Poodles are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States, and they make fantastic pets with the right amount of care and training. However, many people don’t know much about these intelligent dogs, including some key facts that make them better family pets than you might have realized before. Here are ten facts about poodles that can help you decide if these dogs would be a good fit for your family or not.
1) The poodle is smart
The poodle is a very intelligent breed of dog, often scoring in the top 20% of most intelligent breeds. They are also considered one of the easiest dogs to train and can work with police, assistance, and search-and-rescue teams. Poodles need a lot of attention from their owners and will do best in an active household with room for them to run around.
2) The poodle’s origins are disputed
One of the most popular dog breeds in America, the poodle is thought to have originated in Germany. Theories about the breed’s origin include that it descended from a type of German water dog called the Pudelhund and that it came from France. Most people don’t know that poodles were originally used for ratting and hunting. They were bred to be agile and strong enough to follow their prey into its den.
3) Poodles are water-loving
Poodles are water-loving dogs. They love to splash around and swim, but they also like to keep their fur nice and clean! Poodle owners typically groom their dog’s coat every day, which is a lot easier when the dog doesn’t have too much hair.
4) They’re also good hunting dogs
While they don’t have the same speed and agility as some breeds, poodles are excellent hunters due to their keen sense of hearing. Plus, they’re intelligent and easy to train, so you won’t have to worry about them wandering off.
5) Some poodles have an allergy to fleas
- Poodles are born with an allergy to fleas, so they need to be groomed often to avoid getting a skin condition from the fleas.
- The characteristic curly coat of the poodle was developed in France as a result of crossbreeding smaller poodle breeds with curly-coated water dogs like the Hungarian Puli, Pekinese and Tibetan Terrier.
6) Toy poodles were originally used in France as circus entertainers
Toy poodles were originally used in France as circus entertainers. They were trained to walk on a tightrope and do tricks like rolling over and playing dead. When they weren’t performing, they would be dressed up in elaborate costumes by their owners who often also had an interest in fashion or theater. Today, the French still use toy poodles in circuses but also as service animals for people with disabilities.
7) Haircuts are an easy way to mark time for poodles.
When you take your poodle to the groomers, it’s an opportunity for them to have a haircut. Regular grooming is important for your dog’s health and well-being, but also for their psyche; studies have shown that when dogs are groomed regularly, they feel more relaxed and less stressed. Grooming can also be a great bonding experience between you and your pup; it provides an opportunity to learn about what might be going on in their lives.
8) Red is a color reserved for breeding males.
The poodle is a German water dog that was developed around the 16th century. The name poodle comes from the German word pudel, meaning to splash. Poodles were bred as hunting dogs and used to retrieve waterfowl shot down by hunters.
9) They have a long memory.
Poodle dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, but did you know they also have a long memory? The Poodle is one of the few breeds that can retrieve on land or water. A poodle’s memory will last from six to twelve months.
10) They sometimes have behavioral issues, but they can be avoided.
The high intelligence of the poodle may create a problem with obedience and training. Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, which means they will have an opinion on what they want to do and when they want to do it. Though this can be frustrating at times, it’s important to understand that this is a natural personality trait of poodles and not something that is inherently wrong with them.