Breed Highlight: The Poodle
I don’t know about you, but when I’m out taking a walk in the late afternoon, I love trying to guess the dog breed of the dog’s walking past. Every time there’s one with curly hair I think “that’s some kind of poodle”. In reality, it’s probably a bichon frise, maltese, terrier or Portugese water dog and not a poodle. My bias towards Poodle though is for a good reason! They’re an exceptionally popular dog breed.
Poodles are well-known for their elegant appearance and come in three distinct sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The smaller poodles are very common and it always comes as a shock seeing a standard size, up to 40cm, poodle! Regardless of their size, all Poodles share a distinguished curly coat that’s both beautiful and hypoallergenic, making them a preferred choice for allergy sufferers. Their coats can be a variety of colours including white, black, apricot, and chocolate, among others. Poodles possess a well-proportioned build with a proud stance, large expressive eyes, and long, graceful legs that add to their regal presence. Another distinguishing feature is the concentration of their fur, with more fluff on their chest, feet, tail and head, which is exaggerated by styling cuts.
This proud breed has a rich history dating back to at least the 15th century in Germany, where they were originally bred as water retrievers. The name "Poodle" comes from the German word "Pudel," which means "to splash." Due to their trainability and striking appearance, the poodle became popular in France, where they were refined into the intelligent, versatile companion we know today. Poodles are renowned for their remarkable intelligence and trainability, often topping the list of the smartest dog breeds. They thrive on mental stimulation and excel in various canine sports and shows, including agility, beauty, and obedience.
Poodles are not just brains; they have personality to match! Known for their friendly and lively disposition, these dogs are social and enjoy being around people. They are often described as affectionate and playful, making them excellent family pets. Poodles are also known for their loyalty, forming strong bonds with their human companions and wanting to participate in family activities. With such a long list of positive traits, why doesn’t everyone have a poodle?
The reality is that such a bold personality and beautiful brain requires a high level of attention. They require hours of mental exercise, physical exercise and free play time. Most suggestions are over 1 hour of brisk walks, training, swimming and playing with toys. Challenging them mentally with puzzle toys, obedience training, scavenger hunts and more is also important.
Further, their beautiful coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep them looking their best. Routine visits to a professional groomer every month and at-home brushing every day are essential. They love sharing special time each day for pampering to feel a part of the family!
When considering adding a Poodle to your family, take the time to explore your options.
We always encourage first checking the local shelter. SCARS, 4 PAWS, RSPCA have dogs available for adoption every day, including poodles and poodle mixes. For this breed, it’s important to be aware of the needs of the breed, understand the history and temperament of the animal and be prepared to work with a highly intelligent and potentially stubborn dog.
If you decide to go through a breeder, look for reputable breeders who prioritise the well-being and health of the mother and pups, as well as follows the rules for ethical breeding and registration in Qld. Here are some tips to help you find a responsible breeder:
- Visit the breeder's facility to see the living conditions of the dogs.
- Ask questions about the breeder’s experience and breeding practices.
- Request health clearances and certifications to ensure the puppies are healthy.
- Assess the socialisation practices and training of the puppies before adoption.
Fostering relationships with ethical breeders allows you to contribute to breeding practices that prioritise the well-being of both the dogs and their mothers.
Poodles are a fantastic breed that brings joy, companionship, and a splash of intelligence to your home. If you’re an active family looking to introduce a light of fun, endless love, devotion and challenge into your family, consider the Poodle. And if you’re taking the leap for a Poodle or already own a Poodle, consider feeding them Bella & Boots.
Their darling coats require great care not just outside but inside, too. Our pet food blends are full of proteins, hydration and omega-3 fatty acids to keep their coat and skin shiny and well-hydrated.