Pendleton-Gazette.com Pendleton, Indiana's Online Magazine and News Service

Julie's Corner

11-13-2005

Poodle

How many times have you pulled up to a drive thru and heard the person on the other end ask if you would like to have your order super-sized?  It can catch you off guard.  When that happens, there you sit, trying to decide.  Have you ever just “barked” out a yes without even thinking about it?

Well, have I got a dog for you!  It comes super, medium and small sized.  It does not shed, has a pretty coat to “play” with and you can even paint the toe nails.  Ribbons can go on the ears except the super sized look sort of silly with the painted toes and beribboned ears. 

Be prepared if you “order” the super sized!  They have more bounce per ounce, are full of energy and tend to need a lot of room when it is slamming around the house.  If you are not a large dog person, don’t buy it because it looks cute as a puppy.  Cute turns into BIG.  Puppy funny turns into lamps overturned, kitchen counters cleaned by tongues and noses poked into things that should be out of reach but just aren’t high enough for a big dog.  To top it all off, they are smart.  Just to smart for their (and your) own good.  A standard size Poodle is a large dog that has a distinctive personality all of their own. 

Oh what peace the word miniature brings to mind.  Miniature means on the smaller size.  Miniature means they can go places with you but are still big enough to be left at home without worrying about “Foo Foo” being alone.  After all, they are bigger, have bigger bladders and won’t need out as often.  Besides, everyone has heard that a miniature is easy to house break.  HA.  Miniature poodles are people dogs.  They live, follow and adore their person.  Good ole “Foo Foo” is not above leaving a “present” for you to find when you return home.  Just to make you feel welcome, ya know.  (And aren’t paybacks terrible?  You left “Foo Foo” home and HE didn’t want to stay there!)  Smaller than their big cousins, easier to take around, require less food but still have the cutie pie hair and the chance to paint the toe nails.  The biggie is that they do not look nearly as silly as the Standards when you paint the nails or put the ribbons in the ears.

Toy Poodles.  Little guys in a class all by themselves.  Snuggle bunnies that think they are guard dogs.  Little enough to sit on your lap without “doggie” overhang.  Eat less, smaller “potty” to clean up and bladders the size of a teaspoon.  They strut in the show ring, knowing that everyone is there to see them and they make their presence known!   These little ones look like they were meant to wear nail polish and hair bows.

Do not underrate the Poodle, no matter the size.  They are brave dogs, extremely intelligent and loyal.  A Poodle can be taught obedience work, agility work or hunting.  They are available in a variety of colors.  The thick curly hair has a special purpose. Poodles were bred as hunting dogs.  When they went into cold water, the hair would provide protection for the joints and torso.  While trimming the dog, balls of thick hair were allowed to grow over the areas most affected by cold. 

Poodles do require grooming.  The hair must be trimmed.  It will continue to grow due to the fact that it IS hair and not fur.  They matt if not brushed.  Poodles are hypoallergenic.  Since they have hair and not fur, the dogs do not shed. 

A Poodle is a delightful dog no matter the size.  Just make sure to research the dog and the qualities of each size.  Ya know how it is when ya super size an order and too much food arrives!

Have you heard of :

Labradoodles

Schnoodles

Shizoodles

And

Cockapoos?

They are out there too!

Julie

If you have a question contact Julie at juliepnjcf@lycos.com