Tell me about Poodles

[SquishTheBunny]

I have met too many wonderful standard poodles to say anything negative about them. I think they are truly a wonderful breed.

Generally, healthy dogs. If you are going with a breeder, ensure OFA or PennHip has good results. If going with a rescue, keep the dog fit and lean. Many have great hips, but some do have hip dysplasia. They are one of the breeds prone to Addisons and Bloat. Just be aware of what these are incase your dog should show symptoms you will know what to do.

Regarding grooming - generally once every 6-8 weeks, its not crazy expensive if you don’t want a show trim. I will sometimes do my mini poodle myself, but have realized for $40…she;s going to visit the groomer instead

[Bogie]

I grew up with Standard Poodles and we had one when my kids were young. Wonderful, smart, athletic dogs. Yes, the grooming part is a pain, but you can learn to clip them yourself.

The only problems we had were recurrent ear infections and, with our last one, over-protective behavior. After our youngest was born, he became quite aggressive toward strangers (delivery men, etc.) although he was very patient and gentle with family. Even the poodle I had as a kid was very protective when my parents weren’t around . . . although extremely laid back when they were.

My last one loved to come out riding with me and would jump all the xc jumps, sometimes leading my horse over them!

[Salar]

I loff them!!! My standard is closing in on 13 years and has been such a gem. He is a wonderful farm dog and super smart. Only needed to be scolded once for playing with the free range chickens - poor hen was in distress as he frolicked across the back yard with her tenderly in his mouth.

In terms of grooming, I do not!!! He is black and so hides the spring and fall mud very well (smile). I do however fondly call him “Velcro boy” because everything sticks to him from leaves in the fall to hay and straw picked up while laying in the barn aisle for me to finish my chores so we can play.

I had previously had only sporting breeds (lab and springer spaniel) but will never be without a standard poodle in my life. Great farm dog, great to go on long hikes… not so great at snowshoeing though. Has a tendency to step on the snowshoe as I am lifting - which of course causes me to fall flat on my face. Perhaps he does that on purpose, hmm?

I am not sure if it is appropriate to post a link to a breeders webpage, but they have some wonderful photos sent by owners and a video of new puppies out exploring the great outdoors. Perhaps just PM me if you want to see the link.

[Claddagh]

Another total Poodle person here! I’ve had Poodles forever (since I saved up my money as a young teen and bought my first one). Haven’t been without one since (and never will be). We have other dogs as well but the Poodles are always my favorites.

Poodles are fabulous dogs all the way around!

[Preposterous_Ponies]

Just wanted to update and say that I ended up getting a Springer Spaniel - I will totally be getting a poodle in the future though!

[Dewey]

OP, hope your Springer is everything you want it to be! I knew one in my youth that was a lovely, dignified, intelligent dog. I used to take care of him when his owners were on vacation. My dad had one that was a wackadoodle, though. Such is my experience with Springers!

[Preposterous_Ponies]

[QUOTE=Dewey;7651190]
OP, hope your Springer is everything you want it to be! I knew one in my youth that was a lovely, dignified, intelligent dog. I used to take care of him when his owners were on vacation. My dad had one that was a wackadoodle, though. Such is my experience with Springers![/QUOTE]

She is shaping up to be an absolutely lovely dog and is super smart. My extended family has had them before - one was a lovely, calm perfect dog. The other was a complete whack job with “springer rage”, though I think it was more a case of a bossy female who was allowed to become highly aggressive and overly protective of “her” stuff.

My BO has a Springer who is everything I wanted in a dog, so we decided to go with the same breeder. He is the dignified intelligent type, so fingers crossed my pup turns out like him!