Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle

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It seems safest to define toy dogs as being determined by the size of the dogs, and leave discussion of function and temperament to the various breed clubs. However, this can also be problematic, as there is no firm agreement on what height or weight makes a dog a toy, and the upper height limit of some toy dog breeds is over 12 inches at the withers, which places these dogs within the height range of dogs in some other groups as well.

The use of the word "toy" to describe small dogs that belong to a toy breed is redundant and also incorrect, suggesting that the breed comes in different sizes—there is no such thing, for example, as a "toy Chihuahua"; all Chihuahuas are toy dogs. (However, some breeds do come in different sizes, such as Poodles, which come in standard, miniature, and toy varieties).

The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gun dog noted for its ability in the water and bird hunting skills. The English name comes from the German noun Pudel, shortened from Pudelhund; from the German verb pudeln/puddeln, meaning "to splash [about] (in the water)". In France, Portugal and Spain, the Poodle is known as a caniche. Poodles have coats that grow to an extent that caring for them is managed well only if their coats are trimmed regularly and expertly. Originally the coats were trimmed in order to protect vital organs. The Poodle's thick coat can become extremely heavy when wet. In fact, if not trimmed and combed, serious skin problems can develop. Unlike the "show coats" that are mandatory for the show ring, the sporting clips are easily managed and show off the grand look of the Standards and smaller poodles as well.

History
The Poodle is often thought of as a typically French breed (it is frequently referred to as the "French Poodle"). However, it is an old breed and its region of origin is a matter of contention. Most experts believe the Poodle originated in Central Europe or Russia. However, it may also have come from Iberia. The English name Poodle originates from the German noun "Pudel", which was shortened from the compound noun "Pudelhund" (Poodle Dog). The German verb pudeln/puddeln means "to splash [about or around] (in the water), so a "Pudelhund" was a "splashing(-about-in-the-water-)dog". Related breeds are the Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel. They originated as hunting dogs to retrieve waterfowl for hunters.

Temperament
Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably one of the most intelligent breeds, [1], their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Because they are so intelligent, they can become bored easily, and can get quite 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. When they are from good bloodlines, all three varieties are fairly mellow dogs. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. They don't require as much exercise as other hunting or working breeds (even the Standards), but being agile and athletic, they appreciate lots of exercise.

Milou an active poodle
Milou a facetious poodle

Health concerns

With proper care and nutrition, many enjoy life well into their teens. This Toy Poodle just turned 16, and with arthritis medication still has a very active life.As with any purebred dog, there are many health concerns for the Poodle owner to be aware of. Though the Poodle is usually a healthy, long-lived canine (it's not unheard of to see a 15-year-old Toy or Miniature Poodle or a 12-year-old Standard Poodle), owners should be aware of the health problems that this breed is predisposed to.

Always consult with a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with before diagnosing or treating any disease on your own.

The health concerns that people owning Toy Poodles must be aware of include: cataracts, entropion, epilepsy, intervertebral disc degeneration[2], lacrimal duct atresia (deformed or absent tear ducts that cause tears to run down the face), Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)[3] [4], trichiasis, and urolithiasis.

For the Miniature Poodle, owners must watch for: cataracts, congenital heart disease, distichiasis, entropion, epilepsy, glaucoma, intervertebral disc degeneration, lacrimal duct atresia, Legg-Perthes, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), patellar luxation, trichiasis, and urolithiasis.

For the Standard Poodle, owners must watch for: Addison's Disease, cataracts, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), distichiasis, entropion, epilepsy, gastric torsion, PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), sebaceous adenitis[5], vWD (Von Willebrand's disease) and chronic active hepatitis.

All three breeds are predisposed towards certain types of mammary tumors, so if the Poodle owner doesn't plan on breeding their female, then they should consider spaying her before her first heat cycle. This dramatically cuts down the Poodle's chances of developing quite a few different types of mammary tumors later in life.

Miscellaneous

Standard Poodle

Hybrids

Toy Poodles make great companions; they are very attentive, intelligent, and always full of energy.Many hybrids have been created by crossing a Poodle with another breed, such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos. These "hybrids" or "designer dogs" are not, however, recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Many breeders promote Poodle hybrids as actual breeds and charge more for them than is usually charged for a mixed-breed dog.

Main article: see Poodle hybrid.

Famous Poodles
Foo-Foo, Miss Piggy's pet on The Muppet Show
Roly, the poodle owned by Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders
Yankee Poodle from Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew
Algonquin from Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
Angel, pet of Aaron D Corbett
Basket, Basket II, and Basket III, successive pets of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas
Bela, pet of Weird Al Yankovic
Boye, pet of Prince Rupert of the Rhine
Charley, pet of Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck, a champion black Standard Poodle played Charley in the TV miniseries "Travels with Charlie: In Search of America", based on Steinbeck's 1961 book.
Cleo, from Clifford the Big Red Dog
Daphne, from the third Look Who's Talking movie
Dusty, pet of Joss Stone
Ernie, pet of Moonwriter
Fifi, on circus Blinky Bill's Extraordinary Excursion
Fifi, pet of the Finsters on Rugrats
Fifi, pet of WWE Superstar Rene Dupree
Georgette from Oliver and Company
Josephine, prized pet of author Jacqueline Susann; inspiration for her 1963 novel, "Every Night, Josephine".
Oreo, beloved pet of Karen Albert
Misiu & Cricket, pets of The artist Buza source: [6]
Olja, Linda and Bill, white poodles of Marshal Tito
Ooh La La, pet of Nanette Manoir on Angela Anaconda
Rhapsody in White, or 'Butch', of the movie Best in Show
Rufus, pet of Winston Churchill source: [7] retrieved July 31, 2005
The black toy poodle that is killed in ‘‘Manos: The Hands of Fate
Vicki, pet of Richard Nixon
Cocoa the great American poodle.
Atma and Butz poodles of Arthur Schopenhauer
Chloe, pet of Jack Lemmon

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