|
From Duck Dog to Truffle Hunter, Circus
Star to Cart Dog, the Standard Poodle's long history is as colorful as the
variety of shades of it's curly coat.
Of the three Poodle breeds; the Standard
Poodle came first - the mold from which the
Miniature Poodle
and Toy Poodle were formed. Related to
the Portuguese Water Dog and
Irish Water Spaniel, Standard Poodles have been around since the 16th
century where they were found in parts of Russia and Germany, and later
France. Early days saw the Standard Poodle's job to be that of a water fowl
retriever, when it received it's French name "Caniche" (translated to "duck
dog"). The French found another use for the Poodle; it's great sense of
smell made the breed a natural for finding Truffles (a rare and expensive
gourmet treat that grows like mushrooms in the forest).
The Circus came calling for the Standard
Poodle in the 18th century when the breed's intelligence, sense of humor,
agility and trainability made for a fantastic circus performer that almost
every travelling circus troupe employed to the delight of their audiences.
The Standard Poodle found it's way to North
America in the 19th century, and in recent years enjoyed a 20 year reign as
America's favorite family dog.
Whether you want an elegant, beautiful, playful, fun-loving, clownish,
affectionate, intelligent, graceful, agile or athletic canine companion, the
Standard Poodle offers all this - and more! Standard Poodles put the V in
versatility! An all-round fantastic dog breed, Standard Poodles are eager to
please their families, and make loving companions for adults and children
alike.
Standard Poodles in general are a very healthy and long-lived dog breed,
but, as with any purebred dog breed, it's very important to
purchase a puppy only from a responsible Standard Poodle dog breeder that
breeds only carefully screened dogs with health clearances. Genetic diseases
prevalent in the Poodle dog breed include Addison's disease, Bloat, Genetic
Eye Disease, Hip Dysplasia, von Willebrand's Disease (VWD), Sebaceous
Adenitis (SA), Thyroid Disorders and Allergies.
Be sure to choose your breeder and puppy carefully - you'll pay more for a
puppy from such a breeder, since the breeder must cover the costs of their
extensive health testing, but in the long run, a healthy, happy and long
lived Standard Poodle companion is worth the price.
Standard Poodles are athletic and lively dogs that need lots of exercise.
They are better suited to active families than couch potatoes, although the
Standard Poodle excels as a guide dog, therapy dog and service dog for
blind, disabled and elderly people. Many Standard Poodle owners take part in
canine sports such as water fowl retriever trials, agility, flyball,
obedience and conformation.
Height/Weight: Standard Poodles stand
between 22 and 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) and must be over 15 inches.
Standard
Poodle Coat
The
trademark Poodle coat is thick and curly (sometimes frizzy). It repels water
and is non-shedding, perfect for fastidious dog owners, people who hate to
vaccuum, and possibly allergy sufferers. The coat may be a rainbow of solid
colors, including black, white, apricot, silver, blue, cream, red and brown.
Extensive grooming and Standard Poodle
ownership go hand in paw!
If you want your Standard Poodle to retain one of the accepted Poodle cuts,
a regular trip to the groomers will be on your calendar. Additionally, it's
important that your Standard Poodle receive a thorough brushing and combing
on a regular basis.
Grooming regimen aside, the Standard Poodle
is one of the best all-round dog breeds for families and will provide you
and your children with many years of love, joy, laughter and companionship. |
