Poodle: Characteristics of the Best Companion Dog

Il poodle (o poodle) is a very popular dog because it unites intelligence, elegance and character. And in fact it is considered the companion dog par excellence, both for the elderly and for children. The name "poodle" is actually a diminutive, as the Razz which it actually belongs to is the poodle, a retriever dog that can come in four different sizes. The so-called poodle belongs to the smallest ones, therefore miniature and toy. Razz It appears to originate from France, the poodle would in fact derive from the Barbet, even if other European countries, such as Germany and Italy, claim the primogeniture of this dog breed.

Among other things, poodles have another important advantage: they are easy to adopt. And there are many Facebook groups that specialize in this type of adoption.

Index of topics

Origins and history

The poodle is a dog breed that has existed in Europe for 400 years, although its origins are quite controversial. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that of French paternity, as it is a descendant of the barbet, an ancient pointing dog. Until a few years ago, the poodle was used in France for duck hunting, then it entered the courts, and in the modern era, even became a circus dog. It is currently widespread in Europe and the United States as a companion dog, ideal for a family with children or elderly people.

Another theory links the poodle's origins to its water-based activities. The English name for poodle is "poodle," which in turn derives from the German "pudel," meaning "to float in water," something this dog has always done so well, so much so that it was considered the best for duck hunting.

Character

Intelligent, cheerful, sweet, and sociable, the poodle is a truly adorable and good-natured dog, especially when it comes to pleasing its owner. Very loyal and devoted to its owner, adaptable and docile, it's perfect if you have children, as it's always eager to have fun. play and enjoy being in company. He doesn't bite, doesn't bark, or get nervous, except in very exceptional circumstances.

Colors and sizes

The poodle, the breed to which the poodle belongs, can have four different sizes:

giant, with a height between 45 and 60 cm
medium, with height at the withers between 35 and 45 cm
dwarf, with a height between 28 and 35 cm
toy, with a height between 24 and 28 centimetres.

The poodle can be either miniature or toy because it is smaller, although the remaining characteristics are the same as the medium and giant poodle.

As regards the colors, we have white, black, brown, gray or fawn colored poodles.

Types of Poodle

As we have said, poodles fall into two main sizes, miniature and toy, while the color of the dog's coat can range from white to black, from brown to gray to fawn.

The coat is usually curly and has no undercoat.
The eyes are almond-shaped, dark and quite spaced apart.
The ears are broad and long, set low.
The tail is set high, and the poodle carries it at a slight angle from the body. It is usually docked to a third of its length.

Cure

The curly coat typical of the poodle requires be brushed regularly to keep it clean and tidy. There are several "typical" cuts, from the lion cut to the English cut, from the modern cut to the puppy cut. Choose your favorite and have it done by a professional. Also keep in mind that the coat should be trimmed on average every 50 days.

From a health point of view, the poodle does not have major problems, in fact it is one of the longest-lived dogs, but it is predisposed to some diseases including, for example, patellar luxation, herniated disc, hypothyroidism, meningoencephalitis.

Illnesses

Although the poodle is usually in excellent health and lives for a long time (easily exceeding 15 years of age), it can suffer from three specific pathologies.

Hip dysplasia: a condition affecting the hip joint that can cause pain and difficulty in movement.
Eye problems: Poodles may be susceptible to cataracts or retinal disorders.
Heart problems: the breed may be predisposed to heart diseases such as mitral valve disease.

Supply

A poodle's diet depends on its size and age. You can choose between dry food (kibble) and wet food (primarily white meat), but also fish, minerals, and vitamins. Avoid foods that are too fatty or salty, and make sure your poodle always has plenty of water available. To avoid wasting food by overindulging, a toy poodle, for example, should eat 100 grams of food per day.

Poodle and children

Very often the poodle is described as the ideal dog for families with childrenThis is due to his extreme sweetness and playful nature. He also tends to bond very well with children, rarely showing aggression, but still manages to enforce his space.

How much does a poodle cost?

The cost of a poodle varies depending on its pedigree and various characteristics. It usually starts at 600 euros but can increase significantly, even reaching 2000 euros.

Adoption

There are several rescues and Facebook groups that specialize in poodle adoptions. For example:

Poodle Rescue Italy: a page where appeals for poodles (and small breeds) seeking adoption are published.
Toy Poodle for adoption: a group dedicated to poodle adoptions and gifts, reports and requests between users.
Poodles and Chinese Crested Dogs Looking for New Homes: a group where ads for poodles and similar breeds are posted for adoption.
Poodles looking for love: space for those looking for a poodle to adopt or want to foster (sometimes also includes matings).
Friends of the Poodles: one of the largest communities of poodle enthusiasts (it's not just about adoptions, but there are often requests and reports of poodles in need)

How to adopt a poodle