The poodle is one of the best known dogs in the world, due to its elegance, intelligence and balanced character. According to the International Cinological Federation (FCI), poodles are classified into four varieties according to their size: toy, dwarf, medium (or standard) and giant. However, other cynological associations may have different criteria. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes three varieties of poodles based on their size: standard, miniature, and toy.
If you are thinking of adopting a poodle or poodle, it is very important that you properly inform yourself about the character, temperament with other dogs, characteristics and care that this breed requires. In addition, we will also talk about training and education, very important details to take into account if we want a sociable and happy adult dog. Keep reading this breed file and discover the characteristics, character and care of the medium poodle.
Origin of the medium poodle
This is one of the many French dog breeds, although its origin is uncertain and controversial. It is thought that the ancestor that most influenced the modern poodle was the barbet, a spaniel that was widespread in Europe and especially in Germany.
Before the 16th century, the poodle and its ancestor were used as poodles. That is to say, they charged or recovered the killed prey. For this reason, it is thought that its English name "poodle" derives from the German word "pudel" which means to splash. In France, these dogs were known as "poodle" or "chien canard", both names alluding to the breed's usefulness for hunting ducks and other waterfowl.
It is from the 16th century that poodles begin to gain popularity as companion dogs, and they become very common in courts European and especially French. Their great intelligence and elegance made poodles one of the most popular breeds in history. Some authors speculate that modern haircuts were used to care for the extremities of retrievers, while giving them more freedom in the water, but these cuts only appear when the poodle becomes a companion dog. Currently, poodles are excellent pets, whatever the variety to which they belong, and they are also very appreciated dogs in dog shows.
Characteristics of the medium poodle or poodle
The body of these dogs is proportionate and slightly longer than it is tall. According to the official FCI standard, the heights for the different varieties are as follows:
- Large Poodle - 45 to 60 centimeters at the withers.
- Medium Poodle - 35 to 45 centimeters at the withers.
- Mini Poodle - 28 to 35 centimeters at the withers.
- Toy poodle 24 to 28 centimeters at the withers.
The FCI standard does not indicate an ideal weight for these varieties, but these dogs tend to be lighter than other breeds of similar size. The main features of your body are as follows:
- The back is short and the height of the crest of the croup is equal to the height at the withers, so the top line is horizontal.
- The loin is strong and muscular.
- The chest is oval and wide.
- The head is rectilinear and has a distinguished air. Well molded, it's not massive but it's not overly delicate either.
- The naso-frontal depression is not very marked.
- The nose is black in black, white and gray dogs. But the nose is brown in brown dogs and in fawn poodles it can be black or brown.
- The eyes of the medium poodle are almond-shaped and very expressive. They can be dark amber in brown dogs. For dogs of other colors, the eyes must be black or dark brown.
- The ears, flat, long and covered with wavy fur, fall along the cheeks.
- The tail is set very high and was traditionally amputated in newborn puppies.
Colors of the medium poodle
The coat of the medium poodle or poodle is abundant, with a fine and woolly texture. It can be curly or in tufts. The curly, well curly and elastic hair is the best known and is usually cut in a typical way for the breed. Tufted hair forms characteristic cords that dangle.
Poodles are single color, which can be: medium poodle black, medium poodle white, medium poodle brown , medium poodlegray, medium poodle orange fawn (apricot) and medium poodle red fawn
What is the medium poodle puppy like?
Due to their hunting past they have a highly developed prey drive, so it's a good idea to socialize your poodle dog from an early age, to avoid problems with small pets.
So that your poodle or medium poodle puppy does not get bored, it will be useful to teach him fun tricks, practice with varied intelligence games and try to stimulate him both mentally and physically.
Medium Poodle Character
In general terms, poodles are very intelligent, faithful, happy and playful dogs In fact, they are considered one of the five smartest dogs in the world They learn very easily and love to run, swim and pick up things with their mouths (they are good retrievers). The two larger varieties are usually a bit quieter than the two smaller varieties.
Medium poodles are ideal for families and people who have dogs for the first time, the larger ones being better for caregivers rookies. Of course, although they do not require extreme exercise, poodles or medium poodles are not good pets for very sedentary people. When medium poodles are well socialized, they tend to get along very well with children.
Care for the medium poodle or poodle
Poodles' hair tends to tangle easily, so it is recommended to brush it two to three times a week. When these are show dogs, with the corresponding cut, daily brushing is advisable. If you want to keep the hair cut, you need to take your medium poodle to your dog groomer every month or every month and a half, which is also the frequency with which the bathroom is recommended for this breed. One of the great advantages of these dogs is that they hardly shed, making them excellent dogs for allergy sufferers.
Like many, if not all, other breeds of dogs, Poodles need a lot of company. They are not dogs for living isolated in a garden or on a patio, as they may otherwise suffer from separation anxiety. They can adapt very well to life in big cities and live very comfortably in an apartment as long as they go for a walk at least twice a day
Of course, medium poodles also need exercise on a daily basis Their exercise needs are not as high as those of herding dogs, but they do require at least moderate exercise. In addition to daily walks, games of collection (pick up the ball) and tug-of-war are very good for channeling the energies of these dogs. It is also good that, whenever possible, they practice canine agility or freestyle even if it is not competitive.
Education of the medium poodle or poodle
As adults, Medium Poodles can be reserved with strangers, so it's important to socialize them well as puppies. However, they are not usually aggressive and tend to get along, or at least tolerate well, strangers and other dogs.
Because of their great intelligence, poodles are very easy trainable dogs and excel in any type of dog training as long as we usepositive reinforcement as the basis of their education.
Although they are generally non-confrontational, Poodles or Medium Poodles can also exhibit certain behavior problems. When they don't receive the proper physical and mental stimuli, these dogs get bored and can become barkers and/or destructive. Also, small breeds have a tendency to bark excessively.
Being such intelligent dogs, it will be very important to practice basic obedience on a regular basis, dedicating 5 to 10 minutes a day maximum. In this way, we will not only be promoting a good response in the dog, we will help him to be safe and we will improve our communication with him. Finally, visits to the field, repetitions of obedience and the use of different stimuli and toys will make him truly happy.
Medium Poodle He alth
Although the Poodle tends to be a generally he althy dog, there are a few diseases that are common in this breed. Among these diseases are sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion and Addison's disease. Less frequently, cataracts, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
However, if we follow his vaccination schedule and provide him with good care, the poodle will be in good he alth. It will also be important to visit the vet every 6 months to quickly detect any illness.
Finally we remember that it is basic to deworm our dog externally monthly and internally every three months. If we follow these guidelines, our poodle will stay away from all kinds of parasites.
Where to adopt a medium poodle?
Before adopting a medium poodle or poodle you should be clear that they are not good pets for very sedentary people, since they love to run and swim. If you think that your pace of life adapts to the needs of this breed, you can now start looking for a medium poodle or poodle for adoption. You can do an exhaustive search at shelters or shelters near your home.
You can also search the internet to find associations where you might find a medium poodle for adoption.
