6 Reasons Why Poodles Rule
By Jessica Remitz | Pet360.com
Though they tend to get flack for their crazy cuts and dignified appearance (some may even say they look like "sissy" dogs), we're going to let you in on a little secret: Poodles rule. Here's why:
#1 - They've Got Brains and Brawn
One of the most intelligent breeds out there, Poodles are very smart but also extremely perceptive, said Joan Scott, Publicity Chairman of the Poodle Club of America and Toy Poodle breeder since 1963.
Scott's very first Poodle, a five and a half pound Toy, used its street smarts to fit its head between the bars of its crate then popped open the lock to get out of the cage while Scott was away. To fix the problem, Scott then put her Poodle in a galvanized steel cage to keep it safe while she was away, only to come home to find the bars chewed through.
The moral of the story? These seemingly silly-looking pups know what's up. They love to solve problems and tend to have a sense of humor doing so.
#2 - They Want Us to Be Happy
Once a Poodle has done something in training a few times, they catch on quickly to what you want them to do and do it right to please you, Scott said. They care about pleasing their people and are loyal and hardworking for those they love. Standard Poodles were developed as retrievers and hunting dogs, skills they continue to use today.
While all Poodles tend to care for their owners, there may be some differences in how males and females treat and respond to their people, Scott said.
"Boys love you no matter what you do," she said. "Girls love you but will let you know when they're not happy and will tend to get even."
#3 - They're Easy Keepers
Poodles are easy to train, easy to live with and enjoy being on a schedule, which makes them suitable pets for owners and families of all sizes and ages. They often tend to like being right next to their people, Scott says, which makes them easy to keep an eye on at home.
Standard Poodles often excel in retrieving competitions and agility training and can blend in seamlessly with an active family that enjoys the water, while Miniature and Toy versions of the breed will be happy with daily romps in the yard or several short walks around the neighborhood during the day. Regardless of their size, all Poodles are generally happy, quiet and adaptable indoor dogs.
"A Poodle is a breed that, once you've owned it, it's sometimes difficult to own any other breed," Scott said.
#4 - They're Non-Shedders
With their tight, curly coats, Poodles don't shed the same way other breeds do and can be suitable pets for people with allergies. Although they still produce dander and saliva, which can cause allergic reactions, the fact that they don't shed is a huge plus. They do, however, require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy.
Additionally, Poodles are known for being odorless (unless they have an ear infection, Scott said), so you can kiss that doggie stench goodbye!
#5 - They Make the Best Mixes
From the increasingly popular "designer dog" breeds like Maltipoos, Labradoodles, Cockapos and Godendoodles to some lesser known Poodle mixes-Mastidoodle or Pekepoo anyone?-if you've got a dog that's half Poodle, you've likely got something adorable.
Because Poodles come different size varieties, they tend to be successfully crossed with a variety of breeds in varying sizes. As these crosses tend to carry on the Poodles intelligence and non-shedding coat, these breeds are highly sought after. These mixed breeds, while adorable, can vary greatly depending on their parent breeds and may have different physical looks, temperaments and health conditions than other dogs, so it's important to do your homework and contact reputable organizations when looking for the right Poodle or Poodle-mix for your home.
#6 - They Come in Every Size
Poodles come in three size varieties, Miniature, Toy and Standard, making them a great fit for a variety of different environments. Standards, the largest of the varieties, tend to be the hardiest and the most active and will require plenty of exercise during the day to be content living in an apartment setting. Miniature and Toy versions, however, require a little less exercise and can adapt to living in close quarters or urban areas with more ease. Toy Poodles in particular cannot handle the cold as well as their larger cousins do, and will need coats to keep warm outdoors in the winter. Small dogs generally tend to live longer than larger breeds, which means Toy and Miniature Poodles may live longer than Standards by several years. All sizes can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray and fawn, but are generally not multi-colored.
Explore More from Pet360:
8 Most Popular Toy Poodle Mixes
5 Famous Toy Poodles in Movies You Love
3 Severe Health Problems that Could Affect Your Toy Poodle
Man Buys Toy Poodles, Learns They're Ferrets on Steroids
Oodles of Poodle Hybrids
Standard vs. Toy Poodles: What's the Difference?
