The Poodle:
"That of a very active, intelligent
and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned,
moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly
clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed,
the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity
peculiar to himself. "
(Taken from The Official AKC Poodle Breed Standard )
The following information is provided
by The Poodle Club of America, Inc. to help you with
basic information on the breed .
Three Variety of Poodles
There are three varieties of Poodles;
Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Terms such as a "Royal
Standard", "Tea Cup Toy" or "Tiny
Toy Poodle" are marketing gimmicks, used to promote
the sale of animals that are dramatically over or under
the norm in size.
Toy Poodle- The Toy is the smallest
variety and should be no larger than 10" high at
the shoulder. This size is particularly well suited
to apartment life or as a traveling companion for retired
people.
Miniature Poodle- The Miniature
Poodle is a medium-sized animal standing between 10"
and 15" high at the shoulder . This variety is
a sturdy compromise between the Toy and the Standard,
suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy
life-style of a family with children.
Standard Poodle- The Standard
is the largest of the three varieties with no restriction
on size. Typically Standards will be about 21"
to 27" high at the shoulder with the females usually
a little smaller than the males. Being a larger, more
substantial animal, the Standard will usually require
more room for exercise than the other two varieties
Genetic Testing-Health Issues-
Animal health is an important consideration, both at
the time of purchase and long-term. Genetically-inherited
disorders (some of which do not manifest themselves
for several years) are present in virtually every living
creature and Poodles, unfortunately, are no exception.
All three varieties of Poodles have
been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal
Atrophy, Cataracts, Seizure Disorders, Thyroid Disorders,
Cushings and von Willebrand's Disease. Other genetic
disorders occur as well.
The Toy and Miniature Poodles are susceptible
to two orthopedic problems: Legg-Perthes and Luxating
Patellae. The Standard Poodle may be afflicted with
Gastric Torsion (Bloat), Sebaceous Adenitis with Hyperkeratosis,
or with an Auto Immune Disorder such as Addison's Disease
or Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia.
Hip Dysplasia
Description-This is a malformation
of the hip joint wherein the animal experiences pain
and discomfort while moving and can exhibit symptoms
of lameness.
Method of Diagnosis- radiography
(x-ray).
Certification-There are three
registries available for certifications;
OFA, GDC, and Penn-Hip.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Description -PRA is a gradual
deterioration of the retina of the eye. Initially the
animal will exhibit night blindness and eventually will
experience total loss of sight.
Method of Diagnosis- ophthalmoscopic
exam (CERF) or electro-retinagraph (ERG) by a veterinary
ophthalmologist and DNA marker test by OptiGen (PRCD)
.
Certification- annual examination
and registration with Canine Eye Registry Foundation
(CERF), plus DNA marker test by OptiGen (PRCD) and registration
on OFA database.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
Description-Inherited bleeding
disorder.
Method of Diagnosis- DNA test
is available through Vet gen and Genesearch.
Certification- Test resulting
indicating clear, carrier or affected.
Thyroid Malfunction
Description: (various)
Method of Diagnosis: Blood test
Certification: Normal thyroid
levels
Patellar Luxation (Slipped Stifles)
Description: Dislocation of
the kneecap from abnormal structure of the stifle joint,
as well as muscles and tendons.
Method of Diagnosis: Radiograph
(x -ray)
Certification: Results from
Veterinary orthopedic specialist exam.
Legg-Perthe's Disease
Description: Losses of blood
supply to the cap of the femur bone in the hip joint
leading to deterioration of the joint cartilage.
Method of Diagnosis: Radiograph
(x-ray)
Certification: Results from
orthopedic specialist exam.
Addison's
Disease
Description: Destruction of
the adrenal gland resulting in depression, lack of appetite,
vomiting and or diarrhea with abdominal pain, hypotensive
shock with weakness and shivering.
Method of Diagnosis: Blood test
for sodium/potassium ratio as a screening test.
Certification: Blood test results.
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
Description: Skin disease leading
to progressive loss of hair and hair follicles.
Method of Diagnosis: Microscopic
examination of a skin biopsy by approved veterinary
pathologist. (Skin Punch)
Certification: Annual Pathologists
report.
Show Quality versus Pet Quality-A
show quality puppy is one which, in the breeder's opinion,
should be able to become a champion. A pet quality puppy
is less likely, in the breeder's estimation, to succeed
in the show ring. However, making such a prediction
at 8 to 16 weeks of age (the age when puppies typically
are sold) involves guesswork and is not a sure thing.
A pet quality puppy is one that has
a minor fault which would eliminate it from being shown,
i.e., a white spot on the chest or elsewhere, one testicle,
oversize or undersize (Toys or Miniatures), or an improper
bite. However, the feature (s) which disqualify the
puppies from the show ring, in no way, affects their
ability to be a wonderful companion.
Spay/Neuter-The Poodle Club
of America recommends that you spay /neuter your Poodle.
Responsible breeders sell their Poodles with a spay/neuter
agreement, and with AKC's limited Registration option
which says that although your pet is an AKC registered
purebred dog, it cannot be bred. If it is bred, the
offspring cannot be registered with the American Kennel
Club. Using this form is the breeder's way of ensuring
that the puppy will not be bred and pass along the disqualifying
feature to future generations. Spaying or neutering
your dog also increases its chances of leading a longer,
healthier and happier life. Spayed females will have
reduced incidence of mammary tumors. Neutering a male
will reduce the chance of prostate problems. Please
Note: There is no scientific evidence that it is helpful
for a bitch to have a first season or have a litter
of puppies.
Obedience/ Training the Poodle-Basic
obedience is necessary for all dogs. Poodles are very
intelligent and easily trained to do a number of things.
Some of the activities that Poodles enjoy are field
trials, hunting, agility, and obedience. Local Kennel
Clubs or Professional training schools offer classes
to train your Poodle.
Veterinarian-When you get your
Poodle puppy, take it to the Vet's office for a Well
Puppy Check Up. This will ensure that its shots and
worming are up to date. In addition, your vet will check
your puppy's heart, ears, etc. so that you can be assured
that every thing is as it should be.
Grooming-Your new puppy has
been delivered to you freshly bathed, toe nails trimmed,
hair in the ear canal has been removed, ears are fresh
and clean smelling, face, feet and tail have been shaved
and the body coat is scissored to a pleasing shape.
Now, all you have to do is learn the
basics of coat care. Prior to being bathed, your puppy
should be brushed out thoroughly. Ideally, the puppy
should be bathed (using a mild puppy shampoo) at least
twice a month. Care must be taken not to allow any soap
in the puppy's eyes or water in it's ears. Blow dry
your Poodle under low heat from your hair dryer using
the brush while blowing dry. If you have a standard
puppy you may wish to purchase an electric dog dryer.
It's better to use a pin brush, rather than a wire slicker
which is meant for badly tangled coats and will pull
out hair. It is a good idea to brush your puppy every
other day or so, which will insure that you never have
to worry about its coat becoming tangled and matted.
If this does happen to your new Poodle, the coat may
have to be shaved completely, something you want to
avoid. If you don't want to bath your puppy at home,
it maybe done by a professional groomer in a grooming
shop. It is not wise to expose your puppy to the grooming
shop until after 16 weeks when shots for parvo and distemper
will be fully up to date.
Clipping and scissoring should be
left to the professional at the start, however many
people learn to do their own trimming in time, and enjoy
the challenge.
Ears should be cleaned weekly. Gently
pull the long hairs out of the ear canal regularly,
and swab the ear canal with your finger wrapped in cotton
moistened with ear cleaner recommended by your Vet or
Groomer. If the puppy is scratching its ears or the
ears have a bad odor, see your vet immediately.
Toe nails must be clipped every week
or two. This is very important. By doing the nails regularly
the puppy will become use to it. Take off only the tip
ends of the nail, as you do not wish to cut into the
"Quick" which will hurt and bleed.
Whatever you do in terms of grooming,
do not frighten the puppy or make it nervous about grooming.
Teach it to lie quietly as it is being brushed and rely
on treats to make it an enjoyable experience.
Remember Poodles do not shed, they
make a perfect breed for people with allergies and asthma.
They may require more maintenance than some other breeds,
but well worth the effort. Never be afraid to ask any
questions of your Breeder, Veterinarian or Groomer.
Crate
Training-A crate is not a jail, it is the safest
place the puppy can be to learn to be housebroken, have
its meals, sleep at night, ride in the car, and stay
in hotels and motels. It will become its own portable
"Den". The nature of a dog is not to
foul its "Nest". This means that until
you have instilled in the puppy an idea of housebreaking,
a healthy puppy will not go against its natural instincts.
Have a crate the size that will fit
the puppy comfortably, large enough so that the puppy
may stand up, turn around and has enough space to lie
down with ease. You may have to get a larger crate as
the puppy grows. If the puppy is going to be large,
do not buy a huge crate to begin with. It will give
the puppy ideas of being able to use a portion of it
as a restroom, something you do not want to happen.
Start the puppy off in its crate the
first night. Make sure the puppy has not had water after
4p.m., that the puppy has had its supper, has been given
a chance to relieve itself, just before you go to bed.
Put the crate with a towel in it, next to your bed.
Put the puppy in the crate with a puppy biscuit, always
reward for entering the crate, and settle down for the
night.
If the puppy has other ideas, do not
give in. Do not take the puppy on the bed or allow the
puppy to run free in the bedroom. The first couple of
nights are the most important, to both you and the puppy.
Training is a matter of patience and time.
Always travel with the puppy in its
crate, it is the only safe way. Always reward for correct
behavior, even if it's only a small cracker. Carry some
in your pocket for any occasion such as crating, performance
of housebreaking duties, and coming when called. The
opportunities are boundless, and will be a shortcut
to training your puppy quickly and happily.
Responsible Owner- Poodle Club
of America urges that if ever the day comes when you
cannot care for your Poodle for whatever reason, you
contact your Poodle's breeder. If you are unable to
contact the breeder, there is a national rescue organization
set up within the Poodle Club of America that can put
you in contact with someone in your area who will help
you with your Poodle. The AKC always has the name and
number of the current contact for Rescue for the Poodle
Club of America. American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Ave.,
New York, N.Y. 10016. Our goal is that no Poodle
will have to go to an animal shelter.
Parent Club -The Poodle Club of
America (PCA) is a non profit organization dedicated
to the welfare of the Poodle .
Poodle Club of America Web site
For more information and related
reading materials on the Poodle please visit our website
at
URL: http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org
| 
