Poodle Temperament
Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably one of the most intelligent breeds, historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point birds.
Classified as highly-energetic, poodles can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief.
Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Other notable aspects of poodle temperament are their agility and athleticism and, like with most dogs, they appreciate a lot of exercise.
|
|
Poodle Coats
Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours per week for a standard poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down as soon as their show career is over and put into a lower-maintenance cut. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show clips and require much less maintenance.
Poodle hair is similar in texture to sheep wool, but not used for any commercial purpose. There are some cases of allergies to poodle wool with symptoms consisting of rashes, runny noses, itchy eyes and severe sneezing.
|
|
Show clips
Many breed registries allow only certain clips for poodles shown in conformation. In American Kennel Club (AKC) shows, adults must be shown in the continental or English saddle clips. Dogs under 12 months old may be shown with a puppy clip. A handful of registries, such as the United Kennel Club, allow simpler clips.
|
|
|
Puppy clipIn the puppy clip, the face, throat, base of the tail and feet are shaved. The coat may be shaped with scissors for neatness. Although this clip appears simpler than the other clips, the length of the hair makes it at as difficult to maintain as the adult clips. |
|
Continental clipIn the continental clip the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving pompoms around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except for pompoms on the lower leg (from the hock to the base of the foot) and optional round areas, sometimes called "rosettes," over the hips. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today. |
|
English Saddle clipThe English Saddle clip is similar to the continental, except for the hindquarters. The hindquarters are not shaved except a small curved area on each flank just behind the body, the feet, and bands just below the knee and above the hock, leaving three pompoms. This clip is now rarely seen in Standard Poodles. |
|
Pet clipsPet clips can be as simple or elaborate as the owner wants. The hair under the tail should always be kept short to keep feces from getting matted in the fur. Most owners also keep the feet and face clipped short to keep dirt from matting between toes and food from matting around the dog's muzzle. Beyond the sanitary requirements, the desired clip depends on the owner's preference. Some owners maintain a longer clip in winter than summer. Longer hair should be brushed daily to remove any tangles. |
|
Corded coatIn most cases, whether a poodle is in a pet or show clip, fur is completely brushed out. Poodle fur can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor. Though once as common as the curly poodle, corded poodles are now very rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after a bath. Any poodle with a normal coat can be corded when their adult coat is in. Corded poodles may be shown in AKC, FCI, CKC and UKC shows. |
More About Poodles > >
|
|
|
|
