Description of the “Small Poodle” breed: photos of dogs, accepted standard, character, care features and reviews from owners

The poodle breed is one of the few whose standard includes as many as four varieties: large, small, miniature and toy.

Despite their size, all representatives of the breed are distinguished by excellent obedience and are aimed at working together with humans. However, some nuances in varieties, in addition to size, still exist. Small poodles will be discussed further.

History of origin

Most scientists insist that the breeding of the small poodle took place in France, although the supposed countries of origin of this breed also include Hungary and Northern Germany.

This breed was first mentioned in the 1st millennium BC - drawings of dogs resembling poodles . Active breeding of these animals began in the 15-16th century, but the crossing was quite chaotic, so long-haired pointers, griffins and spaniels are noted among the ancestors of small poodles.

NOTE!

In the Middle Ages, many aristocrats considered it their duty to own a poodle, and Queen Marie Antoinette was no exception. It is she who is credited with the authorship of such a haircut for poodles as the “classic lion”.

Over time, the breed gained even more fans, which forced the owners of small poodles to unite into clubs. As a result, in 1886 the first standard was adopted in Great Britain. And already in 1887 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

In 1936, uniform standards were adopted for all varieties of this breed. Poodles began to be bred en masse in the 60s of the 20th century.

History of the origin of the Miniature Poodle breed

Dwarf representatives of the breed were bred only in the 19th century, although large poodles have been known since ancient times. These dogs helped people hunt, they were used in patrol and search service, and in war. But gradually, due to their attractive appearance, they increasingly began to be kept as a decorative pet. They became popular among rich people.

But the standard poodle is too tall, so breeders developed a dwarf version of the breed. The emphasis was not on working qualities, but on appearance. The mini-version was bred by the Swiss scientist Shaitlin. The first breed standard was approved in France in 1880.

This variety became popular only in the 20th century. Although during the Second World War, interest in dwarf dogs faded. But in the 60s, breeders began breeding again, and at that time representatives of the breed appeared in Russia. Nowadays, toy poodles are one of the most popular decorative dogs.

Description of the breed

The breed is of medium size, height at the withers does not exceed 45 cm, maximum weight is 12 kg. The body is muscular, lean, the length is almost the same as the height. The withers and croup are almost on the same line.

The paws are placed parallel to each other, the joints are quite strong, and the pads are springy. The tail is located at the level of the waist, and looks up at an oblique angle during movement.

The neck has no dewlap, the scruff is strong, the head is set high. They have an elongated muzzle, the color of the nose depends on the color of the coat.

The ears are placed almost in line with the eyes; according to the standard, their length should reach the tip of the nose. The ears are elongated, slightly rounded at the ends, and covered with hair.

The eyes are located under the frontal lobe, medium in size, almond-shaped, and may have a slight slant. Color ranges from light brown to dark brown.

The coat is medium length with a thick undercoat.

The following coat colors are available:

• white;
• cream;
• beige;
• apricot;
• chocolate;
• black;
• redhead;
• silver

Colors, coat types

In addition to height varieties, poodles differ in coat type. It can be curly or corded. The most common are dogs with curly hair, consisting of neat curls of different sizes that spring back when pressed with your hand.

As for color, according to the breed standard there are six of them:

• white;
• black;
• red (recognized only in 2007);
• brown (chocolate);
• apricot (peach);
• silver (gray).

Among non-standard combinations, black and tan, sable, and harlequin are allowed. The brindle color is considered unrecognized. Merle (marble) coat color is absent in the genotype of poodles.

Character traits

The Small Poodle is an extremely social animal. They are very friendly, so they do not show aggression towards strangers or other pets without proper reason. The animals are loyal, patient, and playful, which makes them suitable for families with small children. These small poodles are highly intelligent and quick-witted.

Dogs need exercise, so they need to be walked daily. They have excellent memory, which improves the learning process during training. Trying to get the owner’s praise, they involuntarily copy his movements and actions, which makes you think that small poodles have a certain sense of humor.

Despite their friendliness, if the owner is in danger, these dogs become real protectors.

This breed of dog needs constant communication, so if the animal is left alone for a long time, it can get sick from boredom.

Many owners of small poodles note the animal’s highly developed intuition. Because this little pet anticipates what command the owner will give him.

Despite their sociability, these animals cannot be called annoying. They feel when the owner wants to be alone, and try not to cause him unnecessary trouble.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

Small poodles are quite sociable and friendly, the only animal with which a pet can have a conflict is a cat, but here, too, everything depends on the breed of the latter. Dogs simply love to play with small children, and they especially enjoy active pastimes, such as playing with a ball in the water. The animals are very obedient, and following commands even gives them pleasure.

Interesting facts about the small (medium) poodle

• The poodle's coat has minimal undercoat, so it does not have a characteristic pungent odor, and poodles shed little;
• Poodle wool has medicinal properties - belts and knee pads are often made from it;
• The Small Poodle is an excellent hunter, it easily finds shot prey and swims well;
• A small poodle named Chanda-Lian, owned by a trainer from Canada, could perform more than 400 tricks, including playing the piano.

Poodles, including the small one, are among the TOP most popular dog breeds.

It’s easy to buy a small poodle; just go to a specialized nursery. The price of small poodle puppies can be found on the notice board.

Advantages and disadvantages

The small poodle dog breed has a number of disadvantages:

• The need for careful pet care. Poodles are among the very clean dogs, so their owner will have to devote a lot of time to keeping their pet clean. In this case, we are talking not only about bathing, but also about cleaning the ears, eyes, and trimming the nails. This also includes regular brushing of your pet and monthly haircuts.
• Requires regular physical activity. The Miniature Poodle is a very active dog and will require daily walks.
• If a cat lives in the house, then conflicts are practically unavoidable.

But all these disadvantages are completely offset by a number of advantages:

• The animals are friendly and loyal. They never attack and practically do not bark at strangers unless they pose a danger to their owner.
• Get along well with small children. They are happy to participate in their games, especially if they involve a ball or require swimming.
• They are highly trainable. Thanks to their good memory and complaisance, animals not only quickly remember commands, but also execute them almost at lightning speed.
• The coat of small poodles is hypoallergenic.

Advantages and disadvantages

The greatest advantage of the breed is their lively energy and friendly nature. The exotic appearance serves as a source of pride for the owner and admiring glances directed at the beautifully trimmed poodle. But it is the groomer’s services that are blamed for the main disadvantage of keeping the breed. Grooming poodles in the “lion style” or “modern” style is not cheap , and dogs are cut often enough to maintain a neat appearance.

Thank you for paying attention to the article about the black poodle and the breed in general. Who do you think, a boy or a girl, is advisable for those who are getting a dog for the first time? Which one is more troublesome? Advise which color is better to choose and justify why.

If you have a choice between a grown-up puppy and a small one, which one would you choose? Describe from your point of view what needs to be purchased before going to choose a puppy - combs, toys or something else. Your opinion is very important to us, so leave your feedback at the bottom of the page.

Accepted standard

The standard of the small poodle breed specifies the following characteristics of the animal:

• the length of the muzzle is 9/10 of the length of the entire skull;
• the length of the body is slightly greater than the height of the animal at the withers;
• the head is proportional to the body;
• the width of the skull is less than ½ the length of the head: oval along the longitudinal axis, slightly convex in profile;
• there is a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle;
• developed nose, when viewed from the side – vertical;
• lips of medium thickness, the upper one lies on the lower one, but does not overlap it;
• scissor bite;
• eyes – almond-shaped, black or dark brown;
• the ears are long, falling along the cheekbones;
• strong neck with a slightly convex nape line;
• the body is proportional.

Which owner is it suitable for?

The poodle is ideal for families with children; he is ready to tolerate any pranks and get involved in all games.

With his ability to empathize, he is the best companion for older owners. The dog may feel unwell and will definitely settle down next to you. Lonely people will find an attentive listener in him.

With lovers of outdoor activities, the dog will be happy to go for morning runs, swim, walk in the forest, play ball or with a Frisbee.

Unsociable and lazy owners are better off finding another breed.

Photos of colors

There are several different color variations of small poodles, but the most common colors are:

• Black . Classic color option. The fur of such animals is perfectly black, without brown or gray patches. The skin is gray with a slight blue tint. The nose and claws are black, the eyes are brown.
• White . Quite a common color option. Puppies are born with apricot or cream fur on the chest, ears, and legs, but as they grow older the fur becomes white. Skin is pinkish.
• Apricot . Poodles have coats that come in a variety of shades of apricot, but should not be anything close to dark brown or white. The color of the ears is slightly darker than the rest of the coat. Puppies are born darker, but within 2 years their coat becomes lighter. Eyes – brown.
• Silver . The norm is gray wool, which in its shade is not close to white or black. This coloring is considered complex and takes 2-3 years to form. Puppies are born black, but gradually lighten. Already at the age of 1.5 months, a silvery tint of the muzzle and legs can be observed.

What to feed?

Small poodles in general are not prone to food allergies, but light-colored poodles may develop stained tear ducts due to individual intolerance to certain foods. Most often it is chicken, corn or sweets.

Which dry food to choose?

Also, you should not give light-colored poodles food that contains beet pulp, as this can cause the coat to turn pink.

But for apricot color, such food, on the contrary, is desirable - they give this shade depth and brightness. Apricot wool looks most beautiful on feed from Eukanuba and ProPlan.

There are no specific lines for small black poodles; it is enough to choose high-quality holistic or super-premium food.

Particular attention can be paid to the trace elements of iodine (for example, seaweed). This component gives richness to the pigments in the wool and makes the color darker, and also prevents fading in the sun.

Attitude towards children and pets

Small poodles get along well with children and take part in their games with pleasure. Pets are patient, so even if a child hurts the dog a little, it will not bite him.

Regarding relationships with other pets, the poodle gets along well with other breeds of dogs, birds, and rodents.

Relationships with cats directly depend on the breed of the latter, since if the cat does not provoke the poodle into conflict, then they can even become friends.

What is it for?

Today they are considered an ornamental breed, but once they were kept for hunting - to lift waterfowl on the wing and serve wounded birds to the hunter. In addition, medium and large individuals were considered excellent watchdogs. This character trait is also inherent in modern representatives of the breed.

But hunting and guarding are not the only occupation of dogs. Large and medium black poodles accompanied sailors on voyages and desperately helped military doctors and soldiers on campaigns. Another occupation of medium and small individuals was performing as circus performers in a traveling circus. Small dogs were simply pets.

How to properly care?

Due to the average height of the small poodle, it is quite possible to keep it in an apartment. The main thing is that the pet has its own place. To do this, soft bedding is laid for him closer to the owners’ resting place and away from drafts and radiators.

Representatives of this breed do not shed, but daily brushing is considered an essential part of caring for your pet. These dogs have delicate skin that is prone to irritation, so buy a brush made from natural materials and with soft bristles.

To perform a regular hygienic haircut, you can purchase a machine.

IMPORTANT!

If you want to get a professional haircut of the “lion” or “modern” type, you need to contact a hairdresser.

The ears are regularly inspected, after which their insides are cleaned of dirt using special means. If you have wax plugs, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian.

Small poodles suffer from tearing, so veterinarians advise purchasing special medicinal drops for these dogs.

Dogs' teeth are brushed 2 times a week using a special dog paste. Small poodles are prone to the formation of stones on their teeth, so occasionally you need to take your dog to a professional to prevent the development of an inflammatory process in the oral cavity and prevent tooth loss.

To care for claws, you can purchase nail clippers, trimmers and nail files at any pet store. The frequency of pruning is 2 times a month.

Since dogs have long hair that is prone to getting dirty, the animal is bathed twice a month using special dog shampoos. To dry the wool, it is dried with a hairdryer.

Difficulties of care

The poodle is one of the most unpretentious breeds. But the special structure of the coat needs care and will require grooming skills from the owner.

Bathing a dog

Poodles' coat cleans itself, so there is no need to systematically wash your dog. You can bathe with shampoo if the dog is very dirty in something. For washing, you can only use special shampoo for dogs. A little shampoo needs to be diluted in warm water and whipped into foam. This foam is used to wash the dog’s fur and skin. Next, you need to rinse off the shampoo thoroughly and dry your pet thoroughly with a towel and hairdryer.

How to care for ears, eyes and claws

The ears are the weak point of the breed. The owner of a poodle will have to learn a new skill - plucking. This is required by the hair on the inside of the poodle's ear. If you do not pluck these hairs, earwax accumulates on them and pathogenic microorganisms actively multiply. After plucking, the surface of the ear must be treated with special powder or aqueous chlorhexidine.

In order not to bother with the ears yourself, you can contact a groomer - a dog hairdresser. For the owners of this breed, the groomer is, in principle, the best friend and assistant, because the coat of poodles does not shed, which means it requires frequent haircuts.

Taking care of your eyes is not difficult. Once every two days, you just need to wipe your eyes with a special lotion and remove the crusts.

Important! Tea leaves cannot be used as eye lotion! It can stain the fur, and the dog may also develop allergies. In addition, the tea leaves are not sterile and may contain pathogenic microorganisms.

Normally, a dog wears down its claws when walking. But if the dog leads a sedentary lifestyle, then paw care falls on the shoulders of the owners. Is the dog clicking on the floor? So it's time to trim your claws.

Dogs with white nails usually have a pink part visible at the base of the nail. This is a vessel that should not be touched when cutting. You should cut at an angle of 45° exactly to this pink part. If after trimming the nail there is bleeding, you need to cauterize the area with dry potassium permanganate or apply a cotton swab with hydrogen peroxide.

If your dog has black claws, cut off the claw in small sections. You need to trim the claws until a black dot appears in the center - this is the beginning of the sensitive zone of the claw, next to the vessel.

Life expectancy and illness

How long do small poodles live? The lifespan of these dogs is from 12 to 15 years.

Most often, animals suffer from the influence of fleas and worms. When considering genetic diseases, a predisposition to fusion of the nasal passages is distinguished. The pathology manifests itself in the form of regular snoring and snoring. The problem is corrected surgically.

NOTE!

Congenital pathologies also include a disease such as cleft palate.

In addition, a pet of this breed may suffer from the following diseases:

• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• ascites;
• epilepsy;
• postpartum tetany;
• cataract.

Training

Poodles are easy to train. No wonder they are so often used in circus shows and productions. Possessing quick wit and a sharp mind, these dogs have no trouble learning basic commands. You need to start training from puppyhood. When training, it is worth using a reward model. Brute force should not be used on a dog.

Note! The main difficulty may be the poodle's cunning. They may shirk learning. In this case, the owner must be persistent and offer the dog a treat as an incentive.

Nutritional Features

The pet’s diet directly depends on the type of feeding; if you plan to use food, you should opt for premium products. These foods contain natural ingredients, mineral and vitamin supplements.

When using natural food, the diet must include the following components:

• lean boiled meat;
• beef or chicken liver;
• boiled eggs;
• kefir and cottage cheese;
• various cereals;
• varieties of fish that do not have bones;
• finely chopped fruits and vegetables.

There are a number of strictly prohibited products:

• fried, spicy, smoked dishes;
• legumes;
• mushrooms;
• sour cream;
• dried grapes with seeds;
• baking

IMPORTANT!

Puppies of this breed are fed 3 times a day; when the dog reaches 8 months, the feeding frequency is reduced to 2 times a day.

Text of the book “Poodle. Useful tips"

DIMENSIONS

Large Poodle: height from 45 to 62 cm.
Medium Poodle: height from 35 to 45 cm.

Miniature Poodle: Height 28 to 35 cm. The Miniature Poodle should be similar to the average Medium Poodle, maintaining the same proportions, characteristic lines and general appearance and, within the limits of its size, should not show signs of dwarfism degeneration.

Toy Poodle: height less than 28 cm. The Toy Poodle must have a general appearance similar to that of a dwarf and comply with all other poodle varieties according to all the requirements of the standard. Any manifestation of dwarfism disqualifies the dog (only the occipital protuberance may be less pronounced).

FLAWS

Structure and type. The muzzle is small or pointed, the ridge of the nose has a hump. The nose is small, not open enough or too large. Lack of transition or too sharp a transition from forehead to muzzle. Eyes that are too large or too small, not dark enough or have a red tint. Lagging ears that are too short or too narrow. A shortened lower jaw (underbite) is a flaw that reduces the score depending on the degree of its manifestation. Yellowness of the teeth due to the plague is not considered a disadvantage, provided that the teeth are positioned correctly. Uneven teeth or the absence of individual teeth are considered a major or minor defect and are assessed depending on the severity. All incisors, canines and molars must be included. The absence of one first premolar does not affect the assessment during the examination. The absence of the first two premolars still gives the right to award an “excellent” rating. The absence of three premolars does not give the right to receive a rating higher than “very good”.

Beveled croup. Straightened angles of the hind legs. Uptightness. Tail curled over the back, too thin or set too low. Smooth or coherent movements. Poorly pigmented or spotted nose. Lack of pigmentation. General lack of pigmentation, light eyelids. Lack of fur (“spectacles” or bald patches) around the eyes. Sparse or limp (sagging) coat. Undefined or uneven color. Isolated sparse white hairs on the chest are acceptable. Anger, aggressiveness or nervousness.

Poodles with signs of dwarfism cannot receive an "excellent" rating. External signs of degeneration: a spherical skull, the absence of an occipital protuberance, an accentuated bridge of the nose (a sharp transition from the muzzle to the skull), bulging eyes, a sharp, too short and upturned muzzle, a shortened lower jaw without a chin.

Disqualifying deficiencies. White spots, white fur on paws. Multicolored coat color. Tailless. The fifth toe on the hind legs or marks from its removal. Snack. Height at the withers is more than 60 cm.

Poodles that are not groomed according to the standard cannot undergo examination or take prizes at exhibitions and other official events.

A WORD ABOUT “Dwarfs”

This variety of poodle has become very popular lately. In Russia, “dwarfs” appeared relatively recently - at the end of the 60s of the last (twentieth) century, and by its end the number of “dwarfs” became noticeable. Today, one might say, the “dwarf”, due to the economic difficulties of our country, lives better than his larger brothers - the standard and small poodles.

The average weight of a miniature poodle is about 5 kg. The “dwarf” is more active than his larger brothers, and is also always ready to participate in all family activities and fun.

Of all the varieties, the miniature poodle is a recognized favorite for running and jumping quickly, and is an excellent companion on long walks.

“Dwarfs” were brought to the then USSR by families of military personnel and diplomats in the GDR, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. The breeding of these dogs was random, as a rule, together with small poodles, which were also few in the 60s and 70s. In the 80s, the number of miniature poodles became sufficient for independent breeding only in large cities.

Targeted breeding for colors was carried out at the same level. Black "dwarfs" were mainly split from small poodles. However, the number of silver dogs quickly became significant. There were individual specimens of brown and white ones, then the first apricot “dwarfs” appeared. The livestock became numerous, but due to its isolation, it was of rather mediocre quality, and the character of many dogs deviated from that prescribed by the standard.

The situation changed in 1989 with the creation of the All-Union Poodle Club, reorganized in 1993 into the Union of Poodle Clubs. Since that time, targeted work began to qualitatively improve the stock of miniature poodles.

Today the most popular is the “dwarf” black color. It's elegant and an obvious "show" winner. Black “dwarfs” are often winners of exhibitions and have excellent conformation, character and excellent movements. The main contribution to the improvement of the Russian livestock was made by males imported in the 90s from Switzerland, Holland and Finland. They introduced a modern head type, almond-shaped eyes, sweeping and easy movements with a strong push from the hind legs to the existing stock.

White, a classic color, very elegant, but requires special care for the coat; the color is also very popular among breeders and fans of show rings, but is noticeably inferior in popularity to black. The main contribution to the high level of exterior characteristics of dogs of this color was made by the white female Blanche Belle Bijou v.d. Molenvleit, imported from the Holland nursery at the age of five, already mated. All the best white dogs of the second half of the 90s are, to one degree or another, her descendants.

The first Russian miniature poodle to receive the title of international champion, the daughter of this bitch Snezhnye Pansy of the Russian Court. Dogs of this line have very expressive beautiful heads, correct body structure, easy movements, beautiful posture, and abundant white hair. But they also have the same disadvantage: growth at the upper limit of the standard.

Brown is also included in the group of classic colors, but its prevalence is much more modest than that of white and black. Until the early 90s we had a very small number of dogs of this color. The color became attractive thanks to the appearance of several brown males from Germany and Hungary. However, none of them, unfortunately, differed in the necessary exterior. The livestock had heads with a wide skull and overly developed cheekbones; they did not differ in the correct structure of the body. In addition, the dogs lost their color early.

Today the situation has not changed. None of the miniature poodle kennels in Russia deals with brown dogs; at exhibitions you can only occasionally see individual representatives of this color. Nevertheless, certain hopes remain for breeding brown “dwarfs” in Russia. Not long ago, two black miniature poodles imported from Finland appeared, which turned out to be carriers of the brown color, and brown puppies with high conformation qualities began to appear from them. A brown bitch was also brought from Finland with very high exterior qualities. Perhaps these first timid steps will lead to a renaissance of brown “dwarfs”.

Silver color belongs to the group of modern colors; in the last decades of the twentieth century it was the most popular in Russia. The warm tone of the color, its festive and unconventional nature (fans called it “blue”), and expressiveness led to mass demand for silver dogs.

A huge role in improving the exterior of poodles of this color was played by the excellent male Silver Kolya of Twist Castle, imported from Switzerland, who was imported from Switzerland and repeatedly won “Best-in-Snow” rings not only at specialized, but also at multi-breed exhibitions. No silver poodle has been able to replicate his career.

The problem with new colors is that it is very difficult to maintain an even color tone throughout the body during breeding. Breeders don’t want to take risks, as a result, silver poodles remained popular as pets, and breeders and show fans preferred “dwarfs” with classic colors. The number of silver “dwarfs” at exhibitions began to decrease sharply.

The apricot color is also new, it was only recognized by the FCI in the 60s, something that France as the breed standard country had long resisted. Apricot-colored “dwarfs” have been bred for a hundred years in England, where these dogs are very popular.

The conversation about apricot-colored poodles will become more interesting if we mention red-colored dogs. Red Poodles are dogs with coats ranging in color from Chow Chow to Irish Setter, while their coloration is almost uniform. The first red dwarf poodle to appear in Russia was Red Radiance f.d. Salana from the former GDR. The dog made a splash at specialized exhibitions, easily winning conformation rings. Her children and the children of the red small poodle - her relative Mandarin v. Engelblick, created an excellent population of both red and apricot poodles. At first they were exhibited separately at exhibitions in Russia, then red and apricot poodles were combined into one group, deciding to conditionally consider them bearers of the same color. This can hardly be considered correct, but at the moment all countries have recognized this as the only way out of the situation and hope that, perhaps, after some time France will recognize red poodles.

In the next half, the import of “red” and “apricot” dwarf poodles was already targeted; dogs of excellent exterior from Romania, Sweden (red color variant), and Germany (apricot color variant) came to Russia. All of them achieved excellent show results and produced excellent puppies. At the last World Show in Helsinki, the best among all poodles, taking 4th place in the 9th FCI group, was Kispas Burt Lancaster Favorite (red version), imported from Sweden.

FOR WHOM IS THE POODLE SUITABLE AND FOR WHOM IS IT CONTRAINDICATED?

It has already been noted that the poodle is distinguished by incredible liveliness and wild imagination, so it is contraindicated for those who love solitude: in order not to disturb the owner, the dog will be forced to yearn. The inventive mind of the poodle, which developed during the evolution of the breed, pushes it to all sorts of pranks, but it does not do this out of whim. The poodle is happy to live not just next to, but together with his human friend. No matter what happens in the house, he simply must be present and participate. He is incorrigibly curious. If you can't imagine communicating THIS way with a dog, it's better to give up the idea of ​​having a poodle. By nature, he cannot stand loneliness, inaction, and can turn into an intolerable disturber of your peace if you leave him alone for at least a few hours. Loneliness makes him despair, as if he is abandoned.

The poodle loves children, follows them around, plays, even demands to play with him. He has an excellent memory and quickly learns everything you want to teach him.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PUPPY?

It can be assumed that the majority of readers, even those who have never owned dogs, are able to answer this question quite competently: the puppy should be cheerful, playful, without visible pathologies, etc. This answer is fully consistent with our knowledge about life in general, but leaves out a number of specific and very important nuances. Let's start with the fact that when we buy a puppy, we introduce a new family member into the house. This begs the question: why? Without answering this question, we will not be able to answer the next question: which breed is right for us? However, first we must answer the following questions: can we do without a dog at all? If not, who will look after her? How much time will you have to devote to a puppy and then to an adult dog? The list can be continued and all questions must be answered before...

So why do you need a dog?

Do you need a companion and faithful friend, a house watchman, or do you want to take part in exhibitions? Regardless of the answer, if you need a dog in principle, it is safer to purchase a puppy through a dog breeding club. But even here you should not particularly trust the advice. Let's say, if you decide to make your pet a career as a medalist, before purchasing a puppy, visit dog shows and look at the dogs exhibited there. Watch all the dogs there - champions and young dogs who have just started competing for titles. Here you can approach the owner of this or that dog, get to know him, listen to his advice and comments. Perhaps he can help you find the right puppy.

There is no need to rush into a purchase, and in any case, don’t be fooled by the titles. There are (and quite a few!) dishonest breeders who are ready to push their puppies away without hesitation. For such people, newcomers are a gift. You must clearly understand the poodle standard, remember the shortcomings and disqualifying defects. It goes without saying that you should look at the dog's pedigree, which shows the parameters of the ancestors and the conformation ratings of the dogs. Keep in mind that dogs with ratings below “Very Good” for males and “Good” are not allowed for breeding at all. The pedigree indicates the color of the dog, which is also very important. The character of the dog is also essential for a show career.

Watch your parents. If a poodle can barely trudge around the ring, what kind of winner is it? It’s a completely different matter when a dog shows itself to the public with delight in its eyes, clearly follows all commands and shows with its entire appearance that it is happy to be in the ring! Of course, skillful training is behind this behavior of the dog, but these dogs also play an important role.

It is very important to find the correct answer to this question: who is more suitable for you - a male or a female?

It is difficult to give unambiguous advice to an amateur here, even at the level of preferences. It all depends on what kind of life you lead and what plans you have for your future pet. If you want to participate in exhibitions, then you need to consider the following: starting from the age of 2-3 years, a bitch must be bred 2-3 times and get puppies. In practice, this means that it is impossible to be “in shape” all the time; you will miss shows during estrus, pregnancy and nursing puppies. Therefore, males are often the permanent stars of exhibitions. It's another matter if you have plans related to breeding poodles or want to babysit puppies. In this case, you must be aware that pregnant and lactating bitches, and then puppies, need special care and a lot of attention. If you have time for this, then go for it.

More about the differences between females and males in terms of caring for them. A female dog usually goes into heat twice a year, during which she needs to be monitored very closely. Few bitches can be walked without a leash during this period. Males also need an eye - they are the most carefree and playful among males of all other breeds. Bitches are more restrained and smart; they quite rarely, having forgotten everything, are able to run away on a walk according to “their interests.” Bitches are more affectionate and less prone to independence. Males are more emotional and, if you like, “intelligent.” Walks with male dogs should be longer than with females - the male will methodically mark his territory and you will not be able to persuade him to hurry up, either in the cold or in the heat. The bitch does not mark so diligently; she only needs 10-15 minutes for a walk and activities related to the walk.

The indicated time is the lower limit of one walk. The Poodle is a very active and energetic dog that needs movement and active play. Let us note one more feature: the smaller the type of poodle, the more often it is recommended to walk with it. So, a regular poodle bitch can be walked 2 times a day (the total walking time per day should not be less than an hour), but a miniature poodle must be walked at least 3 times a day. Thus, when choosing a dog, you need to take into account the time it needs for walks.

Since most of us have small city apartments, an important factor when choosing a dog is its size, i.e. the size of an adult dog that will grow from a small puppy. On the other hand, the age of our children also imposes certain restrictions on the choice of dog.

In the chapter “Breed Standard” it was stated that there are 4 varieties of poodles, differing in size. Let us remind you: standard poodle (also called large or royal), small poodle (medium), miniature and toy poodle.

In a tiny, overcrowded apartment, a standard poodle can feel a little cramped. But let's talk about children. If they are under 8 years old, neither a toy poodle nor a toy poodle is suitable for you. Their constitution is too fragile to play with small children.

Without advocating for one or another variety of poodle, let us clarify the prevailing ideas about them. You can often hear the opinion that small poodles are evil. A fundamentally erroneous idea. Viciousness is contrary to the nature of the poodle. There are ill-mannered or poorly educated ones, but that’s all. Miniature and toy poodles are often simply afraid of small children who do not understand that they are causing pain or creating other inconveniences for the dog. And when a child is immoderately persistent in having fun, they can snap and even bite a careless hand. This is not a manifestation of malice, this is an elementary defense that the dog is forced to resort to. So, if you got, say, a toy poodle, you need to ensure constant supervision of the child’s games with the dog. Of course, from the very first day you need to constantly instill in your child that you need to play with the dog carefully, without hurting it, without yelling at it or scaring it. If you're confident you can handle it, go for it.

On the other hand, small varieties of poodle are suitable for keeping even in small apartments. They are easier to care for - wash and comb, they eat less, and are easier to transport in any vehicle.

Small and large ones require more care, eat more, and you have to spend significant amounts of money on them to purchase shampoos, hairsprays and other dog care supplies. But these species are excellent nannies. They are quite durable and you can walk any long distance with them. Small apartments are cramped for them, they require more time for active walks, because at home there is nowhere for a large poodle to turn around, and there is more than enough energy.

A few words about the coat of poodles. White, black and brown poodles have thicker and more elastic fur, which looks better than the coat of modern colored poodles. Black poodles' hair turns gray as they age, some sooner, others later. This is due to the aging gene, which affects the production of melanin in the dog’s body. The same is true for poodles of brown, silver, apricot and red colors. It is clear that graying is not noticeable in white poodles. The apricot and red colors in some breeding lines lighten with age.

Silvers are born black and acquire their permanent color by the age of one year. A dog's full color will only change by the age of three, so it is impossible to know in advance how even the dog's color will be. It is not uncommon to see a silver poodle with light paws, a dark back and other color defects. Of course, breeders select dogs with even colors for breeding, but all modern colors are still too “young” and work on them continues. So, if you are unlucky with the color, do not rush to blame the breeder.

Light-colored poodles require additional costs for special shampoos. White poodles get especially dirty on the bottom of their paws and the tips of their ears, and unless special whitening shampoos are used, their coat will have unsightly yellow spots on the ears and paws.

WHAT TO TAKE CARE OF BEFORE BUYING A PUPPY

This is an important question. You need to prepare for the arrival of a puppy in your home. You need to choose a place to sleep and feed. The puppy will need toys, bowls, a leash with a collar, a medical kit and much more.

When choosing a place for a puppy, you should proceed not from where it would be convenient for you to see the dog, but where it would be comfortable for your pet. The site requirements are as follows. It should be constant from the first day the puppy is in your home. It should be protected from drafts, not in a walkway, not near a central heating radiator or stove. The place of a puppy, and then an adult dog, is its personal territory. Here no one has the right to give orders, play, punish, etc.

A place for feeding should be immediately determined. It must be permanent. For a puppy, you need to equip a stand under the bowl so that the bowl is at chest level. The food is left for 20 minutes, then, regardless of whether the dog has eaten or not, it is removed. Fresh water should be nearby at all times.

The list of care items is short. A collar and leash are required for walking (a harness will not work). If the dog will be exhibited, you will also need a show ring - a special leash. To care for the coat, you need to have a brush (slicker brush) and a regular comb with long, not very frequent teeth. To trim the face and paws, you need scissors with thin, medium-length knives or a hair clipper. The main haircut is done only with scissors. After washing, the dog is dried with a hairdryer, carefully straightening the hair. To trim your nails you will need a nail clipper.

Approximate daily diet

The diet of small poodles can be varied, but the most optimal option is presented in the table below:

Eating	Products
Breakfast	100 grams of any porridge (preferably rolled oats) or calcined cottage cheese, 4 crackers, previously soaked in milk.
Dinner	4 tablespoons of chopped meat mixed with 2 tablespoons of vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets).
Dinner	5-7 tablespoons of shredded chicken or beef mixed with 3 tablespoons of vegetables.

Character and habits of the miniature poodle

These four-legged pets are characterized by curiosity, a sharp mind (it’s not for nothing that they rank second in intelligence after the border collie), receptivity and a cheerful, gentle disposition. They are obedient, want to be the center of attention and cannot stand being alone. They learn easily, become strongly attached to people, and can be very dependent on the emotions of the owner.

Children and other pets, such as cats, usually find poodles to be kind and sociable (even if the cat itself is not happy about it), but some dogs can be very jealous or overly excitable. The poodle's sensitivity means that if he is offended, the four-legged friend's behavior will become destructive until the owner apologizes.

The poodle can exhibit guarding qualities to protect its owner, but is more often limited to loud barking without attacking. In general, young poodles like the sound of their own voice, which is why they can become annoying with frequent barking. Although this will pass with age, you should not let it become a habit for your dog.

Among strangers, a mini-poodle behaves distrustfully and warily, just as a cat acts nervous among strangers. However, you should not think that he can easily get lost: these dogs are hardy and, thanks to their excellent sense of smell and memory, they can easily find the shortest path to home, even if they are far from it.

Types of haircuts

The following popular haircuts for small poodles for boys and girls are:

• Pappy clip . The muzzle is cut short, and the hair on the body and paws is only slightly shortened. The pants have a clear border with a short-cropped foot.
• Under the lion. The muzzle, cheeks and 2/3 of the throat are trimmed to zero. The hair on the hind legs, outer thigh, and groin is trimmed.
• Modern. The fur is completely removed from the face, paws, throat, cheeks and belly.
• Puppy . Almost identical to the modern haircut, but does not create a mane.
• Anglo-Saxon . At the front, the haircut is done in a “lion-like” manner. Hair 1-2 cm long is left on the lower back, groin and rump.

Performance evaluation and information

• Country : France.
• Size: medium.
• Weight : 8-15 kg.
• Height : from 35 to 45 cm.
• Coat : long, curly or corded.
• Shedding: practically absent.
• Coat color: white, silver, red, black, apricot, black with a blue tint.
• Life expectancy: up to 15 years.
• Litter: average of six puppies.
• Group: decorative.
• Purpose : companion.
• Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR.
• Advantages : high intelligence, excellent learning ability, friendliness, loyalty.
• Disadvantages : Can't stand being alone.

Did you know? In the famous literary work “Faust,” it was in the guise of a black poodle that the tempter Mephistopheles appeared to Doctor Faust. Bulgakov in his work “The Master and Margarita” decorated Woland’s cane with the head of a black poodle. The image of a black poodle, symbolizing Lucifer, appeared on many canvases, for example, in Landseer’s engraving “The Acceptance of the Law.”

How to cut your own hair?

To groom a small poodle, you need to prepare a number of tools:

• a brush made on a rubber base;
• comb with large teeth;
• Puffer with a soft curve;
• tangle cutter;
• hairdresser's scisors.

The haircut is performed according to this plan:

1. Trim after preliminary bathing and thoroughly drying the coat. Before bathing, the animal is combed with a sparse comb and then with a slicker brush. The tangles are sorted out by hand; if they are very dense, then they are trimmed vertically.
2. After the wool has dried, the silhouette defined by the standard is cut with scissors.
3. A comb is used for periodic combing of wool.
4. All parts of the body on which it is necessary to completely remove hair are treated with a machine.

Breeding Toy Poodles

Toy poodles reach puberty quite early. Females become ready to breed at 7-8 months, and males at 12-18 months. Since already at this time dogs begin to strive for copulation, they need to be closely monitored and protected from unwanted mating, especially for females.

It is also worth knowing that it is unreasonable to start breeding precisely at the onset of puberty, because the animals must still get stronger physically. Thus, it is quite logical to allow females to breed from 18 months, and males from 24 months.

As for the female’s sexual cycle, this event occurs twice during the year with a frequency of 6 months. Accordingly, each sexual cycle ends with estrus

At this time, the female’s external genitalia and mammary glands enlarge and bloody discharge appears, the smell of which serves to convey information about the female’s readiness for mating. It is important for the owner of a female to know that the smell of heat spreads over long distances, attracting males from all over the area, so she needs to be watched closely at this time

There are two ways of knitting: hand and freestyle. The manual method is usually used when mating a young, restless female with a more experienced male. They put a muzzle on the female, hold her by the collar and belly, and also encourage her in every possible way.

When freestyle mating, the bitch and dog are left alone for some time. Typically, this method is used with more experienced females and with a clear interest in the opposite sex on their part.

Mating is usually carried out in the morning, after a preliminary walk and before feeding. It is impossible to separate animals during the act of mating. The second mating (control) is carried out under the same conditions a couple of days after the first.

How to choose a puppy?

When choosing small poodle puppies, you need to pay attention to the following points :

• the puppy must be active;
• there is no discharge or traces of shed tears in the eyes;
• there is no rash or redness on the skin;
• there should be no matted fur under the tail, otherwise the puppy will have digestive problems;
• when choosing a bitch you need to look at her character, she is calm, easily makes contact with people;
• the male must be more temperamental and active;
• the mother of the puppies should be calm and not show aggression;
• Documents for animals and their pedigree must be present.

Where to buy a poodle puppy?

A specialized kennel is the best place to buy a good poodle puppy. If pedigree and thoroughbred are important, then it is better to hire an experienced dog breeder to help. If not, then you can trust your heart. On nursery websites, there are customer reviews that will help you navigate. A little secret or life hack: visit a dog show where the desired breed will be presented. Chat with the owners of the breed, ask about the nuances, find out where they purchased the puppies. True dog breeders live for their pets, so they will be happy to answer any question and give valuable advice. Typically, nurseries send their representatives to exhibitions, where there is a chance to meet in person and take a business card.

How to choose a strong and healthy poodle puppy

The day has come to go to the nursery for a cute puppy. Babies should be kept in a clean enclosure, without a specific unpleasant odor, which is very important. First of all, the breeder will demonstrate the numerous awards that his pets have received. Listen carefully, but don’t be easily fooled by all the big titles and championship accolades. If possible, you need to look at the parents of the future pet. Top 10 signs that will help you choose a healthy poodle puppy:

• shiny and moist nose;
• clean ears, pink;
• lively, clear look;
• clean eyes, without any discharge;
• healthy skin, without parasites, sores and acne;
• silky, shiny coat;
• lymph nodes of normal size;
• tail without creases;
• no bloating.

A good proof that the animal is healthy is a written document of purchase and sale. If the poodle puppy develops abnormalities over time, according to the contract, the pet can be returned. Having “insurance” with the buyer will reduce the risk that the seller will slip in a problem animal.

Age for adoption

• Professional Russian dog breeders advise buying 8-10 week old puppies. At this age, the baby should already be vaccinated, toilet trained, and receive basic education.
• An important point: it is not recommended to take a puppy home immediately after separation from its mother. Until 9 weeks of age, the baby learns dog language and learns to communicate with its own kind. He needs to spend several weeks in a doggy daycare.
• A professional breeder knows that a poodle puppy less than 6 weeks old should not be given away. A very small puppy can only be given to an experienced owner who knows how to raise it correctly. This option is not suitable for a beginner.
• Depending on the breed, the puppy can be picked up earlier or later than 10 weeks of age. Large dogs grow more slowly, so it is recommended to remove them from kennels at the age of 3 months. Puppies of such breeds should gradually build up bone and muscle tissue, without sudden jumps, in order to avoid problems with the musculoskeletal system.
• For show- or breed-class poodle puppies, the age of “adoption” can only be 6-9 months. This is a mandatory condition, because it is at this age that the makings of a champion and the distinctive signs of thoroughbred are revealed. You need to have patience to get a future titled champion.

Note : even the most expensive poodle puppy cannot be 100% guaranteed to become a champion. The breeder’s job is to assess the potential and make a forecast. Next, you need to raise the puppy and train it for a long time in order to realize the makings of a champion.

Documentation

• A poodle puppy has a mark in the groin area or it may be on the ear, as well as a puppy card (metric). The codes on the card and on the stamp must be identical.
• Metrica is the primary document that is issued for a puppy when it reaches the age of 45 days. Next, a qualified dog handler examines the babies and notes any defects found. The owner of the dog, if desired, can change the metric to a new document, pedigree, at the age of 6-15 months. This document will allow the pet to participate in breeding.
• Another document for the puppy is a veterinary passport, with mandatory vaccination and deworming notes.

Nurseries in Russia and the CIS

The following well-known nurseries are distinguished in Russia and the CIS countries:

• "Empire Viktel" - Moscow;
• "Charm" - Moscow;
• “Snowy Lapland” – Moscow;
• “Leggero Dantazori” – Yaroslavl, Novorossiysk;
• “Tender Angel” – Odessa;
• “Sunny Babies” – Krivoy Rog.

The cost of small poodle puppies ranges from 30 to 60 thousand rubles.