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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POODLE

The Poodle, regardless of size or color, is a distinctive, squarely built, elegant dog with a coat that serves as the crowning touch to a royal entity. From the largest Standard to the tiniest Toy, Poodles have a unique way about them that transcends everything they do in life. How they carry themselves when out for a walk, the easy sway of the hind legs as they chase a ball across a lawn, the alert inquisitive expression when they hear a familiar voice—these traits are all special to Poodles. And every owner quickly learns to recognize that Poodle uniqueness.

This lovely black male is kept in immaculate condition.

In addition to loving life in general, Poodles love people even more. They are particularly perceptive of our moods and emotions, and respond accordingly. They join in celebrations when we’re happy and hover nearby in quiet concern when we’re ill, worried or sad.

They are extremely intelligent and can learn an amazing repertoire of commands if taught with patience and kindness. Retrieving fallen ducks and carrying things in their mouths are but a sample of their rehearsed behaviors. Ever since early Poodle owners discovered the breed’s propensity to learn, Poodles have been trained to perform many behaviors, from helping owners around the home to dancing in circus acts around the world.

Poodles love to please. They crave attention and have an uncanny sense of humor. If, for example, a Poodle does something that an owner finds amusing and the person responds with laughter and praise, the dog will quickly pick up this response and repeat the behavior over and over. In short, Poodles are genetically “programmed” to work with humans and use their own emotional intuitiveness to create strong bonds with their owners.

A Standard apricot with white Miniatures. The variety of sizes and striking colors offers many choices to prospective Poodle owners.

The physical makeup of Poodles is such that they can perform many athletic feats with ease. Standing on their hind legs and “dancing,” climbing to heights on ladders and ramps, jumping all types of barriers and sitting on their haunches to “beg” are just some of the Poodle’s agile maneuvers. These and many more stunts are possible due to the breed’s exceptional sense of balance and dexterity.

Combine intelligence, emotional intuitiveness, love of companionship, physical ability and beauty in one breed of dog and you have the remarkable, personable Poodle. This breed is of such great versatility, it’s no wonder that Poodles are considered to be the most intelligent of all breeds.