Posted by Jeanne on March 25, 2009
The next time you go to the circus, ask the clown what kind of dog he has for a working companion. You know what his answer might be? A poodle. The reason clowns and stage performers prefer poodles to other dogs is that they are easier to train, and they can be taught more tricks.
Because they are so easy to train, the poodle is a favorite of people who live in big cities. If you walk along Park Avenue or in Central Park in New York City, you’ll see more poodles than any other kind of dog. And, even though most city people live in small apartments, the dogs they own aren’t always small ones. Their poodles are all sizes ranging from the tiny toys that weigh only a few pounds to huge “standards” weighing fifty or sixty pounds.
It’s strange that city people should like these dogs, especially when you consider how much poodles like water. Years ago, the poodle was primarily a hunting dog, used mostly to retrieve water fowl for their masters. In Europe, hunters still use the poodle this way; in this country, he is mostly a pet.
It you think about the name poodle for a minute, you’ll see how much it is like the word puddle. The similarity between the words is no accident. The German word for poodle is pudel. Pudel can mean either dog or puddle. Through the years the spelling of the English word came out as we know it today – poodle.
Posted by Jeanne on December 28, 2008
The miniature poodle, contrary to popular belief, is not a delicate or an “effete” animal, In fact, the miniature poodle is a wiry, sturdy, healthy dog, not prone to respiratory diseases or skin ailments.
Keeping them groomed and smart looking takes very little more time than keeping the average long-haired dog in good shape. Also, very important: the miniature poodle DOES NOT SHED and has no doggy odor. However, this does not mean that people who are allergic to dogs will not be allergic to poodles.
They were originally bred for and used as retrievers and water dogs. However, through the centuries their hunting potentialities have not been fully exploited, although in England miniature poodles are used for hunting small game birds.
They can learn anything because of their high intelligence and their spirit of cooperation, This, of course, has been proved by their marvelous records in obedience work as well as in their every day lives. We once had a miniature poodle who would start to dance on his hind feet as soon as we turned the stereo on. He kept dancing until he found my daughter who was three at the time – they would then dance together!
Owning a poodle is an unique experience. Every one I have ever owned has been a complete individual. It is really difficult to fully describe their gaiety, gameness, and their capacity for love and companionship. You have not lived until you have owned a miniature poodle.