January 27, 2009

What Is The Standard For The Standard Poodle

by Lisa A Collins

There is always a stand out breed that greatly impacts the rest of its domesticated species. For domestic cats, this breed is the Persian. For horses, that breed has been the Arabian. And for dogs, the breed that has the most influence on all other breeds (and quite a lot of mongrels) is the Standard Poodle.

The Standard Poodle is the oldest and largest of the Poodle types. The breed is so old its origins are mysterious. It was probably developed in Germany and not France (Poodle types are never to be referred to as French Poodles).

The smaller Poodle types are more likely to be a victim of impulse buying than the Standard Poodle, but it still can happen. Sometimes, two Miniature Poodles can wind up having puppies that all grow to Standard size!

The size of the Standard Poodle is at least fifteen inches high at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder). There is no maximum height - and there are many Standard Poodles seventeen inches tall of more. The weight can range from forty-five pounds at the lowest end of the scale to seventy pounds for some males. Don’t let their remarkable coats fool you - they are slim, athletically built dogs like a Weimaraner or a Harrier.

However, it’s their remarkable coats that are unforgettable. It is thought that the hair never stops growing - although (thankfully) no one has ever been cruel enough to find out. The hair (not fur - hair) never sheds, so it stays onto the coat. The fuzzy curls will quickly grow into matted, soiled dreadlocks if not regularly clipped.

Because of their coat, all Poodles are recommended for those with mild to moderate allergies to dogs. Standard Poodles come in many solid colors such as white, black, apricot and caf au lait (a kind of light brown).

The care of their remarkable curly non-shedding coats is essential Poodle information new owners need to know. The coats grow fast and will become monsters if not clipped every six to eight weeks. If this is not done, the coats will turn into heavy, soiled dreadlocks that will make the dog’s life miserable.

You don’t have to use one of the popular show clips if you don’t want to. They actually grow hair and not fur, which is why all Poodle types are recommended for those with dog allergies.

About the Author:

Lisa A Collins is a passionate lover of the Poodle and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Poodle Pedigree plus a whole lot more.