Poodles come in three sizes: the Standard
(over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the
22-27" range); the Miniature
(over 10 inches and not over 15 inches); and the
Toy ( 10 inches and under.) The
original Poodles were water dogs used for retrieving
and their conformation and the texture and pattern
of their coats to this day reflect the purposes
for which they were bred. Miniatures and Toys have
been bred down from the larger Poodles and they
exhibit the same general characteristics. The Poodle
is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog which
is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred
Poodles in all three varieties now have steady,
calm nerves, hardy constitutions and they can be
easily trained. A Poodle is a "person"
and he expects to be treated as one. Each one is
a character and for that reason they make wonderful
companions.
A Poodle should
be a member of the family. Prospective owners of
Poodles should be equipped to provide a fenced-in
area in which the Poodle can exercise or be prepared
to walk the Poodle regularly on a leash. Poodles
permitted to roam are likely to be stolen or killed.
Poodles require regular clipping and grooming; a
dexterous owner can readily learn how to groom his
own dog or he can take the Poodle to a professional
grooming shop. Poodles are not finicky eaters (unless
made so by indulgent owners;) they thrive on simple,
prepared dog foods.
The best place to buy a Poodle is from a Poodle
breeder. A reputable breeder tries to produce the
ideal Poodle as described in the Standard of the
Poodle; he wants to produce a sound, healthy dog,
excellent in conformation and temperament, one which
will be both an ideal show dog and an ideal companion.
He has spent much time and effort in study, breeding
and selection; his breeding program is based on
accumulated knowledge of which dogs to use to produce
the best Poodles. Not all puppies in a litter will
satisfy his definition of a show prospect. Maybe
in a litter only one or two puppies will be retained
for showing; the others he will classify as "pet
puppies." The differences will be so small
that only an expert judge will be able to make the
distinction; the eyes may be a bit too light, the
tail a bit gay or the hocks a bit straight. All
Poodles in the litter will display essentially the
same characteristics, the same quality of construction,
personality and health. For a pet price a prospective
buyer can purchase a well-bred, professionally raised
Poodle, backed by the integrity of the breeder,
accompanied by helpful advice, instructions and
the enduring interest of the breeder in the welfare
of the dog which he is selling. Puppy Mills and
pet shops, those who exploit the popularity of the
Poodle in order to make a fast buck, buy their dogs
in litters, usually by mail, as early as they can
be weaned. They are not concerned with temperament,
hereditary faults or quality; they are simply interested
in so many puppies that they can sell for so many
dollars. They do not bother about medical care.
They are not interested in what happens to the dog
after it is sold. Although the puppy may be accompanied
by a pedigree and "AKC papers, "eligibility
for registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC)
is not a guarantee of health, disposition or quality.
Having purchased his beautiful Poodle from a reputable
breeder, having noted all the helpful instructions
and friendly advice of the breeder from whom he
has purchased his Poodle, the new owner should obtain
a copy of the Introductory List
of Publications recommended by The Poodle Club
of America, Inc. Subscribe to one or more of the
magazines and, if interested, begin to build up
a reference library. Whether a Poodle owner becomes
involved in the intriguing but complex hobby of
breeding and exhibiting Poodles, or takes his pleasures
in the happy association of a companion dog, he
will find the Poodle one of life's great delights.
