Читать книгу Poodle - S. Meyer Clark - Страница 12

Poodles come in a wide range of sizes. Toy Poodles stand 10 inches or less at the shoulder. Miniatures stand 15 inches or under, but must be taller than 10 inches at the shoulder. Standards must stand over 15 inches at the shoulder. In some European circles, there is a fourth size called Moyen, which means “middle” or in between the Miniature and the Standard. Moyens measure at least 15 inches but rarely reach the height of the average Standard. Certainly there is a size of Poodle for every lifestyle and taste.

A lovely black champion Miniature Poodle. The breed’s show coat presentation is exquisite.

Posing with his tortoise playmates, this Toy Poodle pup is photogenic and fun-spirited.

Different-sized Poodles frequently exhibit different behavioral traits. For example, the handsome Standard is every inch a Poodle with his bright expressive eyes, his devotion to owner and family, his love of learning and his sense of humor. In addition, he carries himself with great confidence and therefore excels as a guardian of home and family. He is serious enough and big enough to make the consequences of unwanted entry most undesirable. His deep bark and courageous demeanor send an instant message to any and all unwelcome guests that a forced entry would be most unwise.

When dogs are a family affair, the Poodles never shy away from participation. Dyed purple to match the bride’s bouquet, these two Poodles were the matrons of honor at the wedding of Meg Purnell’s daughter, Rachel, and her dapper husband, Darren. The family runs the well-known Overhill Kennels in England.

The standard Poodle is every inch a Poodle, with a good sense of humor and impressive protective instincts.

Regardless of size, Poodles share certain characteristics, from their people-friendly personality to their eyeopening intelligence.

Miniature Poodles are remarkable dogs, being friendly, courageous, active, easily trained and fun to be with.

I once owned a large chocolate Standard who was very protective of home and family. On two separate occasions, he leaped through a glass window to chase away suspected prowlers on my property. Fortunately for the individuals, I was at home on both occasions and stopped the dog from further action against the men. However, they didn’t linger about to find out how serious and strong the dog was.

Standard Poodles are large enough to tolerate the pulling and pushing of toddlers who cling to their soft coat for support when they’re learning to walk. The dogs are also gentle enough, when raised with children, to be sympathetic to children older than toddlers who run and squeal as they play.

The Miniature Poodle is an active, agile, alert dog of medium build whose appearance suggests a curious interest in everything in his environment. Miniature Poodles are people-pleasers from the word “go.” They are also great alarm dogs, warning of the approach of strangers. They are small enough to travel well, adapt to any type of dwelling from small apartment to large estate and friendly enough to join any group at a social gathering. Children and adults alike respond to their quick wit and pleasant attitude toward all who know them.

The Miniature also serves as an alternative size for people who have spent their lives loving Standard Poodles but find that they no longer can maintain such a large dog. Their love of Poodles in general is life-long, so changing to Miniature Poodle ownership is a natural step.

Finally, we come to the Toy Poodle, also a great alarm dog, if slightly higher pitched. The Toy looks the part of a lovely, delicate toy with an intense awareness of his owners and others in his world. These diminutive little treasures fill very special needs for special people. Because they’re so small, they can be carried easily wherever their owners want to take them. Hotels usually accept them with no trouble; trains, ships and airplanes allow them to travel right along with the passengers rather than in cargo areas. In addition, they can be trained to eliminate indoors, thus diminishing the need to walk them outdoors daily. People who live in severe climates and those who live in big cities where walking alone outdoors at night can be unsafe can own a Toy Poodle without worry. As for exercise, games and activities indoors can supply Toy Poodles with adequate exercise and stimulation. They also make ideal companions for elderly people with limited ambulatory ability.

Poodles welcome children as playmates, provided the children are well behaved and understand that Poodles deserve considerate, special treatment.

Lovely lady...lovely Poodle. Poodles have been favorites of ladies for generations. While ladies usually favored Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles also became popular because they are more adaptable and sporting than the Toys.

Finally, tiny Toy Poodles make ideal partners for people who enjoy active lifestyles yet want to include their dogs in everything they do. A client of mine, for example, has a tiny apricot Poodle that rides around in a canvas bag that she carries over her shoulder. If you were to meet her in the market, you’d never know that hidden in that bag is her best friend, Toby. Apparently, Toby enjoys the gentle swaying of the bag as his owner walks along, so he snuggles into his soft blanket and naps throughout the entire shopping trip.