Poodles are a type of dog breed, which make a unique impression on us than the other dog breeds. It is considered one of the most recognizable and versatile dog breeds. The Poodle is a renowned gun dog and is identified by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting breed. The German word Pudel, or Pudelin, depicts to splash in the water. And in French, Poodles are called Caniche, that means duck dog. This is how they got their name. Besides being one of the cutest dogs, Poodles have many other things worth knowing. Let’s have some interesting facts about Poodles:
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1. New Members Might Join the List
The cute Poodle has been categorized into three main categories namely-
- The Toy Poodle
- The Miniature Poodle
- The Standard Poodle
Reportedly, the breeders are developing two new breeds- ‘Klein’ and ‘Tea-Cup.’
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2. One Poodle: Many Names
The scientific name of the breed is ‘Canis lupus familiaris.’ However, the Standard Poodle is also known by the names; Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne, Grosse Pudel, and the French Poodle.
3. Mysterious Origin
Many French paintings showcase Poodles, and it is believed that poodles had their origin in France. But few argue that they have their origin in Germany. According to the American Kennel Club, Poodles originated in Germany where they used to serve as a water retriever.
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4. Interesting Historical Significance
In the old days, these were used by hunters as a retriever while hunting waterfowl. At times, they were used as a truffle seeking dog. With time, the intelligence of this breed unveiled, and the French started using them in the circus. At one point in time, Toy Poodles were considered a status symbol.
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5. Alluring Looks
Poodles have long-straight muzzles and long hanging ears. Some of them have docked tails while other’s don’t.
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6. Variability in Coat Colors
The most observed coat colors are blue, black, grey, silver, apricot, cream, brown, white, and red. The coat texture is usually corded or curly.
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7. Impressive Features
The breed is extremely elegant, friendly, and clever. Poodles are impressive dogs, they are considered as one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
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8. Unbelievable Adaptability
These are highly adaptable to climatic changes, they fit well in cold as well as in hot climatic conditions. They can adjust themselves in an apartment to even in a small one-room house. They are highly sensitive and can not survive in aloofness.
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9. Friends Forever
Poodles are incredibly friendly with kids. They are equally friendly with elders and fellow dogs. Very often they can be seen catching a ball or rolling with kids.
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10. Good Learners
Unlike many other dog breeds, which are slow learners, these beautiful and intelligent Poodles can be easily trained. They have a very high energy level thus they must be taken for regular walks and exercise. They love to play with kids and feel joyful.
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11. Obedience Training is Must
Obedience training is found to keep Poodle’s mind active in a positive manner. A Poodle who is constantly thinking and is following a learning process never gets bored and therefore, does not indulge in destructive activities.
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12. A Personality Full of Adjectives
Intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous are the four best suitable adjectives to describe the personality of Poodles.
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13. Common Diseases
They are generally healthy, but the most common diseases to which they are prone are- hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, runny eyes, skin conditions, allergies, and ear infections. Some advanced diseases include Addison’s Disease and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.
14. Diet Plan
For Standards, the recommended diet is 1.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, whereas for Miniatures, it is 3/4 to 1 cup and for Toys, it is 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
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15. High Maintenance Breed
Poodles require high-maintenance. They require regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition. They are non-shedding breeds and thus, require extra care and efforts.
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16. Don’t Let Them Stink
Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to avoid tartar buildup and the bacteria that can lurk inside. If your Poodle allows, you may go for their daily brushing to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
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18. Extremely Sensitive
Poodles are exceedingly sensitive to the tone of the owner, thus, it becomes important to be firm but not harsh with them.
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18. Astonishing Physique
It is blessed with peculiar characteristics, moderate size, charming look, and intelligent mind. Additionally, it’s small but agile- the sturdy body makes them super energetic.
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19. Logical Cool Hairstyle
The poodles have a very fascinating haircut. No, they are not fashion-freak! It is because the dog has to swim in very cold water, and their excessive hair makes it difficult for them to swim. Thus, the coat is left only on those body parts which need protection.
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20. The Die-Hard Lover of Poodles
Elvis Presley loved Poodles a lot. He owned lots of Poodles and used to present them to the women he loved. He gifted his mother a Poodle named ‘Sweet Pea.’
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21. Guinness World Record Holder
A Toy Poodle named ‘Seamus’ has Guinness Book of World Records. The Toy Poodle lived 20 years and 298 days (July 24, 1993 – May 18, 2014).
22. A Lover of Sleep
Poodles are fond of sleep. They need at least a 13-hour of sleep a day to feel fresh. Anything less than this makes them mentally lethargic.
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23. Distinguishable Features
A Toy Poodle is 10 inches tall and 6-9 pounds in weight, whereas a Miniature Poodle is somewhat 11-15 inches in height and weighs 15-17 pounds. And a Standard Poodle is 15 inches tall and weighs in between 45-70 pounds.
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24. A National Dog
Although Poodles most likely originated in Germany, they are considered the National Dog of France.
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25. A Poodle’s Fur Never Stops Growing
Unlike other dog breeds which shed, a Poodle’s fur usually grows continuously. If left ungroomed, their fur will become meshy and dreadlock-like.
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26. The Artist Who Made Them Popular
It was the drawings by German artist Albrecht Dürerm, which established Poodles as a popular dog breed in the 15th and 16th centuries.
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27. An Honourable Dog
Poodle owners must be proud to know that they have been honored in many dog shows including “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007 and 2010.
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28. England Connection
The smallest Poodles, i.e., Toy Poodles, were developed in England in the 18th century.
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29. War Dogs
According to dogcrunch.com, during World War II in 1942, Poodles were among the 32 dog breeds, which were officially classified as war dogs by the US Army.
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30. Low Mortality Rate
Among all the dog breeds, Poodles have lower neonatal mortality (death within 1 week from birth).
31. Snobby & Selfish
In popular culture, Poodles are often depicted as spoiled and perhaps obnoxious pets who are snobby, selfish, and vain. Poodle owners are also stereotyped as fussy, frivolous, and impractical.
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