The temperament of Poodles is often described as alert, intelligent, loyal, trainable, active, and instinctual. They are very smart dogs and can learn commands and tricks very quickly. Poodles are known to be quite loyal and typically bond quickly with family members (Canna-(Pet®canna-pet.com )
The Poodle Temperament and the Poodle itself have been caricatured so often as the epitome of a “spoilt dog”. Regardless, the Poodle has all the instincts and the temperament of a retriever or gun dog, a role it continues to perform today.
The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs either in its purebred form — it comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy — or in its “Poodle Mixes” or “Designer Dog” form, in which it has been crossed with a variety of other pure breeds to produce the Yorkie Poo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Maltipoo and a host of others.
Before we dive into the Poodle Temperament traits this quick rundown on the Poodle's background will help you put this breed into perspective.
The Poodle has probably been around since the 15th century. It appears to have been first bred in Germany but it rapidly gained favor in France and Spain, before ultimately gaining popularity in England.
In their native Germany, Poodles were used for hunting. Their name is actually derived from the German “pudel” or “pudelin” – English for “to splash”.
While they aren’t primarily known for hunting today, hunters still use Standard Poodles as working dogs around the world.
In France, Poodles are called “Caniche”, meaning duck dog. In fact, Poodles are the national dog of France – even though they originated in Germany.
Poodles were also used as guide dogs, military dogs, guard dogs, circus performers, and wagon pullers for entertainers, and currently as therapy dogs.
1. Playful and Active Poodle Temperament
The typical Poodle, irrespective of size, loves to play. Their instinct to retrieve is always close to the surface. And, they are quite happy to horse around in the water.
In fact, you need to ensure that your Poodle gets his daily dose of activity. A moderately vigorous hour every day should do the trick. Alternatively, an active presence in competition with all the activity that is part and parcel of it will do nicely.
Without that release of energy, your Poodle will get bored and restless and will be quite prone to getting into trouble (mine is a toy. She steals socks from the hamper, snatches a napkin from my hand and runs with it, or toss her toys all over the house).
2. Intelligent and Trainable
The Poodle is noted for its intelligence. Many animal behaviorists suggest that it comes a close second to the Border Collie.
House-training is usually a breeze, compared to a number of other breeds. And, the Poodle can pick up tricks quickly, in part because they love being the center of attention, but also because of their native intelligence.
3. Instinctual
Many owners report that their Poodles, especially the male ones, tend to be highly instinctual. There will be a somewhat excessive tendency to mark their “territory”, so be sure to take house-training seriously while he is young. (My is a female and will 'wander' I instruct her to 'go pee-pee' or show her the poop baggie, so she will take-care-of-business.)
Their retriever instincts also make them more than likely to respond to “prey”, like birds or squirrels. Obedience training is a must if you want to keep matters under control when out in the woods for a walk. (again, mine is small, but she has been trained to leave the lizards alone.)
4. Alert
The Poodle is one of the more alert breeds. That’s probably an offshoot of their intelligence and hunting instincts. Irrespective, they are quick to respond to approaching strangers or within their “territory”.
5. Needs Company
A typical Poodle is an extrovert. It thrives in a large, active, household. Heaven is being the center of attention while it performs its tricks.
This, of course, has its downside as well, because a Poodle that’s left alone for long periods of time could well become more than a trifle “neurotic”. (I had a miniature poodle (male) and this was correct. The minis seem to have the most 'separation' anxiety). While my toy (female) is happy sleeping in the bed half-of the day snuggled under the covers.)
If you find that your Poodle is becoming destructive, one of the first things to do is give him more of your time. One of the simplest ways to accomplish that is through a “talking” outing — for example, a quick walk or run during which you are regularly conversing with him(Yes, my poodle loves to listen to, and has participated in a two-way conversation with owners. Mine interrupts me when I am at the In-N-Out Burger drive-through. She doesn't care why I'm ordering for myself. But the minute I say "for the dog, I'd like" Chanel starts talking to me and the metal speaker-- as if anyone ever messed up her order of 1-large-hamburger-patty-no salt or pepper!)
6. High Strung
Some Poodles have been known to respond inappropriately to normal stimuli.
Often, this high-strung behavior is a result of one of two extremes: either he is being over-pampered or he has been ignored during the critical socialization period (4 to 14 weeks of age).
7. Prefer Humans to Dogs
While generally an all-around friendly breed, Poodles tend to prefer human company to dog company. They’d much rather hang out with you on the couch than frolic with their four-legged friends.
But, they still prefer some company over no company. If you aren’t home often, consider getting your Poodle a furry companion.
8. Wary of Strangers
Despite being an overall friendly breed, the Poodle can be reserved with strangers when introduced for the first time. (This was true of my male mini/ not my female--though it's another story if I seem 'concerned'.)
And, if they spot a potential intruder, they will absolutely let you know with a warning bark.
9. Great Working Dogs
If you’re in the market for more of a working dog than a companion, the Poodle may be perfect for you. Since they were bred as gun dogs for duck and bird hunting, their temperament will still show signs of their ancestors.
10. Extreme Emotional Sensitivity
This is a breed that is in tune with human emotions. (very, very true. All of them seem to have an intuitive link to his/her human(s), or even a person who's come for a visit. These dogs are the first to give you a cuddle, or sit next to you and stare into your eyes--this pet knows what you are feeling. Always keep this in mind when disciplining--yell too loudly, and you can see the heartbreak in the pet's eyes).
The Fancy Haircut Means Something
Their coat was clipped in that signature Poodle cut – left longer on the chest – to help them swim and keep them warm in cold water.
And, some Poodle enthusiasts believe those classic puffs were used to help protect the tail tip and leg joints while hunting.
Wishing you a life filled with Poodles and Oodles of fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment