Home » Blog - All About Pets » Blog Posts - Pet Behaviour, Health & Safety » Poodles: Pawsome, Prized, Perfect
Categories
Tags
Recent Blog:
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Poodles and Poodle cross breeds. These four-legged wonders aren’t just renowned for their elegant looks and distinctive haircuts, but also for their exceptional intelligence and versatility – right from the Poodle puppy stage.
It’s for these reasons and more they’re becoming increasingly popular pets. It’s also why Poodle parents are a unique breed themselves – give them a gap and they’ll gush to their heart’s content about these awesome pups. The Poodle really does have a way to capture our hearts.
Below, we learn more about these curly-haired cuties – from their origins to their grooming needs to your most frequently asked questions.
In this article
Breed origin and personality
Originally hailing from Germany, the Poodle comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. No matter what the size, their regal appearance and lively demeanour means they’re truly a sight to behold.
This breed’s curly, hypoallergenic coat is not just stylish; it serves a practical purpose. It gives them insulation in colder climates and keeps them comfortable in warmer weather.
Poodles are extraordinary companions that bring joy, intelligence, and boundless energy into their family’s lives. Whether you’re looking for an active buddy to join you on outdoor adventures or a loyal friend to cuddle up with at home, they could fit the bill perfectly.
Here’s more info on their two biggest personality traits:
Intelligent
Poodles are known for their remarkable intelligence. In fact, they consistently rank among the smartest dog breeds in the world! Their keen intellect and willingness to learn make them highly trainable, whether you’re teaching them basic commands or more complex tricks.
Their desire to please their owners is unmatched, making training sessions a delightful experience for both pup and human.
Active
Don’t let their fancy looks fool you—these dogs are natural athletes from the time they are Poodle puppies! These energetic pooches have a spring in their step and love to engage in various physical activities. From long walks and jogs to swimming and agility training, Poodles thrive on exercise and mental stimulation.
So, if you’re an active individual or a family that loves adventure, this dog breed could be an ideal fit for your active lifestyle. Be sure to check our Dog Breed Exercise Requirements article to make sure your pup is getting the right amount of exercise.
Health and wellbeing of Poodles
Poodles are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog they can be prone to certain health conditions. Here are some of them:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to joint instability and potential pain and lameness. Wondering if your Poodle puppy might have some of these disorders? A dog DNA test might help shed some light on their parentage.
Epilepsy
Poodles can be predisposed to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures. Epilepsy in Poodles can have also have a genetic basis.
Bloat
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a serious condition that happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself. It’s considered a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. Read our tips for great dog gut health and understand that this condition can happen at any age, from Poodle puppy stage onwards.
Luxating patella
This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, leading to lameness or limping. Our My Dog Has a Luxating Patella article looks at signs, causes, treatment and more.
Addison’s Disease
Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight loss, and gastrointestinal issues.
Allergies
Poodles may develop allergies more so than some other breeds, including skin allergies and food allergies. These can cause itching, rashes, ear infections, and other discomforts. This too can happen from Poodle puppy stage all the way up to the most senior of Poodles. Find out more about allergies here:
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet and the right amount of exercise are super important for keeping your Poodle in top shape through its lifetime.
And right at the start of its life, to help ensure you get the healthiest pup possible and you’re not supporting cruel and unhealthy breeding practices, purchase your Poodle puppy from ethical dog breeders.
Grooming your Poodle
As any Poodle parent will tell you, grooming is an important part of caring for these fabulous dogs. Poodles have a unique coat that requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here’s what you need to know.
Coat care
Poodles have hair that grows continuously, similar to human hair, rather than fur that sheds. Regular brushing is important to stop matting and tangling. Use a slicker brush or a comb designed for Poodle coats to gently remove any tangles and keep their fabulous hair free flowing.
Haircuts and styles
It’s not a Poodle without a cool haircut! They’re known for their distinctive and elegant haircuts. Professional grooming is often recommended to achieve these awesome styles such as the classic “puppy clip,” “continental clip,” or “town and country clip.”
These haircuts involve trimming the hair on specific areas of the body, leaving pom-poms or longer “mane” hair on their legs and tail. The frequency of haircuts depends on the length and style you want but, on average, Poodles may need grooming every 4-8 weeks.
Grooming sessions can add up financially – so this is a very important factor to consider before you get a Poodle. They’re not considered among the lowest maintenance pets in this respect.
Bathing
Bath your pooch regularly to keep their coat clean and free from dirt. Use a mild dog shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for Poodles or dogs with curly coats. Be sure to rinse their coat thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue, which can lead to skin irritation.
We also recommend that you keep their eyes and ears clean to prevent ear infections and tear stains. If the latter does occur, get familiar with how to remove dog tear stains.
Poodle cross breeds: The best of both worlds
Poodle cross breeds, also known as “designer dogs,” are gaining popularity due to their unique characteristics. By mixing the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat with other breeds, we get delightful new companions that possess the best traits of both parents.
Whether it’s the adorable Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle), the spunky Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel + Toy Poodle), or the lovable Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Miniature Poodle), there’s a Poodle cross breed for everyone!
Read our Pros and Cons of Hybrid Dog Breeds article for more info. And if you’ve ever wondered ‘do mixed breed dogs have less health issues?’ well, the answer is … sometimes.
Poodle FAQ
Now let’s dig into New Zealand’s most asked questions about these curly-haired cuties …
Are Poodles diggers?
Poodles aren’t typically known as avid diggers. While it varies from pup to pup, they’re generally more interested in other activities like playing, exercising and learning new tricks. Their intelligence and energy make them more inclined to engage in mentally stimulating activities rather than digging up the yard.
However, keep in mind that dogs may develop digging behaviours due to boredom, anxiety, or a desire to escape. Giving them the right amount of exercise, mental stimulation and attention can help prevent unwanted digging and keep your garden safe!
Do Poodle mixes shed?
Poodle mixes, also called designer dogs or crossbreeds, can have varying degrees of shedding depending on the specific mix and the traits inherited from each parent breed. One of the main reasons Poodles are popular in crossbreeding is their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. They’re known for their minimal shedding, making them a good choice for those with allergies.
Regardless of the shedding tendencies, regular grooming and brushing will help keep a Poodle’s coat healthy and minimise shedding.
Are Maltese Poodles hypoallergenic?
Maltese Poodles, also known as Maltipoos, are often considered to be hypoallergenic or low-shedding dogs. However, keep in mind that individual reactions to allergens can vary and some people with severe allergies may still have a reaction to Maltipoos or other hypoallergenic breeds.
Insure your perfect pooch
Whether your pup is a Poodle cross-breed, pedigree Poodle or something completely different, the best way to keep them healthy (and happy, of course) is with a dog insurance plan. And if you have more than one dog in residence, discover the top three reasons to get multi-pet insurance.
Not only will you get a broad range of benefits with PD Pet insurance, but we also offer our customers FREE pet insurance for one or more months! Click for more below.
Share on :