GROOMING TIPS
Whether you love a Standard, Small Standard (Moyen/Klein), Miniature, or Toy Poodle, it is important to remember, that there is one aspect of this breed that is present across all size variations; the unique coat.
Appearance
Poodles have a dense and curly coat that requires regular grooming, to avoid matting.
In most other breeds, the hair follicle contains both a long primary hair and multiple fine secondary hairs.
A Poodle’s coat is composed of 80% secondary hairs. This gives the coat the appearance of “puppy hair.”
Another distinct characteristic of the Poodle’s hair is the shape of the individual strands. They take on a “curly” appearance because of high concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids.
To provide the specialized care required to keep this unique coat looking its best, routine grooming and good nutrition are essential.
Coat Color
Most Poodles are solid-colored, and many registries allow only solid colors in conformation shows.
Poodles come in a wide variety of solid colors including black, blue, silver, grey, brown, red, apricot, cream, white, and multi-coloured, or marked, including cafe-au-lait, silver beige, sable, and brindle.
“Parti" Poodles have large patches of white, covering more than 50% of their coat.
"Phantom" Poodles are easily identified by their markings, which are presented above the eyes, alongside of his muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. These marking resemble that of the Doberman.
Solid-colored Poodles may either hold true to their color (throughout their lives) or fade/clear to a lighter shade. Usually the ears and the thicker guard hairs hold more of the original color than other hair (over the body).
For more information, we encourage you to visit the following informative, resource websites:
http://www.animalgenetics.us/Canine/Canine-color
http://www.animalabs.com/dog-coat-color/
http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/index.htm
Hypoallergenic Qualities
Poodles are often cited as being a hypoallergenic breed.
The word hypoallergenic, when referring to a dog, is a misconception; all dogs shed.
Poodles shed hair in minimal amounts and do release dander, but are not as likely to trigger allergies in comparison to many other breeds.
The Poodle’s individual hair follicles have an active growth period which is longer than that of many other breeds of dogs; combined with the well-known, tightly curled coat, which slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls, an individual Poodle may release less dander and hair into the environment.
Frequent grooming helps to remove trapped hairs and dander, and also helps to control other potent allergens, such as saliva.
Although hair, dander, and saliva can be minimized through regular grooming, they are still present and can stick to clothes, carpets, and other furnishings in your home; inhaling them, or being licked by a dog, can trigger a reaction in a sensitive person. Utilize a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clear dander floating in the air.
Bathing
Poodles love water; they can be bathed weekly.
Fill a tub with warm water and allow your Poodle's coat to saturate thoroughly, making sure that it is wet right up to their skin. Use a mild shampoo (baby shampoo/tear-free, gentle formula); bathe and rinse your Poodle thoroughly, conditioners are recommended to be used, simultaneously.
After being bathed, Poodles can be allowed to air-dry (recommended in warmer weather, only) to achieve a curly look, or they can be brushed out while using a blow-dryer (on a low/warm setting) for a fluffier look (use a slicker brush to assist in the finishing process).
Towel dry your Poodle, removing excess moisture; use a blow-dryer to finish the job, on a low/warm setting. Use caution not to hold the blow-dryer too close, or it may burn their skin. Be patient with yourself and your Poodle throughout this process.
Choosing a Groomer
Select a Groomer with a clean shop and a gentle, personable manner; a quality Groomer loves what they do, and are determined to put their whole heart into providing an outstanding salon experience for your Poodle!!
We are constantly grooming our Poodles; clipping, scissoring, and perfecting finishes, in an effort to maintain healthy skin, a polished coat, and to satisfy our Poodle's desire to look good. They absolutely love being fussed over and told how handsome they look.
To maintain your poodle’s cut between salon visits, it is recommended that you invest in some quality dog grooming tools. A few of these recommended items include: a high-quality pair of clippers (removable blade); straight scissors; clipper blades; clipper lubricating oil; hair brushes (slicker and pin-brush); and professional quality nail clippers.
For grooming and other pet related supplies we suggest visiting: Ren's Pets Depot
Regular coat clipping helps promote the health of the skin as well.
We recommend brushing your Poodle every day if it has long hair and weekly where their hair is kept short. Take the time to sit, relax, and bond with your Poodle; enjoying each of these moments together, as they are truly priceless.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The most common health issues affecting Poodles, listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry, as of August 20, 2007, are: Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV = bloat/torsion), thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer.
The most common of all health-related conditions, being ear infections. Ear infections affect all Poodle varieties and can be minimized by proper ear care.
*A veterinarian should be consulted at the first signs of an ear infection.
Eyes
The eyes should be very oval, and have an alert and intelligent expression.
Look for bright eyes surrounded by white with little, if any, discharge. Hair in the eyes can cause irritation which can cause an infection and discharge which may need to be treated.
Mouth
Your Poodle’s teeth should be pearly white and clean of tartar. Make a habit of brushing your Poodle’s teeth with an enzymatic canine toothpaste and brush as part of your twice weekly grooming routine.
Regular gentle brushing reduces build up of tartar and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Be sure to know what your Poodles normal gum color is – very pale gums could be a sign of a problem and should be reported to your vet.
Body
Run your hands over the body of your poodle and feel for any unusual lumps or areas of the body that are tender to touch. Keep a mental note of weight gain or loss which can be felt according to how hard you need to press to feel the ribs.
Report any unusual findings to your Veterinarian immediately.
Nail Care
Healthy paws, lend themselves to a happier Poodle; regular and maintained nail care is mandatory.
See figure below and tips to assist with nail trimming.
Noteworthy Links:
SOCIALIZATION & TRAINING
Regardless of finish (size), Poodles are known to be an active, intelligent, and elegant breed; squarely built, and well proportioned.
Poodles are regarded as the second most intelligent breed of dog, placing immediately after the Border Collie and directly before the German Shepherd.
Poodles require a large amount of human interaction, as well as regular physical activity, and mental exercise. Poodles are playful, energetic, and eager to please; they are full of character, personality, and make wonderful companions. Like most dogs, Poodles appreciate an active lifestyle and daily exercise.
Poodles are adaptable and easily trained, but sometimes their intelligence can make them obstinate and stubborn; persistence, patience, and consistency are the keys to success in training.
Poodles are very easy to housebreak. Whether going outside or being potty-trained on a pad, or litter box, they learn quickly where to defecate.
Important Note: Poodles are still animals and need time to understand your expectations of them during periods of transition and training.
https://www.ckc.ca/en/Raising-My-Dog/Training
Poodles may act nervous around strangers which is why it is so important to commit extra time and effort to socializing your Poodle; socialization between 8 and 12 weeks of age is the most important period.
Obedience classes with follow-up sessions, structured play-time, and regular routines are recommended.
Poodles shouldn’t live or be housed outdoors.
POODLE HISTORY AND CURRENT
Historically, Poodles are known to be good swimmers; utilized as retrievers or gun dogs, they can still be seen in these roles today.
The word 'Poodle' comes from the German word 'Pfudel', meaning 'puddle, or to splash'.
In France, the Poodle is known as 'Caniche', or 'Chien Canard'.
Both names give reference to the Poodle’s duck hunting abilities.
Noteworthy Links:
Healthy Paws, Happy Poodle!!
Follow these simple instructions to support optimal foot and nail care for your Poodle.
