Hondenfeiten:Poedels

Als er een hond is die beroemd is geworden vanwege zijn buitensporige kapsel, moet het de poedel zijn. Hoewel het ras in verschillende verzorgingsstijlen is gezien, is de "Standard Poodle Haircut" - met pom-poms op de voeten, staart, borst, hoofd en oren - misschien wel de meest bekende. Er is een reden waarom dit kapsel zo populair is en we vertellen je er graag alles over, samen met een heleboel andere informatie, dus blijf lezen.

Rassenpersoonlijkheid en fysieke beschrijving

Als we het hebben over rassen die het beste zijn voor bepaalde leeftijdsgroepen of persoonlijkheden, lijken poedels altijd hun weg naar de lijst te vinden, ongeacht de demografie. Het zijn opmerkelijk intelligente honden die zachtaardig en aanhankelijk zijn en fantastische metgezellen zijn gebleken voor kinderen, stellen, gezinnen, tieners en senioren. Ze kunnen zelfs goed overweg met andere dieren.

Poedels passen zich goed aan het leven in kleine ruimtes aan, maar doen het net zo goed in grote huizen. Wat uiteindelijk het belangrijkste is, is dat de ouders van hun huisdier meer tijd met hun hond kunnen doorbrengen, omdat ze de neiging hebben om eenzaam te worden. Bovendien, vanwege hun intelligentie en liefde voor gekheid, gedijt dit ras echt met een rondje gehoorzaamheidstraining. Ze reageren heel goed op dit soort training en het doorlopen van lessen kan een lonend proces zijn voor zowel de hond als de ouder.

Poedels zijn er in drie maten - Toy, Miniature en Standard - waarbij de laatste de oudste en grootste variëteit is. Toy poodles weigh an average of nine pounds, Miniatures weigh 11 pounds, and standard poodles weigh 45 to 70 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.

Breed History

While we often think of poodles as prim and proper, it’s important to note that this breed — while regal looking — are very hard-working. In fact, they are historically known to be water retrievers with duck being their prey of choice.

Originally from Germany, the name “Poodle” comes from the German word, pudel, which translates literally to “splash in the water” (anyone thinking of puddles?). On that note, let’s talk about that funny haircut they always seem to be sporting, which was born out of necessity way back in the 17 century. The poodle’s coat becomes excessively heavy when wet, but their pom-pom hairdo solves the problem by removing excess fur while keeping fur in places that require protection and warmth (such as their joints and head).

Though their exact lineage is still under debate, we can tell you that poodles originated in Germany over 400 years ago and were eventually developed by the French into the modern varieties we know today. Throughout history, they’ve served not only as water retrievers, but also truffle mushroom hunters, circus dogs, and even royal companions. King Louis XVI was especially enamored with toy poodles during his 18 century reign, as was his spouse, Marie Antoinette.

The American Kennel Club formally recognized them as a breed in 1887. The miniature is the most popular, but all three sizes are definitely American favorites.

Common Health Issues

Some common health concerns among poodles include Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease, both of which affect the adrenal glands (releasing either too much or too little cortisol). They are also prone to developing hypothyroidism, which is when the body produces very low levels of the thyroid hormone. This can result in weight gain, hair loss, and general discomfort. Toy and miniature poodles, specifically, may develop issues that other small dogs commonly do, including kneecap dislocation, breathing difficulty, and dental issues due to crowding teeth. Luckily, these chronic conditions can be covered by pet health insurance, provided you enroll your pup before symptoms show.

Regardless of size, poodles require consistent grooming, so make sure this is something you’re able to keep up with if you decide to adopt one into your family.

Fun Facts

• Back in 18 century France, royals would give their toy poodles ornate haircuts and carry them around like trophies similar to the way some people carry around their miniature dogs today.
• We told you the poodle was super smart, but did you know it ranks as one of the smartest dog breeds right up there with German Shepherds and collies?
• Lots of notable celebrities have been poodle owners over the years, including Walt Disney, Elvis, Picasso, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Are you the proud pet parent of a perfect poodle? We’d love for you to share a picture of your fluffy doggo with us on Instagram by tagging #gohealthypaws. And if you aren’t already a pet parent with us, look into getting a  free quote  to help safeguard not just your lovable pup, but your wallet too.