Poodle Training, Allergies, Ear Infection, and Hair Loss

Poodle Dog Breed Introduction

Poodle is a breed of water dog referred to as Caniche in French and Pudel in German. This breed is among the most popular service dog breeds because of its intelligence. Poodles were ranked in the second position out of 110 breeds in intelligence by Stanley Coren in a 1994 study. It has several varieties based on size, Teacup, Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard Poodle. However, the Medium Poodle is not globally recognized.

Moreover, Poodles have won best in a show at Westminster 10 times, the second-most of any breed. As of 2012, this breed was the third most popular FCI registered breed worldwide after the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. A Poodle is more compatible with allergic people than other breeds(hypoallergenic). It also has a variety of coat colors including brown, Sable, Black, Apricot, Black & White, Red, Cream, White, Grey, Blue, and Silver.

History

The origin of Poodles is a topic up for debate with claims that they originated from Germany while others claim the progenitors of this breed were developed in France. However, some also claim that Poodles originated from Northwest Africa, Russia, or Piedmont. Many historians believe the Poodles originated from Germany but became a distinct breed in France. The majority of cynologists believe this breed was developed in Germany, especially the modern Standard poodle variety.

This pooch is claimed it was known in Germany dating back from the middle ages and it was the German water dog. The theory used to support the origin of this breed is the Germanic name for the breed, Pudel in German or Poodle which was derived from the puddeln German word which means to splash. There are also various artistic works by German Artists from the early 1600s that depict dogs that resemble the poodle type. However, other Cynologists and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) believe that the dog originated from France and was descended from the Barbet.

Origin

Despite the country of origin, both the French and German names indicate the modern Poodle’s ancestors were widely used by waterfowlers both to recover lost bolts and retrieve shot game. The distinctive lion coat for the Poodle was developed as practicality when they were used in hunting waterfowl. The smaller varieties of the Poodle are originally from France where they were used as circus performers but have since become popular as companion dogs.

The Poodle was recognized by the Kennel Club of the UK in 1874, and by the AKC(American Kennel Club) in 1886. However, in the USA, the breed was quite unpopular until 1935. This is after the dog’s Champion Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace won best in the show at Westminster. Thereafter, the breed gained prominence becoming the most popular breed of dogs for 22 years between 1960 to 1982.

Lifespan

There are several types of Poodles including Standard, Teacup, Yorkie, Maltese, Toy, Miniature, Medium, etc. However, AKC only recognizes three types of Poodles; Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle. The life expectancy of this breed varies from one type to another. There is also an argument that large dogs physically age faster than small dogs hence they have a short life expectancy. The following is an average life span of a Poodle:

Standard Poodle lifespan is 11 to 13 years with a median life expectancy of 12 years.
The Toy Poodle has a lifespan of between 14 to 16 years.
A Miniature Poodle has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
Yorkie Poodle has an average lifespan of between 10-15 years.
Teacups poodle have a life expectancy of between 12 to 14 years.

N/B. The life expectancy of a Poodle is not limited to the average life expectancy listed above. For instance, a Poodle born in 1908 had a lifespan of 28 years and 218 days passing on in August 1937.

Grooming

This breed has a lush and curly coat. Therefore, Poodles need nearly daily combing and brushing to keep the coat free of mats and tangles. This kind of breed is highly recommended for professional grooming at least every 3 to 6 weeks.

Poodles also shed, but their hair is trapped by their adult curly hair so it is not easy to note if your pet is shedding. Therefore, the shed hair may easily develop into tangles and mats unless continuously groomed. There are also two types of grooming styles for adult Poodles regardless of size, Continental and English Saddle.

While brushing your dog, use a slicker brush and bristle brush. The Slicker brush is used first in order to remove tangles, mats, and shed-out hair. Additionally, it is important to be gentle while using the Slicker brush so that you may not abrade your pets’ sensitive skin. Following the successful removal of all tangles and mats, use a bristle brush to comb out both the de-matted and de-tangled hair.

Grooming Tips

Consistent, firm but gentle brushing will deliver the smoothest and softest coat without injuring the delicate skin of your pet. Pet owners are urged to choose a brush size that most closely matches the size of their Poodles. Groom your pet from an elevated surface for more control. Bathe your pet every 4 to 8 weeks unless your pooch rolls in something stinky.

Trims should also be given once every 4 to 8 weeks depending on how long you would like the hair of your Poodle to grow. Clip the nails once every week. One way to know if your pet requires nail clipping is if the nails make a clicking sound on the floor. For ongoing oral maintenance, it is advisable to give your pooch something hard to chew on such as antlers or bones.

Brush the teeth at least twice a week using a finger toothbrush or dog toothbrush with a chicken or liver flavored toothpaste. A tooth scaler can be used to scrape off tartar buildup. Clean the ears on a weekly basis to remove excess debris, wax, or dirt using cotton balls dampened in an ear cleaning solution. Remember also to pluck or trim the hairs that grow in the ears of the Poodle to allow better airflow.

Grooming Styles

Poodles have unique grooming styles and have at least 50 different styles of coat clips. This breed’s hair is completely brushed out whether the dog is in a pet or show clip. Furthermore, the hair of the Poodle may either be corded with rope-like mats similar to human dreadlocks. However, the corded hairstyle is rare since it is difficult to keep clean.

In addition, a corded dog takes a long time to dry after washing. Most of the classic poodle cuts call for some length left on their ears, legs, and body. Some of the popular haircuts, hairstyles, or cuts in Poodles include:

Sporting Trim | the Kennel Cut.

This hair cut adheres to the classic Poodle cuts but with a few modifications. At the end of a pet’s tail, there is a poof left and their top knot is left as long as possible while shaped and rounded by the groomer. Furthermore, the Kennel Cut is a modified version of a show groom.

German Trim

It is a cut preferred for dogs that get constant ear matting or ear infections. Furthermore, a German Trim utilizes hand scissors to create a sharp angle to show off how pretty the dog is.

Pom Pom Trim

This is a haircut for a pet owner who wants the pet to keep the french poodle flair and style.

Other Haircuts

Lamb Cut

This kind of cut looks good on a poodle with longer legs. It is also accompanied by a shaved tail that also balances the shaved neck.

Continental Trim

This is the most popular haircut at dog shows. It has pompoms on hip joints, head, neck, shoulders, tail, and also on the back. However, maintaining this hairstyle is quite expensive.

Labrador Trim / Teddy Bear

In this hairstyle, the Poodles’ hair is trimmed in the same length throughout the body. The face and feet are left unshaved.

Shedding

Contrary to the popular mythological concept, Poodles also shed their hair although at low levels earning the credit of a low shedding breed. However, the shedding may go unnoticed since the loose hair gets trapped by the curly adult hair so that it doesn’t fall out. Regular brushing at least once a week is key to reduce shedding and the chances of causing allergic inflammation on the skin. Poodles don’t experience seasonal change, therefore, they shed lightly all year round. They also don’t blow off their coats.

Coat

Poodles have a single tightly curled coat which traps the loose hair and slows the loss of dander. The coat texture may be soft and wavy or coarse and woolly. Regular brushing of the coat at least once a week is required to keep the coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. Brushing of the coat also removes loose trapped hair by the curly coat that may lead to an allergic reaction to the skin if not brushed out.

Poodle Hypoallergenic

Poodles are light shedders that don’t spread the loss of hair around the house since they have a tightly curled coat that traps the shed hair. When the tightly curled coat is combined with the active growth of its hair follicles, an individual pooch of this breed releases less hair and dander into the environment. This makes the Poodle tolerable for people who suffer from dog allergies, however, they may not be completely hypoallergenic. Conducted studies have not found the difference in allergens across breeds.

Poodle Training

Poodles make good students for training since they are athletic and enthusiastic in trying new things. Socialization is recommended to ensure that your pet grows into a well-mannered and well-adjusted canine citizen. Socialization mostly kicks off at the age of 3 to 12 weeks when the dog is exposed to various sights, situations, smell, sounds, surfaces, people, and other animals.

Enrolling your Poodle in obedience classes will also serve as part of the socialization process as your dog will get to meet other animals. It is recommended for a Poodle to enroll in an obedience training class at the age of 16 weeks after all the shots have been administered.

Once your get your pup home, start housetraining which is effective if crate training and feeding time are created. A crate is a safe place that prevents the Poodle from harming itself when it is in the house. Encourage your pet to use the crate through positive associations with the device such as the use of treats and praise.

Remember to place the crate in a room where a lot of family activities are ongoing. Avoid using a crate as a form of punishment since it will make your poodle defensive when it is time to get to the crate.

Training Tricks

Effective potty training is achieved if the owner takes the Poodles outside to relieve themselves after waking up, following meals, and after every one hour. Once your pet relieves itself, remember to give a treat or praise to encourage this behavior once you take it outside.

The use of positive reinforcement methods such as the use of rewards and praise make training effective. Avoid the use of harsh correction methods such as yelling when correcting undesirable behaviors.

Make the training sessions short for a period of at most ten minutes since many pets easily get destructed. Teach the basic command words such as sit, stay, lie down, come, wait, heel, leave it, etc. one at a time until your pet understands before proceeding to the next command word.

Poodle Traits

Active.
Athletic.
Intelligent.
Loyal.
Easy to train.
Obedient.
Sociable.
Alert.
Instinctual.

Temperament Problems

Failure to exercise your Poodle may lead to bad behaviors due to the manifestation of anxiousness and restlessness. The bad behavior may manifest in different forms including chewing furniture, excessive licking, soiling the carpet, etc. The Toy and Miniature varieties tend to have less patience with young children and they may find them too much to handle.

Exercises

Like any other breed, Poodles are also required to exercise every day for at least 60 minutes. Adult dogs should have two 30-minute walk a day while the puppies may have a 30 minutes walk a day. Furthermore, the pet owner may schedule the 30-minute walk for a puppy to two 15 minutes walk a day. In addition, you may also include a game of fetch.

Barking

Poodles have a reputation for being sociable dogs, hence they bark a lot. However, the dog’s barking becomes frequent when they are triggered by excitement, seeing people, noise, separation anxiety, lack of exercise, and also when alerting their owners of a threat.

Aggressive

Poodles are neither particularly aggressive nor territorial, however, they tend to protect their families by barking, growling, snarling, and lunging. However, a poodle may be aggressive due to poor socialization, if it was bred in a neglectful or abusive environment, poor upbringing, lack of stimulation, and improper training.

Bite Force

Poodles are less likely to bite and have been categorized to have an ordinary bite force. However, there is no range for this ‘ordinary’ bite force Psi. The average bite force in a dog is between 200 to 400 PSI.

Biting

Biting in Poodles may be due to fear, pain, distress, poor training and socialization as well as poor breeding. Puppies are prone to biting when teething. Pups also love to explore new textures, objects, and people through biting. Even though the biting may seem adorable for the puppies, it may not be so for an adult Poodle as they grow larger in size and get older. Therefore, biting should not be permitted to avoid raising an adult Poodle that has serious biting issues. Biting behavior may be corrected through bite inhibition training and redirection.

Types Of Dogs

AKC recognizes three types of Poodles; Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles which are exact replicas of each other and have been bred to the same breeding standards. The is also a Medium type of Poodle that is slightly smaller than the Standard and slightly bigger when compared to the Miniature. However, the Medium type has not been recognized by some of the kennel clubs such as AKC.

Height

This breed of dog has different varieties varying predominantly by their sizes:

A Standard poodle has a height of 18 to 24 inches ( approx. 45 to 62 cm).
The Toy Poodle stands at a height of 9.4 to 11.0 inches ( approx. 24 to 28 cm).
The Miniature Poodle has a height of 11 to 14 inches ( approx. 28 to 35 cm ).
The Medium Poodle has a height of 14 to 18 inches ( approx. 35 to 45 cm)

However, some kennel clubs don’t recognize the Medium. Therefore the kennels typically have a Standard with a height of 15 to 24 inches ( approx. 38 to 60 cm), and the Miniature with a height of 11 to 15 inches ( approx. 28 to 38 cm ), with the Toy’s size remaining unchanged.

Weight

The Standard Female poodle has a weight of 45 to 60 pounds ( approx. 20 to 27 kg) while a male Standard weighs 45 to 70 pounds ( approx. 20 to 31.8 kg).
A Miniature Poodle has an average weight of 26 to 31 pounds ( approx. 12 to 14 kg).
The Medium Poodle weighs 33 to 43 pounds ( approx. 15 to 19 kg).
A Toy Poodle has a weight of 14 to 17 pounds ( 6.5 to 7.5 kg).

Poodle Health Issues

This is a kind of breed that is generally healthy and there are Poodle-specific health issues. Although, this breed suffers a number of hereditary diseases due to inbreeding. Some of the hereditary issues that Poodles suffer include:

Addison’s disease is an endocrine system disorder.
Sebaceous adenitis is a skin disease.
Eyelid problems.
Cancer.
Hip Dysplasia.
Gastric Torsion.
Thyroid issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy.

However, this does not rule them out from epilepsy, cataracts, and ear infections.

Some of the other breeds of dogs include:

German Shepherd.

Labrador Retriever.

Golden Retriever.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Italian Greyhound.

Shiba Inu.

Doberman.

Whippet.

Yorkshire Terrier.

Rat Terrier.

Airedale Terrier.

Belgian Malinois.

Bull Terrier.

Mini Australian Shepherd.

Australian Shepherd.

Dachshund.

Siberian Husky.

Pug.

Speed

Both Standard and Miniature poodles run for a speed of up to 30 miles per hour ( approx. 48 km/h) The Toy variety runs at a speed of up to 10 miles per hour ( approx. 16.1 km/h).

Poodle Allergies

Poodles are susceptible to various types of allergies caused by various allergens including skin, food, environmental, and contact allergens. Some of the common types of allergies include:

Skin allergies are caused by contact, environmental, and food allergens. A Poodle may also have skin allergies if it is suffering from sebaceous adenitis, a rare inflammatory disease.
Environmental allergies – the allergens that result in allergies in Poodles include house molds, dust mites, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, grass pollen, ragweed, and grasses. This allergy may manifest on the various body parts of the poodle including around the eyes, between the toes, muzzle, paws, groin, armpit, and ankles. The common symptoms that your Poodle may exhibit while suffering from environmental allergies include itchiness at the mentioned body parts, swollen eyes, and a runny nose.
Food Allergies – A Poodle that suffers from food allergies is likely to manifest gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.
Contact allergies occur when the skin of the poodle comes in contact with something that causes inflammation. Some of the common causes of contact allergies include carpet cleaning detergents, medication, grooming products, and latex. This kind of allergy is likely to affect Poodles that have certain parts of their bodies exposed due to certain grooming styles. Contact allergies most affect the paws causing excessive biting. However, they may also cause hair loss and sores at other allergy sites which gives rise to an infection.

Skin Allergies

Skin allergies in Poodles may occur due to food, environmental, and contact allergies that manifest on the skin. This breed may also suffer from sebaceous adenitis which causes hair loss and scaly, dry, and itchy skin which makes the Poodle’s skin vulnerable to secondary infections caused by yeast or bacteria. The common symptoms that a Poodle exhibits when suffering from skin allergies include a dull coat, excessive itching, biting and chewing at the feet, development of red sores, and nasal and eye congestion.

Food Allergies

Food allergies in Poodle may result in an immune response that may exhibit symptoms that mimic skin conditions such as hives, facial swelling, and itchiness. Although, the most common symptoms of food allergies include gastrointestinal stress that may result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Food sensitivities or food intolerance may also have symptoms such as itchiness, poor skin and coat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

However, food intolerance does not result in an immune response. It occurs as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet or snacks of the dog. Therefore, it is not easy for a dog owner to solely determine whether his Poodle is suffering from food allergies or food sensitivities. Work with your vet to solve the issue. Some of the common foods that may result in food allergies or food intolerance include beef, soy, wheat, additives, poultry, fish, lamb, dairy, and corn.

Ears

Poodles have floppy-haired ears that hang close to the head.

Poodle Ear Infection

Ear infection in Poodles may be caused by food or skin allergies, excess debris, dirt, or wax, trapped moisture in the ears, ear mites, excessive cleaning of the ears, autoimmune disorders, and foreign body. Trapped moisture in the ears of the Poodle may result from swimming if the ears are not wiped after the activity.

This breed also has floppy ear-shaped ears that fall to the side of the head blocking airflow to the ear canal which creates a warm and dark environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive. The ears of a Poodle also have hair which may lead to the accumulation of moisture in the ears if they are not plucked. There are three types of ear infections in Poodles; interna, media, and externa respectively.

The most common is otitis externa which causes inflammation in the cells found in the external portion of the ear canal. Otitis interna and media refer to the inflammation in the inner and middle ear canal respectively. These types of ear infections occur from the spread of infection from otitis externa. Both otitis media and interna may cause facial paralysis, deafness, and vestibular signs if left untreated.

Ear Infection Symptoms

A Poodle that is suffering from an ear infection is likely to exhibit the following signs; Redness, swelling of the ear canal, odor, head shaking, dark discharge, pain, scabs in the ears, itchiness, and scratching at the affected ear.

Ear Infection Treatment

Ear infections may be prevented through regular cleaning of the ears using a cotton ball that is soaked in an ear cleanser solution to remove excess wax, dirt, debris, and even moisture. However, a Poodle that has its ears regularly cleaned may also suffer from an ear infection due to allergies. Once you notice a dark discharge from the ears, redness, scratching of the ear, and odor, call your vet.

On arrival, the vet will clean the affected ear using a medicated ear cleanser and cotton. While going home, the vet may prescribe a topical medication and ear cleanser for your Pooch. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics are prescribed. Most uncomplicated ear infections relieve the symptoms after a week or two, once appropriate treatment is administered. However, severe ear infections in Poodle caused by underlying issues may take months before they are completely resolved.

If treatments for severe chronic infections fail, a vet may also recommend surgery such as Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). Dog owners should ensure that their pets complete the prescribed medication once the symptoms go away since this may result in the reoccurrence of the ear infection or your Poodle may suffer from resistant ear infections.

Ear Hair Removal

As earlier discussed, Poodle has hair in their ears which may result in accumulation of moisture if not plucked. Moisture causes ear infections in Poodles. Overgrown hair in the ears hinders better airflow inside the ears hence leading to the accumulation of moisture. The hair in the ears should be plucked once or twice a month.

Excessive ear hair also traps excess wax and dirt. In order to pluck the hair, you will need to use tweezers and ear powder. Before plucking the hair, ensure both you and the pet are in a comfortable position. There are medically approved steps for hair removal in this pet including:

Clean the Poodle ears to remove excess wax and debris using cotton and an ear cleaning solution.
Ensure the ear is dry and clean before applying some ear powder which will enable you to grab a hold of the hair more easily resulting in a relatively pain-free experience when removing the hair.
Following the application of the ear powder, use your hands to work the powder into the ear while ensuring it is distributed throughout the ear down to the base.
After the powder distribution, the dog owner may choose to use tweezers or his fingers to pluck the hair out.
Once you are done plucking the ear, clean the remaining powder from the ear before repeating the same procedure to the other ear.

Eyes

Poodles have oval-shaped eyes that are set far enough apart to create an alert intelligent expression. The eye color of a Poodle is dark brown according to AKC. However, others just have brown eyes.

Eye Infection

This breed is susceptible to various eye problems including eye infections which may be a result of bacterial or viral infection. The former is far more common in this breed. Bacterial infections in Poodles are a result of unicellular microscopic living organisms that look for an opportunity to invade the eye. The bacteria gets the perfect opportunity to get into the eye following trauma, viruses, or even dry eye disease to the eye that compromises the local defenses of the eye.

Bacterial infections that result from an injury like an ulcer or scratch to the eye are far more common in this breed. Foreign bodies such as dust, debris, plant material, and fur or hair sticking into the eye may sweep bacteria into the eye. Viral eye infections also cause eye infections in Poodles. Some of the common symptoms that Poodles exhibit while suffering from eye infection include pawing at the eye due to pain or itchiness, squinting due to light sensitivity, increased blinking, or spams of the eyelid, swelling of the eyelids, redness, or a discharge.

A dog that suffers from an eye infection that is caused by a virus has a clear discharge while a Poodle suffering from an eye infection as a result of bacterial infection will have a thick yellowish-green discharge. A dog may experience multiple signs such as a squinty eye, pawing, and redness due to the inflammation caused by the immune system due to bacteria. A home remedy for a Poodle that is suspected to suffer from eye infection is the use of non-medicated sterile saline rinses to flush the eye. This is a short-term solution and the dog owner should take the dog to a vet for further examination.

Eye Problems

Apart from eye infections, Poodles also suffer from other eye problems including tear staining that results in discolored fur below the eyes. It is more noticeable in light-colored or white Poodles. However, this eye condition affects all Poodles.

This breed may also suffer from cataracts which result in the cloudiness of the eye lens which may cause blurred vision or partial blindness if not treated. PRA(Progressive retinal atrophy ) is another common eye problem that affects the photoreceptors of the Poodles’ eyes.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is an inherited disease that inhibits the full development of the optic nerves that is also found in Poodles. Puppies born with this condition are either partial or fully blind.

Eye Boogers

Eye discharge in dogs is also referred to as eye boogers or gunk. Normally, dogs will discharge medically correct eye boogers which are clear to whitish-grey with a watery consistency. Poodles are susceptible to blocked tear ducts that usually drain the tears from the dog’s eyes. Blocked tear ducts inhibit tear drain from the eye of the dog out through the nose and back of the throat. This will make tears spill down over the eye rims and run down the face.

Other eye problems that may result in a discharge include Viral infection, bacterial infection, or corneal ulcers. Bacterial infection results in a yellowish-green discharge while a viral infection has a clear discharge. Dry eye diseases cause a yellowish or cloudy discharge in Poodles. A red eye that has a clear discharge means that the eye has corneal ulcers.

Seizure

Seizures are common among Poodles. Standard Poodles are genetically susceptible to epilepsy. Seizure also convulsion or fits refer to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain which is usually accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Causes of seizures are categorized into three, primary, secondary, and reactive.

Primary seizures have no underlying cause that is known although they are genetic. For this reason, they are also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Secondary seizures are caused by stroke, brain tumor, and trauma to the brain due to injury. Reactive seizures take place after the brain has detected a problem with metabolism due to low blood sugar, toxins, and organ failure.

The intensity of seizures is categorized into focal or partial seizures and Grand Mal seizures. Focal seizure only affect one part of the brain and they are less traumatic. During focal seizure, the dog appears tired and disoriented although it is still conscious. Most Poodles are predisposed to focal seizures. On the other hand, Grand Mal seizures affects both sides of the brain resulting to urination or defecation, loss of consciousness, stiffening of the muscles, and foaming mouth.

Head Shape

A Poodle has a dolichocephalic head shape and it is described among the long-headed dogs.

Poodle Tail

Poodles have a straight tail that is carried up and set high. AKC recommends docking the tail for sufficient length to secure a balanced outline. A Poodle that has a tail that is carried over the back or curled is considered a major fault by AKC. Tail docking for Poodles is purely for cosmetic reasons.

A Poodle with a natural undocked tail can’t be allowed to participate in conformation shows. A dog of this breed coming from Europe has a natural undocked tail since the European Union banned docking of tails for all breeds in 1998.

Poodles were bred for hunting waterfowl. Therefore, the owners believed that dogs with docked tails were able to swim a bit faster. Tail docking should be performed when the puppy is between the age of 3 to 5 days for a quicker recovery.

Tail Curl

A Poodle with a naturally long and undocked tail is likely to form a single curl over the back.

Tail Styles

Puff Style – this style involves shaving the tail into some form of puff. Some dog owners may opt to create a small puff while others may trim the entire tail into a uniform puff.

Shaved Style – in this cut, the dog owners shave the entire tail without leaving fur to form a puff.

Natural Style – this is the hairstyle where the fur in the tail is allowed to flow freely and may be trimmed to tame the fuzz. However, there is no shaving.

Poodle Names

Once a dog owner gets a Poodle pup from a responsible breeder or from a rescue center, the most important exercise that he or she engages in is getting a name for their pooch. Some owners may give their dogs names based on their character, celebrities, characters, favorite books, color or food-themed names, roles, or even the suggested Poodle names on various websites.

During the naming process, ensure to give your Poodle a name that freely rolls out of your tongue and may not cause embarrassment when you utter it out loud in public places including malls and parks. Remember that names that have vowels are easily understood by dogs. Giving your pet a name that is frequently used by other household members or people who frequent your home may cause confusion.

Names Male

Mitch.
Rex.
Jester.
Rufus.
Toby.
Milo.
Oliver.
Frankie.
Chewy.
Brodie.
Jerome.
Leo, etc.

Female Names

Missy.
Eliza.
Mia.
Pixie.
Coco.
Molly.
Lola.
Daisy.
Sophie.
Lily.
Stella.
Rosie, etc.

Teeth

An adult Poodle has strong and white 42 permanent set of teeth with a scissors bite. The permanent teeth start growing when the dog is five months old. A Poodle pup has a total of 28 deciduous set of teeth. The milk teeth start to grow when the Standard poodle is 5 or 6 weeks old. However, Toy and Mini varieties may grow their teeth later, with toys erupting their milk teeth at the age of 7 or 8 weeks.

Regular teeth cleaning using a finger toothbrush or dog toothbrush with a chicken or liver flavored dog toothpaste is recommended at least twice a week. Irregular teeth cleaning in Poodles may result in tartar buildup causing various teeth problems such as gum inflammation and periodontal disease.

Poodle Colors

Poodles have a wide variety of coat colors including blue, white, black, gray, brown, red, apricot, silver, cream, silver beige, and coffee with patterns such as phantom, brindle, abstract, parti, and sable. AKC recognizes Poodles with multi-colored and solid coats. However, solid-coated Poodles are only allowed to participate in conformation shows.

Poodle Hair Loss

Female Poodles may be prone to hair loss when they are experiencing their heat cycle or when whelping a pup. This is because of the increase in estrogen levels which leads to thinning coats and hair loss. Other common causes of hair loss and bald spots in Poodles include:

Atopic Dermatitis – this is an inherited skin condition that makes it difficult for your pooch to handle environmental allergens such as dust, dust mites, house molds, pollen, etc. Therefore, the pet will experience hair loss since the immune system is not able to handle the allergens. Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry and flaky skin.

Alopecia – this is complete or partial hair loss in the body parts where the hair is normally present. This condition is commonly present in Miniature male Poodle that is getting to maturity.

Hypothyroidism – this is another health issue that makes the thyroid glands inadequately produce thyroid hormones resulting in hair loss, dry hair, and scaly dry skin.

Sebaceous Adenitis – this is a rare inflammatory skin disease that causes hair loss while also leaving the skin scaly, dry, and itchy.

Allergic Inflammation – Poodles are prone to contact, environmental, skin, and food allergies. As a result, the dog may bite or scratch the affected body parts causing hair loss and secondary skin infections.

Poodle Mating

Poodles experience a heat cycle 1 to 4 times a year for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. This breed may experience its first heat cycle when the female is around 4 to 18 months old depending on their variety. The standard variety may go into their first heat cycle at the age of 12 to 18 months, the Miniature variety at the age of 10 months old, while the Toy Poodle may go into heat at the age of 4 to 6 months.

The frequency of the heat cycle in Poodles depends on the varieties. The Standard Poodle may experience the heat cycle once or twice a year, the Miniature variety may experience the heat cycle 2 to 3 times a week while the Toy Poodle may experience the heat cycle at least 3 to 4 times a year.

All Poodles go through four heat cycle stages including Pre-estrus, Estrus, Post-estrus, and Anoestrus respectively. Before mating your female or male Poodle, ensure that they have gone through genetic testing to ensure that they have underlying genetic health issues. Mating a female Poodle at the age of two years to give the genetically linked faults the time to express themselves.

Pregnancy Length

Poodles have a gestation period that varies between 59 to 65 days. The most common signs that a Poodle may exhibit when pregnant include an increase in nesting behaviors, decreased activity, changes in appetite, more affectionate, getting irritated easily, weight gain, enlarged nipples and abdomen, and changes in appetite.

Litter Size

A Toy Poodle has an average litter size of 3 puppies while the Miniature has an average litter size of 5 puppies. The Standard Poodle has an average litter size of five puppies. The largest size that a Standard Poodle by the name Crystal whelped is 16 puppies in 2014.

Poodle Food

The amount of food that you feed your dog depends on the metabolism of the individual dog, age, activity level health status, and even the weather. During winter, dogs tend to eat more as compared to summer. Prior to bringing your pet home from the breeder or shelter, it is important to discuss with the breeder the type of food he was feeding the Poodle. This is because a fast change in food may result in digestive problems and upset stomachs.

After bringing your pet home, it is recommended to have the current food and the new food that you opt to feed your pooch. You will make a gradual switch over the course of three weeks before completely feeding your Poodle with the new food. This will be done by mixing the old food with the new food while increasing the amount of the new food gradually each week and reducing the amount of current food per week.

Puppies require more calorie intake as compared to adult dogs. Senior Poodles require fewer calories due to reduced mobility and a slower metabolism. Dog owners may opt to feed their dogs with kibble, canned food, semi-moist food, raw food, or homemade food depending on the budget and time of preparation. For owners who prefer feeding their Poodles homemade food, the rough guideline is one pound of body weight should be fed one ounce of food daily.

Homemade Food

Homemade food should be mixed with fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and protein including fish, lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey. Fruits may include apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The vegetables that you may add to your Poodle’s food include spinach, green beans, sugar snap, zucchini, regular potato, etc. It is important to note that some of the proteins may cause food intolerance in Poodles. If a dog owner notices gastrointestinal stress such as vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness, and poor skin and coat, he should work with a vet to determine the protein that causes food sensitivities through the elimination method.

Feeding Chart

Dog owners are recommended to use a feeding guide for the pets since it makes housebreaking easy. However, Poodles under the age of three months do better when free-fed. This means that a dog owner will be leaving food out at all times. Don’t top it off throughout the day. Instead, clean the feeding bowl before topping new food.

At the age of three months, Poodles should feed three times a day plus snacks. Following maturity, Miniatures and Toy Poodles will do best if fed 2 to 3 times a day. Standard Poodle may be more tolerant and should be fed twice a day. The total feeding amount for the miniatures is a total of 3/4 to 1 cup a day, 1/4 to 1/2 a cup a day for the Toy variety, and 1.5 to 3 cups a day for the Standard variety.

Collar

Poodle owners have to decide whether to use a harness or collar for their dogs while they are on a leash. A collar is suitable for a dog that is less likely to pull. On the other hand, a harness is the preferred option for a dog that is likely to pull while on a leash. Harnesses offer more control and they are able to distribute pressure across the upper body and reduce strain. However, some owners may choose a collar to discourage pulling since it causes tension on the neck when the dog pulls.

Muzzle

Poodles are less likely to be aggressive. However, they may exhibit aggressive signs such as snarling, barking, and growling due to pain, fear, or distress. In such situations, muzzles are recommended. A poodle owner may also opt to use a muzzle in a situation where he or she is not sure of how the pooch will react to a new stimulus.

AKC recommends dog owners create positive associations with the muzzle to avoid making the dog defensive in a situation where the device is needed. Positive associations with the muzzle may be created through the use of treats such as peanut butter and a lot of praise. Remember not to use a muzzle as a form of punishment for behaviors such as barking and biting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Poodle Hypoallergenic

They are a low shedding breed that has a tightly curled coat that traps hair and dander resulting in less hair and dander that is released to the environment hence considered hypoallergenic by people who suffer from dog allergies.

Is Poodle Aggressive

No. Poodles are neither territorial nor particularly aggressive but may have a tendency of being protective of their families. However, a poorly socialized and bred Poodle is likely to exhibit aggressive signs such as growling, snarling, and lunging.

How To Measure Poodle Height

In order to get an accurate height of your Poodle, measure from the withers, the top of the shoulder blades at the base of the neck to the legs.

Is a Poodle a good family dog

Yes, it is sociable and loves to stay in the company of people instead of spending long hours in the kennel.

Do poodles bark a lot

Yes, they are quite talkative. Therefore, Poodles bark if they are triggered by noise, lack of exercise, excitement, etc.

How Many Poodles Are There

AKC recognizes three types of Poodles; Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle.

Quick Poodle Facts

There were ranked second out of 110 breeds in intelligence in 1994 by Stanley Coren.
They were the most popular breed of dog in the USA for 22 years between 1960 to 1982.
Poodles have varieties based on size: Standard, Teacup, Yorkie, Medium, Miniature, Toy, etc.