Poodles are amazing family pets that love to snuggle up and keep their owners company when reading books, watching television, taking naps, or just hanging out. But beyond the obvious behaviors that are observed, there are so many interesting facts about poodles that kids would love to know. They have a long history of being bred and groomed as show dogs due to their high intellect and trainability. Easily recognizable by distinct, curly coats, poodles have a reputation for being active and perhaps a bit unfriendly toward other dogs. Read more to learn more about the breed, along with some fascinating trivia.
Learn More About Poodles
Kids who love their poodles can tell all kinds of stories about what life is like living with these amazing dogs. Anecdotal evidence of intelligence is shared through all the different clever behaviors witnessed every day, and expressed throughout children's books about poodles. In the meantime, here is some amazing information about the intelligence, behavior, social tendencies, and even haircuts especially for poodles.
(1) Poodles were originally bred to be hunters.
This fact may come as a surprise to those who think of poodles as prim and proper dogs with fancy haircuts. In fact, poodles are as adept at hunting as labradors and other associated breeds. They are amazing swimmers which makes them quite adept at hunting waterfowl like ducks and geese. Poodles are also excellent assistants for pheasant hunters. After the birds are shot, poodles retrieve these injured targets without crushing their bodies.
(2) Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
For this reason, poodles score highly at dog shows. They routinely outperform all other dogs in demonstrations involving both agility and obedience. Poodles can be trained to do a variety of tricks, like walking on their back paws and jumping effortlessly through hoops. Poodles also can acquire an understanding of around 400 words, whereas the average canine comprehends approximately 165 words. The downside of having such intelligence is that poodles get bored easily. Poodle owners have reported destructive behavior that is usually associated with long periods without any form of stimulation.
(3) Poodles don't particularly like other dogs.
When observed at dog parks, poodles tend to stick by their owner's side rather than socializing with the other canines. Even if the poodle ventures out to sniff or briefly run with the others, these dogs typically return to their humans after a short period of time. The only real exception is when other poodles are also at the park and they seem to be drawn together for more extended playtime. So if you are considering adopting a rescue dog and have a poodle at home, be prepared for some initial resistance to the new intruder.
(4) A poodle's haircut is about functionality, not style.
Poodles have very distinctive haircuts, which was originally more about function than style. Poodles are waterdogs, so it makes sense that less hair would help them swim more efficiently. However, they still need some degree of protection from the cold water. For this reason, owners leave puffs of hair around their joints and torso to protect vital organs from frigid water.
(5) Poodles can be put to work by performing important jobs.
Because they are so intelligent and highly trainable, poodles are often utilized as guide dogs for people with disabilities. They are frequently fill the roles of therapy dogs and service dogs due to their keen ability to identify the physical and emotional needs of their owners.
(6) Poodles once (unsuccessfully) raced in the Iditarod.
Back in 1988, one particular musher named John Suter had the not-so-bright idea ofcompeting with a team of Standard Poodles. Certain characteristics seemed to align with the race, like both the high energy and trainability of poodles. However, what he did not account for was the fact that the breed does not do well in the cold. The dogs suffered from frozen paws and matted hair, requiring many of them to be dropped at various checkpoints along the route for medical care. Mushers are now only allowed to enter dogs bred for the cold weather, like Alaskan Huskies.
(7) There are four different varieties of poodles.
Despite the fact that all poodles are part of the same breed, there are so many variations that they sometimes seems like different types of dogs entirely. In fact, there are four distinct varieties based entirely on the dog's size. The classifications are: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy poodle. While they may come in vastly different sizes, poodles all share the same thick, curly coats of hair all sorts of colors.
(8) Poodles are popular choices for families who suffer from allergies.
Finding the perfect pet for allergy-sufferers is not easy, but poodles come pretty darn close. This breed is considered hypoallergenic, which means the dogs are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Their curly coats shed far less dead hair and produce dramatically less dander than just about any other. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, poodles come the closest.
(9) Blue Poodles command a price upwards of $10,000.
With coats that are a beautiful shade of silvery blue, these rare poodles cost a pretty penny. In order to maintain the color of the coat, these poodles are bred selectively. Some mistakenly believe these dogs are a mixed breed, creating the blueish hue, however they actually have a gene that causes black coats to fade to a lighter bluish color. Although Blue Poodles are not common, an even rarer poodle coloration exists. Apricot Poodles can thank a recessive gene for their beautiful coat, one that has only recently become part of the poodle family.
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