Standard Poodle
If you want a unique, intelligent and sociable dog, then the Standard Poodle is the dog for you. The top 2 smartest dog is a popular breed loved by people from all over the world. While the Standard Poodle looks elegant and frou-frou, they are actually a very helpful pet to have around. In fact, their ancestors were once used by their French and German people for hunting and to retrieve waterfowls. Perhaps they are best known for their agility, both mental and physical which makes them perfect as performing dogs.
Standard Poodle Poodles are generally classified into three sizes, the Standard, Miniature and the Toy Poodle. They are considered the same breed and they pretty much have the same characteristics, although some Toy Poodle might be more susceptible with certain skeletal deformities because they are bred to have shorter limbs, but their bodies are the same.
Standard Poodle Dog Health Problems Some sicknesses that these precious animals are prone to are cataracts, retinal atrophy, watery eyes, ear infections and hip dysplasia. Poodles are also known to have sensitive skin that is predisposed to contracting skin infections and allergies. Use organic products with herbs and natural ingredients to prevent this from happening.
Standard Poodle Grooming Even though Poodles seem to have such thick and fluffy hair, the good thing is that they are very low shedders. They are hypoallergenic dogs that would be a good choice for people who have allergies caused by dog dander. You will have to groom him regularly and give his beautiful coat a trim every 6 to 8 weeks so it doesn’t get dry and mangy on you. You can drop your pet off at a professional groomer to do this for you, but if you want to save the extra dollars and enjoy quality time with your dog, you can bathe and trim him yourself. If it’s warm outside, it will be a better idea to wash him outside. However, if you live in a cold area, then the bathroom or back kitchen would suffice. Use a rubber bath mat for the dog to stand on when you bathe him. Rinse him until he is completely saturated with water. Pour shampoo on his coat and work up into a lather. Use a small washcloth to clean his face. Rinse him thoroughly and then apply conditioner. Rinse him again afterwards thoroughly until the water runs clear. Don’t forget to detangle and brush out your dog’s hair first before bathing him to remove the mats and knots. Wrap your dog in thick towels and use a dog blow dryer to get him completely dry. Dogs can get tense and frisky at the loud sound of the blow dryer so this may require training for a while. Check and clean his ears for dark, waxy substances that indicate the presence of ear mites. Clip the edge of his nails, being careful to avoid the quick (the darker inner portion) of the nail. You will need to purchase a dog clipper for this because their nails are a lot tougher than ours and human nail clippers will break when you use them for canines.
Toy and miniature Poodles are more energetic than the standard Poodle, but it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to exercise Standard Poodles anymore. Daily walks outside will do a lot in preventing bored dogs from making a mess out of your home. These dogs love the water so consider taking him swimming once in a while for exercise. Learn more about the Standard Poodle and other grea dog breeds and how to care for them right here at HealthierDogs .