Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Training Your Poodle

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All dogs, including the Poodle, need training to learn how to behave themselves. When your Standard Poodle learns to greet people by sitting still, he won’t jump up on them. When he learns what the word “stay” means, he will learn to be still and to control his own actions. Your Toy Poodle can learn to walk nicely on a leash instead of being carried all the time. In addition, once you learn how to teach your dog, you can train him to follow the rules necessary for good behavior.

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Does your Poodle insist on being the center of attention? Does he bark at people outside your yard? If he gets out of the yard, does he refuse to come when you call him? Does he raid the trashcan? Does he jump on your guests? These are not unusual behaviors for a young, untrained dog, but they are unnecessary, potentially dangerous, and annoying behaviors that you can change (or at least control) through training.

With training, your Poodle can learn to control himself so that he doesn’t react to every impulse. He can learn to sit while greeting people rather than covering them with muddy paw     & prints or ripping their clothes. He can learn to restrain some of his vocalizations and to ignore the trashcans.

Ideally, training should begin as soon as you bring home your new Poodle. If you have an eight to ten-week-old puppy, that’s okay. Your new puppy can begin learning that biting isn’t allowed, that he should sit for treats, petting, and meals, and where he should go to relieve himself. By ten weeks of age, you can attach a small leash to his collar and let him drag it around for a few minutes at a time so he gets used to it. Always watch him closely, of course, so that he doesn’t get the leash tangled up in something and choke himself. Young puppies have a very short attention span, but they are capable of learning and are eager students.

Don’t let your Poodle pup do anything now that you don’t want him to do later when he is full grown. For example, if you don’t want your Standard Poodle up on your lap when he’s 45 pounds of rough paws and hard elbows, don’t let him on your lap now. If you don’t want your Toy Poodle growing up to be a problem barker, stop the barking when he’s a puppy. It will be much harder to change the habit later. Keep in mind as you begin your dog’s training that Poodles are an intelligent breed, responsive to training!

If you have adopted a Poodle who is an older puppy or an adult, you can still begin training right away.

Although your new dog will need time to get used to you and his new home, early training will help your Poodle learn what you expect of him, and as a result, will make that adjustment easier.

The Current Poodle Breed Standard (Part 1)

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The current Poodle breed standard was approved August 14, 1984, and reformatted March 27, 1990, by the Poodle Club of America. Again, except for height, the standard is the same for all 3 varieties. The breed standard refers to the ideal dog. No dog is ideal, however, and many dogs excluded from the show ring for minor faults make excellent pets.

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Size: Here lies the only difference of note among the three varieties. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 45 to 65 pounds. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. He weighs 14 to 18 pounds, and is the most popular of the Poodle varieties today. The Toy Poodle is ten inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. He weighs between 6 and 12 pounds. (European standards are somewhat different, dividing the breed into four size categories: Standard, Miniature, Dwarf, and Toy.)

The first Toy Poodles were nearly always white, but the other colors were introduced by breeding white Toy males to Miniature females of various colors. Today, Toys come in the same range of colors as Standards and Miniatures.

General Appearance: The standard states that the Poodle is a “very active, intelligent, and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well-proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.” That describes the Poodle most accurately.

At first, the English and American breed standards were identical. Both the English and the American Kennel Clubs recognized Standard and Miniature Poodles; both recognized all colors. Today, minor differences exist between the two. In America, the Toy Poodle must be under 10 inches; it is categorized in the Toy Group, while the other two sizes are categorized in the Non-Sporting Group. The English Toy Poodle is another inch higher, and all varieties of Poodle are categorized in the Utility group.

The general appearance of the Poodle is square, meaning that “the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground.”

Head and Expression: The proper Poodle has almond-shaped eyes which are “very dark” and “oval in shape.” He should have “an alert intelligent expression.” It is considered a major fault if the eyes are “round, protruding, large, or very light.” The ears should hang “close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level.”

The skull should be “moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop.” (The stop is where the muzzle meets the upper part of the skull.) The muzzle should be “long, straight, and fine with slight chiseling under the eyes.” The ideal length is clearly defined; it should be the same as the “length from occiput [the back part of the skull] to stop.” A muzzle that is too long is called “snipey” and is considered a fault in a Poodle.

Here’s an interesting Stand Poodle question:

  • Standard Poodle Question? | anon – Over all how high energy do you think standard poodles are? How tolerable are they? What do you know about standard poodles?Answer:Everything Vixen said plus.

Feeding Your Poodle (Part 1)

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Poodle pups have special feeding requirements. A puppy’s stomach is not large enough to hold sufficient food in one feeding to provide his daily nutritional needs. When a puppy graduates from mother’s milk to solid food at about six weeks of age, he will require three to four meals a day, with the exception of Toys, who may need four to six meals. When he reaches about four to five months old, twice-a-day feedings may be sufficient. He can graduate to once-a-day meals at eight to nine months of age.

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Feeding The Poodle Pup: A pup’s nutritional requirements for growth and development are greater than those for an adult dog. If you opt to feed your Poodle pup a commercially prepared diet, feed one formulated especially for pups to ensure that your Poodle gets the nutrients he needs. A Poodle pup who eats a complete and balanced commercial puppy diet doesn’t need additional supplements. Adding supplements can cause nutritional imbalance. However, if you are supplying your dog with a home-cooked or fresh-diet meal plan, supplements may be necessary. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist.

Dry food can be moistened with warm water to encourage pups to eat. Milk can be used, too, but only in extremely small amounts. Cow’s milk causes digestive upset in some puppies and dogs. A tablespoon of canned food can be added to increase interest, as well. These are general guidelines for feeding your Poodle pup; consult with your veterinarian for more specific advice.

Feeding Adult Poodles: The adult Poodle is a mature dog, usually age one year or older. Healthy adult dogs who are not pregnant, nursing, or hardworking have somewhat low nutritional requirements. Feeding is fairly straightforward if you’re feeding commercially prepared kibble. Buy a complete and balanced diet made for the adult dog and give your dog the recommended amount once or twice a day. Add a tablespoon of canned food for taste if you wish. Adjust the amount according to the Poodle’s activity level and body condition.

Feeding Hardworking Poodles: Highly active Poodles use a lot of energy. The hard-working dog can require two to three time more kilocalories per pound of body weight than what is required for normal activity. To maintain good body condition and keep up his stamina, the hardworking Poodle must eat a high-energy diet.

Many veterinarians recommend commercially prepared “performance” diets for highly active dogs. Higher fat, higher-protein diets supply the working dog with needed calories. Because performance diets are higher in protein than maintenance diets, there s a misconception that the active dog just needs extra protein. However, all nutrients are required in greater amounts. Additionally, research indicates that moderately high-protein diets are unlikely to cause kidney damage – in spite of some breeders’ and owners’ beliefs that it does.

Feeding Your Elderly Poodle: Older Poodles (those who have reached the last 25 percent of their expected life span) are usually less active than adult dogs and pups. Thus, their energy requirements are reduced and they can gain weight easily if fed too much or fed a high-calorie diet. Some veterinarians recommend “senior” diets; foods high in nutrients but reduced in calories to keep a senior Poodle at a healthy weight.

12 Poodle Health Problems To Be Aware Of

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Poodle Health Issues

1. Cruciate ligament injury is a condition in which diagonally crossed ligaments in the rear leg are injured and must be corrected surgically. This condition in a Poodle is especially painful.

2. Elbow dysplasia, also known as osteochondrosis, is often found in young growing dogs. It is genetic. A Poodle allowed to exercise in excess are often at risk for this condition.

3. Abnormal elbows are graded based on the severity of the dysplasia, while normal elbows of a Poodle 24 months old and older receive OFA certification. This scheme is designed to help identify dysplastic dogs and to help breeders eliminate affected dogs from their breeding programs.

4. Hip dysplasia is similar to elbow dysplasia; it is a genetically acquired problem of the hips in which the head of the femur does not fit correctly into the hip joint. The OFA also has a screening program for hips, in which hip x-rays of dogs at least 24 months old are evaluated and graded in one of seven categories: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe.

5. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a disorder of the hip joint, often seen in young small-breed dogs, which causes lameness and pain in one leg. Surgical removal of the femoral head is the usual treatment.

6. Kneecap dislocation or medial patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place and rests on the inside of the knee. This condition is mostly seen in small dogs. Therapy may help, but surgery is more frequently used to relieve the problem. It is most probably genetic in origin.

7. Bloat or stomach torsion is a condition in which the stomach twists over and fills with air, releasing toxins into the bloodstream. This requires immediate medical help. It can be fatal if not treated early enough. This condition is usually a concern for deep-chested breeds and may affect the Standard Poodle; your vet can advise you of precautionary measures against bloat.

8. Cushing’s syndrome is a pituitary disorder in which the body produces too much cortisone. It is medically treatable.

9. Hypothyroidism is a hormone problem usually seen in older dogs. It can be treated by a veterinarian.

10. Patent ductus heart disease is a congenital heart defect that is genetic. Surgery is required for correction.

11. Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by a seizure in the brain that can be controlled with medication.

12. Von Willebrand’s disease is genetic in nature. It is a bleeding disorder in which a low clotting factor can prove fatal.   A Poodle should be tested for clotting factor prior to surgery.

Poodle Breed Standard

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Describing the Poodle as an individual breed is best articulated by whats called a “breed standard.” This specific standard is compared with what genetics determine – a dog’s physical characteristics, such as height, weight, body type, color, or coat. Breed standards also spell out the breeds desired temperament, personality, and faults. Breed standards assigned by a kennel or dog club may vary slightly from nation to nation, and can change over time.

In a nutshell, the breed standard paints a picture of what the ideal Poodle should look like and how it should act, making it distinct and special from other breeds. Only those dogs that most closely meet the standard receive championship status or are elected to be bred, at least in theory. The first American Kennel Club official standard for the Poodle was approved in 1901.

The very first AKC breed standard for the Poodle was similar to the standard for The Kennel Club (English), which was written in 1886. Three distinct varieties of the Poodle – Toy, Miniature, and Standard – existed then, but they were distinguished by weight rather than height as they are now. The following description summarizes the current breed standard, as set by the Poodle Club of America:

Appearance: The Poodle is intelligent and elegant in appearance. Known for his alert expression, the Poodle is well proportioned and moves gracefully. The Poodle has what enthusiasts call “an air of distinction.” Its poise and dignity are unique to this breed.

Size: There are three sizes or varieties of Poodles: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are all the same breed. Toy Poodles are 10 inches tall or less at the shoulder, Miniatures are 15 inches or less, and Standards are 15 inches or taller.

These three are the only sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club, though prospective Poodle buyers may find “teacup” (very small Toys) or “royal” (very large Standards) Poodles as one of their choices. However, these are not AKC-accepted sizes.

Coat: No matter which size of Poodle you choose, the Poodle’s curly coat is her crowning glory. White, black, brown, cream, blue, gray, and apricot are the colors accepted by the AKC. A well-bred Poodle’s coat texture is one-of-a-kind: harsh, dense, and curly.

Personality: The Poodle’s other greatest asset is his personality. Poodles are highly intelligent, good natured, sensitive, and adaptable. Poodles are people lovers, and aim to please, generally following through on any request their owner may ask. Poodles are suited to show careers, field work, therapy dog work, or life as a pleasing companion. Being the adaptable animals they are, the Poodle can live happily in a city apartment or take to life on the farm.

Should You Get A Toy, Miniature, Or Standard Poodle?

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Poodle Pups are certainly adorable, but they are a lot of work. Repeat: They are a lot of work! It will take time and effort to teach your puppy the ropes: house-training, manners, grooming, and socializing. If you’re home a lot, perhaps you work from a home office or you are a stay-at home parent, a puppy could be a good bet since you may be able to supervise and acclimate your new friend better.

As well, puppies almost invariably are a bit more playful, and you can develop his personality to your liking. Remember, too, that the first year of a dog’s life is an expensive one! However, if you’re not up to the tireless effort that puppies require, consider adopting an adult Poodle. You can find many available at rescue organizations and sometimes at animal shelters. With an adult dog, you’re past house-training, crying, jumping, and chewing – hopefully.

Adult Poodles also come with a developed personality, which can be wonderful. When it comes to the choice between a male or female Poodle, you’ll encounter proponents of each sex. Some believe female Poodles bond more closely to men and vice versa. In general, enthusiasts say a female Poodle has the attitude of “what can you do for me?” while the male Poodle has the attitude of “what can I do for you?” The Poodle is a one-breed-fits-all in terms of size. What’s so cool about the Poodle is that there’s a size to fit anyone or any household!

The Toy variety is popular among individuals with limited space. Though small in size, the Toy is hardy in stature and has all the heart and spirit of a big dog. Toys can be trained to do just about anything except play the retrieving game. Because of its small size, Toys are sometimes overly spoiled and babied by their owners. Like all dogs, Toys need training and proper socialization.

Because of its tiny size, the Toy may not be a good choice for a family with young children. Larger Poodles are better able to handle the normal roughhousing that goes along with kids. If properly supervised, though, a Toy can fit nicely into a family home.

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The Miniature Poodle, larger and sturdier than the Toy but not a big dog, is also popular among individuals with limited space, and travels well, too. For those who love big dogs and Poodles, the Standard variety is an excellent choice. Exercise and activity requirements are greater than for smaller varieties, but a 100-acre ranch is not a necessity. A Standard can live comfortably in the city with daily romps in the park. Maintenance costs go up with each variety. Toy, Miniature, or Standard. Obviously, it costs more to feed and groom a Standard Poodle than it does to groom a Toy or Mini.

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