, training and play to keep boredom and Separation Anxiety at bay. 
Pet Poodles have long life spans - especially for the Toy, who can live to be 17 years old if dog is not overweight and leads a healthy lifestyle. The Miniatures on average live to about 14 years of age and the Standard about 12. 