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All About Poodles
Coming Soon:
Moyen Poodles!
Poodle Care and Traits
Elegance: Poodles are often associated with elegance and grace, known for their regal appearance.
Coat: Their curly, dense coat is hypoallergenic, which can be ideal for allergy sufferers.
Temperament: Poodles are sociable and often get along well with other pets and people, making them excellent family dogs.
Exercise Needs: Poodles have high energy levels and require regular exercise, making them great for active individuals and families.
Work and Play: They are versatile dogs, excelling in various roles, from companionship and performance to working as water retrievers and hunting dogs.
Grooming: Poodles’ coats require regular maintenance but come in various styles, from the traditional “poodle cut” to more modern grooming choices.
Health: Like all dog breeds, Poodles (Standard, Moyen, Miniature, and Toy) may face common health issues including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, Addison's disease, thyroid problems, hypoglycemia, bloat, and collapsed trachea. At Southern Sunset Poodles & Doodles, we practice responsible breeding with thorough health testing and regular veterinary care to proactively monitor and address these potential concerns.
Longevity: With proper care, Poodles typically enjoy a long lifespan, often reaching 12 to 15 years.
Size: Poodles come in four sizes – Standard, Moyen, Miniature, and Toy, offering options for different living situations and lifestyles.
Coming Soon to Southern Sunset Poodles & Doodles: Moyen Poodles!
A relatively new arrival to the American dog scene, the Moyen poodle is a medium-sized variety recognized in Europe. Standing 15 to 20 inches tall and weighing 15 to 35 pounds, it is an ideal size for those seeking a poodle bigger than the miniature yet smaller than the standard.
The moyen poodle gets its name from the French word for "medium," an apt description of its size between standard and miniature poodles. However, what truly distinguishes the moyen is not just its stature but its remarkable combination of traits from both its standard and miniature parent breeds.
The affable, easygoing nature of Moyen Poodles makes them ideal family pets. Highly adaptable and eager to please, these intelligent dogs thrive in any home environment. Their moderate energy level allows them to enjoy both playtime and relaxation with family. Moyen Poodles are friendly with children and other pets, complementing a family dynamic smoothly. Their trainability and affectionate temperament endear them to owners.
Moyen Poodles strike an ideal balance between elegance and adaptability, making them the perfect medium-sized pet. Their friendly temperament, high intelligence, and moderate energy allow them to thrive in diverse living situations. With regular grooming to maintain their stylish look and sociable nature, Moyen Poodles are excellent family companions.
Introduction
Poodles are known for their impressive curly coats, but there is much more to these popular dogs than fabulous hair. With a rich history as companions to royalty and skilled hunters, Poodles are energetic, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their human families. Though often seen as fancy fashionistas, Poodles have an endearing, playful personality behind the glamorous exterior. Whether you are considering welcoming one of these curly-coated cuties into your home or just want to learn about your favorite fluffy breed, read on to uncover the captivating history and traits of the Poodle.
(Photo Credit: Angie Louter of Louter Creek Hunting Poodles)
History
Though the origin of Poodles is debated, the American Kennel Club asserts they originated in Germany, not France. The German word "pudel" or "pudelin" means "to splash about in water," fitting for a breed historically used as water retrievers. From the 17th century onward, Poodles worked to fetch ducks and other waterfowl, which explains their affinity for water. Their French name "Caniche" even means "duck dog." While Poodles were popular pets for King Louis XVI and the French court, experts agree the breed originated in Germany before becoming beloved in France.
Over the years, poodles have been adopted into circus acts and trained as truffle hunters. Some waterfowl hunters also still rely on these clever dogs. Although poodles are often associated with France and known as "French poodles," this connection refers only to their distinctive clip, not their origins as a breed.
Though we associate poodles with flamboyant poofs of fluff, their distinctive cut originally served a practical purpose: to keep the joints and torso warm while retrieving waterfowl in cold water. As working dogs, function preceded fashion for these cute pups.
Coat Colors and Patterns
Poodles come in a rainbow of colors, not just the solid black or white most often seen in dog shows. Though black and white poodles dominate the show ring, the breed naturally exhibits nearly every color and pattern. Like so much about poodles, their diverse coat colors prove there's more to the breed than meets the eye.
Variations include:
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Solid Colors: black, blue, silver, brown, cafe au lait, silver beige, cream, apricot, or red.
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White Spotting
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Brindle
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Agouti
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Sable
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Phantom
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Recessive Black
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Combinations of the above (Parti, Tuxedo, Abstract)
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Rare: Seal, Ghost Tan, Albino
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Merle: indicates not a purebred poodle (Not recognized by AKC)
