Poodle Dog – Characteristics, Classification, and Care

Poodle dogs are one of the most intelligent, mischievous, and agile breeds. They have a quite cute and noble appearance, making them one of the most loved pet dogs in the world.

I. Origin and History of the Poodle Breed

Poodles are one of the oldest breeds developed specifically for hunting waterfowl. Their name comes from the German word “Pudel” or “Pudelin,” meaning “diver” or “water dog.” In France, they are also known as “duck hunting dogs” or “duck dogs.”

Most historians agree that this breed originated in Germany. They later developed into a distinct breed with unique characteristics that only France possesses. It is not known exactly when this breed was introduced to America, but the American Kennel Club registered their first Poodle in 1886.

II. Identifiable Characteristics of Poodles

The most easily recognizable feature of this breed is their fluffy, curly coat. Poodle fur grows continuously and doesn’t shed or change like many other breeds, so they need regular grooming and can be styled in countless ways according to preference.

Another noticeable feature is their long neck, straight front legs that are slightly tucked in, curved hind legs with wide hips, giving them an elegant gait. They have round buttocks, short tails, and a curved shape resembling an anchor. Poodles have black eyes, a slightly protruding black nose, a long muzzle, and drooping ears on either side.

III. Common Coat Colors of Poodles

1. Red Poodle: This color is popular and favored by many young people due to its prominence and ease of recognition when taking the Poodle for a walk. Red Poodles may turn light brown or cream as they grow, like changing into a new coat.
2. Black Poodle: Black Poodles have a solid black coat from head to toe, including their eyes and nose. The black color is preferred by many because it is relatively clean and easy to accessorize to make them stand out among other dogs.
3. Cream Poodle: This color is favored by many girls when raising Poodles. The gentle, elegant cream color easily pairs with cute small accessories and a sweet style. Brightly colored clothes on a cream coat will make your pet the center of attention during outings.
4. Milk White Poodle: The milk white coat of Poodles easily wins the affection of onlookers, making them appear cute and approachable compared to other coat colors. However, regular hygiene maintenance is necessary to keep the coat bright and beautiful.
5. Milk Cow Poodle: The milk cow color is a mix of black and white Poodles. If you love both black and white colors and find it difficult to choose a Poodle, this coat color will satisfy both preferences.
6. Chocolate Poodle: This coat color is very popular among Vietnamese. The color helps the fluffy dog stay clean while playing. Additionally, it suits busy people who don’t have much time to meticulously care for a white coat. If you prefer a dark color for your dog but still want a touch of color, the chocolate Poodle is a good choice.

IV. Classification of Poodle Breeds by Size

Poodles with curly fur come in three official sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. These are not different breeds but different sizes. The Standard Poodle is probably the oldest breed. Breeders have also created a medium-sized type called Klein Poodle (Moyen Poodle) and a smaller type called Teacup Poodle.

1. Standard Poodle: The largest size in the Poodle family, with curly fur, small round eyes, and a long pointed muzzle. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Poodles with a height of over 38cm from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder are classified as Standard. Adult Standard Poodles can be 45-60cm tall.
2. Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle is smaller than the Standard with a height of 28-35cm. Both Miniature and Standard Poodles are not popular in Vietnam but are quite popular worldwide. They are often trained for performances in circuses and beautiful dog competitions.
3. Toy Poodle: Originating from France, although some say they come from Germany, Denmark, or Hungary. Unlike the Standard and Miniature, Toy Poodles are the most popular and widely kept in Vietnam and worldwide. With a height of 25-28cm, they are well-suited for city apartment living.
4. Tiny Poodle: A defective variation of the Toy Poodle. In other words, Tiny Poodles are premature Toy Poodles that survived. This breed is not officially recognized by the AKC. However, many people favor them due to their small size, making them easy to carry around for outings and extremely popular among dog enthusiasts. They have a height of 16-23cm and a weight of 2-3.5kg. A distinctive feature of this breed is their longer ears compared to other Poodle breeds.
5. Teacup Poodle: Originating from the USA and gaining popularity in countries like Japan and South Korea. From the 19th century, when Poodles were bred, a genetic mutation led to the creation of the Teacup Poodle. Like the Tiny, the Teacup is not recognized by the AKC. Teacup Poodles are under 15cm in height and weigh 1-2kg. They look similar to other Poodles but are as small as an orange. However, Teacups have low immunity, making them prone to illness and hard to care for.

In addition to pure breeds, mixed Poodles are also popular, such as Poodle mixed with Japanese, Pekingese, Phốc, or Chihuahua.

V. Reasons to Own a Poodle

1. Non-shedding Fur: Poodle fur does not shed like other breeds, making them ideal for those who worry about allergies. You can play, sleep with them without worrying about fur on clothes or sofas. Their fur can be groomed and styled as you like.
2. Intelligent and Agile: Ranked second in the world for intelligence, they learn and imitate quickly. Their intelligence will not disappoint you in skill training exercises like fetching, shaking hands, or participating in pet shows.
3. Adorable Appearance: Whether Toy, Miniature, or Standard, Poodles have a noble, regal appearance. Especially when groomed and trimmed, they look like adorable dolls.
4. Obedient and Easy to Raise: Despite their regal appearance, Poodles are not arrogant. They can eat the same foods as other breeds and are not picky eaters. They are obedient and friendly, making them suitable companions for the elderly, children, and busy people.
5. Affectionate and Loyal: Poodles always want to be near their owners and strive to please them. They feel lonely when left alone for long periods. Their protective instinct makes them good guard dogs, alerting you to strangers approaching your home.
6. Affordable Price: You can own an adorable Poodle with diverse colors for only 5-8 million VND. Enjoy choosing from a reasonable price range!

VI. Poodle Prices and Buying Tips

To find and buy your desired Poodle, pay attention to the following:

1. Buying Tips: Choose Poodles from reputable breeding centers with complete pedigree, origin, purity, vaccination, and health status papers. Although dogs with complete information are more expensive, you can care for them with peace of mind and get the best support.
2. Prices for Locally Bred Poodles in Vietnam: Local Poodles range from 6-8 million VND, depending on size, coat color, health status, and pedigree certification.
3. Prices for Imported Poodles from Thailand: Imported Poodles from Thailand range from 8-20 million VND, depending on the source farm with health certification and complete parental information.
4. Prices for Imported Poodles from Europe: The most expensive are imported Poodles from Europe, costing 60-120 million VND per dog. Europe is the homeland of this breed, along with transportation costs, pedigree papers, and health certification, making imported Poodles much more expensive.

VII. Nutrition for Poodles

1. Exact Amount of Food per Day: The exact amount of food depends on the size, weight, and lifestyle of the Poodle. Active dogs need more food than small ones that wander around the house. Nutritional content varies by product, so consumption should be measured in Calories, not weight.

• Toy Poodle:
  • Average: 300 Calories per day.
  • Low activity: 240 Calories per day.
  • High energy: 465 Calories per day.
• Miniature Poodle:
  • Average: 490 Calories per day.
  • Low activity: 400 Calories per day.
  • High energy: 775 Calories per day.
• Standard Poodle:
  • Average: 1230 Calories per day.
  • Low activity: 1000 Calories per day.
  • High energy: 2000 Calories per day.

2. Feeding Times and Frequency by Age and Stage:

• Poodles under 3 months: Choose fresh foods like red meats and green vegetables, cook them before feeding, and follow a specific schedule. Feed three times a day and add milk if separated from the mother.
• Poodles over 3 months: Start eating regular foods, feed three meals a day with snacks.

Adult Poodles

• Number of meals:
  • The number of meals can be reduced to 2 meals a day, such as lunch and dinner, or you can maintain 3 meals a day depending on your care conditions. Providing some snacks between meals can be especially helpful since Poodles are known to eat very quickly.

2. Pregnant Poodles

• About 15 days after mating, Poodles may lose their appetite and feel tired. This is a normal sign, so don’t worry too much. After the first month of pregnancy, feed them like you would a 6-month-old Poodle. However, in the second month, you should increase the amount of vitamins, minerals, and calcium such as:
  • Adding seafood to their diet, such as peeled shrimp, fish, and meats like chicken, pork, and stewed pork legs.
  • Continue providing vegetables and fruits, and add warm milk from 300ml to 400ml per day.

3. What Poodles SHOULD eat

• Natural ingredients: Food should not contain artificial additives.
• Healthy components:
  • Proteins from various meats including chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and various types of fish like whitefish, cod, salmon, and haddock.
  • Some vegetables and fruits that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Balanced grains: Most are easily digestible with options like oatmeal, quinoa, and rice.
• Supplementary vitamins and minerals: Foods that provide glucosamine and chondroitin (good for joints), omega fatty acids (good for skin and coat) such as salmon, salmon oil, flaxseeds, and probiotics (for good digestion).
• Natural preservatives: There are many healthy ways to preserve food, including using a mix of vitamins (often listed as mixed tocopherols) and some herbs like mint and rosemary.

4. What Poodles should NOT eat

• Spoiled or undercooked food: Avoid giving Poodles spoiled or undercooked food as it can affect their digestive system and cause dysentery.
• Leftovers: Discard any leftover food from the previous meal, clean their food tray, and dry it before providing new food to prevent diseases.
• Artificial flavors: Monosodium glutamate can cause severe allergic reactions.
• Artificial colors: Can cause serious neurological and behavioral issues such as insomnia, hyperactivity, and other severe health problems like cancer.
• Chemical preservatives: Avoid substances such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol (PG).
• By-products: Some types of meat and organs are not suitable for Poodles’ digestive system, such as lungs, spleen, intestines, etc.
• Fillers: These are added to bulk up food but provide little or no nutritional value, including corn, soybeans, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat hulls, and grains. Ingesting fillers contributes to coprophagia (eating feces) and is associated with malnutrition.
• High gluten content: This can cause stomach discomfort and allergies.

How to Raise Poodles

1. Regular vaccination and health care

• Common health issues: Include cataracts, retinal atrophy, tear staining, dermatitis, allergies, ear infections, hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand disease, and bloating (in larger dogs). Ensure to keep your Poodle’s vaccinations up to date:
  • Vaccinate puppies 30 days after birth.
  • At 7-8 weeks, administer the first combination vaccine with 6 doses.
  • At 11-12 weeks, give the second booster shot.
  • For puppies 3 months and older, vaccinate against rabies annually.

2. Daily walks for Poodles

• Exercise: Most Poodles should be walked or exercised daily to improve health, prevent obesity, and match their playful nature. As a duck hunting breed, they enjoy physical activity. When kept as a pet, they are quite calm and steady, rarely active indoors but still need to walk or run for 30 minutes to an hour daily to release energy and stay comfortable.

3. Coat care for Poodles

• Bathing: Bathe them 1-2 times a week to keep their bodies fragrant and clean, with soft and smooth coats. When bathing, rinse their coat with clean water before applying shampoo, then gently massage to remove dirt from their bodies for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off the shampoo and use conditioner to soften and moisturize their coat and skin. Rinse again with clean water. Use a brush to comb and dry their coat.