The Poodle – In Any Size You Want
Whether you get the miniature, the standard or the giant, the poodle tends
to have the same traits and abilities, albeit on differing scales due to
size. This is an energetic and fun-loving breed, excelling at tricks and
enjoying its owner's company. The poodle is a favorite among many for its
happy temperament (even if it can be jealous of other rivals) and
willingness to please.
It was not always the pampered pet we tend to think of it as, however. The
poodle was once a retriever, going after ducks and the like in France and
Germany, and also a dog to find mushrooms and truffles. These ideas left,
though, as the French began to discover it was such an intelligent dog and
capable of performing. This is more of the image we have today: smart and a
touch of a scene stealer.
And that image is a correct one. The poodle is a scene stealer, easily
capturing attention with its natural athleticism and grace. It tends, of
course, to be offended if others receive more attention than it does so you
will need to offer much companionship. That is an easy thing, however, since
this is a loving breed that you will want to spend your time with. And its
small size makes it ideal as a traveling companion.
Training is more fun with the poodle than other breeds. It loves to learn
and will excel at tricks and commands.
Of course, with all that intelligence and ability comes a few problems. The
most obvious of these is the grooming. This is not a simple matter of giving
the occasional bath. The poodle requires extensive work. You will most
likely have to visit a groomer to have the standard cut given, unless you
manage to learn it yourself. This will take time out of your week to do so
be prepared.
Also, this breed is prone to some major health issues. Cataracts and
blindness are common, as are ear and skin infections. Heart disease also
runs in this breed. You will need to have regular vet checkups to insure
that everything is fine.
If you are not interested in high maintenance grooming or frequent vet
visits, then the poodle is not for you. This dog, while an excellent
companion, does have its drawbacks and you need to understand that.
