Poodle? I am considering having one for my next dog, what are they like?

here are some characteristics of a poodle:APPEARANCE Build: Elegant, with a square silhouette Toy weight: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg.) Toy height: Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm.) Miniature w: 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg.) Miniature height: 11-15 inches (28-38 cm.) Standard weight: 45-70 pounds (20-32kg.) Standard height: 15 (38cm) or more Coat: Profuse and wiry, curly or corded Color: All solid colors permissible. (e.g., black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, or cafe-au-lait) Head: Long, with neck solid and slightly arched Teeth: Scissors bite Eyes: Oval and very dark Ears: Wide, hanging close to head Tail: Docked to half the original length Limbs: Straight, symmetrical Feet: Small, oval and webbed, with arched toes Life span: Median 12-15 years Most poodles are proportionally long-legged dogs. They have dense, curly, non-shedding hair (not fur) that grows year-round and requires regular grooming. Most are solid-colored, and many registries only allow solid colors in conformation shows. Unlike many breeds, poodles come in a variety of sizes (3), distinguished by shoulder height. Standard poodles are 38 cm. (15 in.) and over; miniature poodles are 28 cm. (11 in.) to 38 cm. (15 in.); toys are under 28 cm. (11 in.). These heights are established by all the kennel clubs in accord. "Teacup" poodles have also been bred which are very small; however, they are not recognized as a distinct standard by any of the kennel clubs. COAT Poodles have hair instead of fur causing them to be non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Texture ranges from coarse and wooly, to soft and wavy. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours/week for a standard poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down as soon as their show career is over and put into a lower-maintenance cut. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show and require much less maintenance. TEMPERAMENT Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point birds. Classified as highly energetic, poodles can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief. Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs, they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session. Most are fairly agile and athletic. HEALTH The most common serious health issues of standard poodles (listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry (as of August 20, 2007) are Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV= bloat/torsion), thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Standard poodles are also susceptible to some health issues usually too minor to report to the poodle health registry. The most common of these minor issues are probably ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection, lest a minor issue turn into a major issue.

I have had a minature which is no longer alive, and I now have a toy. Their personalaties is completley diffrent. Both males. These dogs love their humans so much. They love to get attention and come off as needy. they are actually needy,by that I mean lots and lots of attention. They love to be kissed and loved on. My Zeek thinks he is a little baby he is so spoiled I have to hand feed his little butt. Seriously I do. Bad habit to break but I wouldn't trade anything about it. I feel it just gives me more bonding time. They are the type to make every step their moms or dads make,even to the toilet,and yeah they still walk straight when leaving the toilet with you. I guess that's why they say dogs have STRONG stomachs(ha! ha! ). Most small dogs are a little yappy but mostly it is what you let them by with. Zeek only barks when someine knocks on the door. He is great with kids. These dogs think they are the size of a giant, they need all the lovin you can give them,if you get one you will understand that. They are high maintance with the grooming and combing but a great plus point is they DO NOT shed. I think if you read up on them and feel you still want this breed, you will be happy with your choice. They do tend to get their feelings hurt easily so be gentle. I know I never have hurt Zeek's feelings but when we had the minature my hubby said something to me while looking at the dog and he was so hurt thinking it was aimed towards him. But was just me being fussed at instead. Great success and happy doggy hunting!!!!

Oh my goodness you must get a poodle! Thats the only dog i'll ever own! My family has had poodles my entire life and i have never been around a more well mannerd, sweet, lovable, smart breed of dog. We never had the toy poodles (to hyper for us) just the standard and giant poodles. They are very good with children and very gentle, they do get protective of the family which is a plus in my book! Our poodle Sassy use to go swiming on her own in the back yard when it got to hot, tell me thats not one smart dog! It was adorable to see her doing laps in our in ground pool! In all seriousness though I would whole heartedly induce getting a poodle as your next choice of dog! Good luck!

My grandma has always had poodles. They are really good with kids. I think they tend to bark more easily than other dogs. My grandma always had the toy poodles they seem to lead full lives most of her dogs lived to be between 17 and 19 which is really good for a dog.

I love poodles they are so energetic and smart. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that they need alot of up keep. You have to have them groomed at least every 6 weeks. Good luck and god bless. Cheryl

Hi, I have just gotten a poodle and he is wonderful. They are very smart and learn fast. He is 4 months old and already house trained and can sit. He walks with me on a leash in the front yard since your not suppose to walk them on the street till they have had all of their shots but he is in training and is doing really well. I have had the same type of dog that you always had but they always seened kind of slow compared to a poodle. My girlfriend has a standard one and she is legaly blind and the puppy is already taking care of her just right, so I highly recamend getting one. They make the greatest companions. Good luck and please be careful how you go about purchasing one. You can contact me if you want at cheryl2120@sbcglobal.net just put poodle in the subject area.

Hello. Poodle is considered the most intelligent Dog from all the breeds that exist. However, they are not friendly to others. You will usually find poodles chasing people in the streets. They are nervous. I wouldn't have one of them, and I never did, so I cannot tell you if a Poodle well raised can be much different and a better lover. Respectfully, Munhozmib.

Hello dear graceanddowen. I have a very cute poodle. He is a white and tiny poodle and very playful and clever. I like him very much as he offers us so much fun in our daily life though he is naughty. As to how a poodle looks like, I would like to upload one picture of my white poodle for you to have a look in the hope that I could make it with luck.

My friend has a pet poodle (for clarification this is no toy poodle. This is a 3+' tall dog). They are quite skinny, with really curly hair and a natural "lightness" to them. This dog is pretty young, only 2-3 years old and very active, though it has issues with behavior. Very active and friendly dog. Dan