Standard Poodle Puppies For Sale

Standard & Moyen Poodle: Ancient, Distinct, Water Retriever Breeds The Standard Poodle is the oldest of the Poodle breeds, with miniature and toy Poodles in the same designations. These dogs were originally bred in Germany to be water retrievers, (also called water fowl dogs), probably descendents of the French water dog which is now extinct. The Poodle has existed in Europe for at least 400 years, and is shown in depictions from the first century. Although not quite known where the Poodle first originated, both France and Germany claim to be its parent countries. However, the American Kennel Club recognizes only Germany as the official parent country.

The name "Poodle" is probably developed from the German word "pudel," which means "One who plays in the water." These dogs, which have an obvious love of the water, are very smart, with intelligence ranked just below the smartest of breeds, the Border Collie, and just ahead of another intelligent breed, the German Shepherd.

Comparing Standard Poodles with Moyen Poodles The Moyen Poodle, also known as the Klein Poodle, is a fourth distinct Poodle size in the Poodle family, although not officially recognized in the United States. "Moyen" means "medium" in French, and "Klein" means "small" or "miniature" in German. In the United States, the Moyen Poodle is simply considered to be a smaller Standard Poodle. What's notable about the Moyen Poodle, however, is that it was not produced by crossbreeding a Standard and Miniature Poodle. Instead, it denotes an actual fourth size of Poodle that falls in size between the Standard and Miniature.

History
Although the Poodle’s origin is not authenticated, the consensus of opinion is that it comes from Germany, a fact officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Yet, some believe the Poodle actually originated in France.

In Germany, it was known as the Pudelhund, with "pudel" associated with the word "puddle" in German. Even though the breed seems to have originated in Germany, it was standardized in France, a country which ultimately became a frequent breeder of water-loving dogs. Today, France recognizes the Poodle as its national breed.

Europeans knew about Poodles long before they were brought to England, well-documented by the famous image established by German artist Albrecht Dürer in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the late 18th century, Spain’s love of the breed was shown in Francisco Goya's paintings of Poodles at that time while France’s preference for Toy Poodles occurred during the reign of Louis XIV.

Despite its elegant appearance, the Poodle has always been a hard-working breed. Since the beginning of the 17th century, Poodles were used in combat because of their intelligence, desire to please, and quick response to training. As a result of the American Kennel Club’s approval as well as the Professional Managers Association, obedience training clubs were established nationwide in a program that became known as Dogs for Defense, Inc. While it was the U.S. Army which actually trained these dogs, the Poodle was one of 32 breeds officially classified as “war dogs” which were ultimately used in the Coast Guard, Army and Navy.

Today, Poodles of all sizes become excellent family pets and show dogs. The AKC allows them to be shown in the non-sporting class. In the United Kennel Club, they are shown within the Gun Dog Group.

Appearance
A dignified breed with a well-proportioned body, the Poodle is squarely built. Eyes are dark and oval, with an intelligent, alert expression. Ears fold closely to the head, just below eye level. The coat is corded or curly in appearance, with show dogs generally given a lion cut or other shaped fur cut. Many owners prefer a "puppy cut" for pets that are not show dogs for easy care. This would allow the hair to be a consistent, short length without extreme styling. The coat is a single layer with no undercoat. Dense and curly without shedding to any great degree, this dog’s coat provides a great hypoallergenic alternative for some people who would otherwise not be able to own a pet.

Coat colors can be a wide variety of tones including blue, black, cream, silver, grey, apricot, white, brown, or "coffee with cream." Certain breeders today are introducing particolored dogs, although these are not yet accepted within the breed standard. Of the many cuts and clipping styles, the so-called "classic" cut is actually part of the Poodle's history. Hunters designed this cut so that dogs would be less likely to be waterlogged and more streamlined when they swam to retrieve game. Although seemingly a fashionable touch, the cut’s signature "bracelets" serve the important function of keeping the dogs’ joints warm in cold water, as well as protecting them from sharp reeds.

Standard Poodles weigh between 45 and 70 pounds when fully grown, and stand over 15 inches at the shoulder, sometimes up to 24 inches. Moyen or Klein dogs are simply considered smaller Standard Poodles in the United States, although the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes them as a separate Poodle size, standing between 14 and 18 inches at the shoulder in adulthood, and weighing between 20 and 30 pounds.

Temperament
Poodles have the unfortunate reputation of being high strung. This is a false assessment, because what the Poodle really needs, whether Standard or Klein, is simply a firm owner who knows how to set boundaries without being harsh. With a very advanced intelligence, this dog desperately needs to have something to do, to be trained, and can't stand being bored. Poodles also need to be trained through socialization methods to listen and obey. This won't be hard, since the Poodle’s natural inclination is to please, but because of its high intelligence, will need firm, consistent, gentle disciplinary leadership from you.

Although the Standard Poodle is a larger breed, all Poodles are well-suited for apartment life as long as they get enough exercise. Make sure you take your pet for a walk every day, with frequent exposure to other dogs and other people, so that your pet’s joyful, sweet personality stays that way.

Health
Poodles are a healthy breed with some genetic tendencies to develop such conditions as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. The larger Standard Poodle can be prone to bloat, a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition which must be treated immediately, symptomized by digestive problems or failed attempts to vomit. Poodles can also be susceptible to von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia in humans), ear infections, and dysplasia. While generally healthy and hardy, your pet will need regular veterinary care to remain so throughout a long life of between 12 to 15 years.

Grooming
Both Moyen and Standard Poodles are relatively easy to groom. Your pet will need a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Somewhat labor-intensive, Poodles should be bathed relatively regularly, about once a month. If you don’t intend to show your dog, a puppy clip facilitates a much easier routine of care.

References
AKC Meet the Breeds: Poodle.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/Poodle/
Retrieved September 15, 2013.

Klein Poodle (Moyen Poodle) (Caniche) (Barbone) (Chien Canne) (French Poodle) (Pudle).
Retrieved September 15, 2013.

Poodle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle
Retrieved September 15, 2013.

Standard Poodle.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/standardPoodle.htm
Retrieved September 15, 2013.

Colors
Many different solid colors are accepted in confirmation including black, white, brown, sliver, blue, apricot, and red. Some breeders have also started breeding

Living Area
While poodles can easily tolerate a small living space like an apartment, they desperately need a daily vigorous walk and a way to stay meaningfully occupied and mentally challenged.