The Standard Poodle, or Spoo
Yes, another recycled post. But today’s post features Standard Poodles, or Spoos, which I met at my very first BlogPaws blogging conference. I’ll be attending BlogPaws next week (*SQUEEEEE*), and I need to run about a million errands today, as well as dump everything from my suitcase and bags, check the contents, repack – well, I’ll be busy. Let me know what I missed in my Standard Poodle knowledge!
Given the weekend I had at BlogPaws, the photos I didn’t take vs. the photos I did, I’m covering the Standard Poodle as our breed of the week. I’m not 100% sure that all three of these dogs are Standard Poodles, or Spoos, but they’re gorgeous and fun, so I’m featuring them. In fact, I’m pretty sure one is a Labradoodle, but I don’t want to cover designer dogs, so we’re going to run with the Standard Poodle half and call it good.
Chilly, seen above, has a glamorous life as a Helping Hands dog, bringing hope to people and dogs. This Spoo certainly rocks the purple and pink, making people smile. Chilly and dad were two of the most laid back characters at BlogPaws. I think I was pleasantly surprised at how laid back all three Standard Poodles were, actually. My Poodle experience has been with the toys, the yappy, jumpy, snappy, bitey kinds. Spoos are nothing like their tiny cousins, except for the appearance.
This beauty is Charles. I heard rumors of people calling the police, thinking a baby lion was loose. Hilarious. There’s a lot of potential for fun with Standard Poodles and their kinky coats. But let’s talk more about the breed.
About the Standard Poodle
According to the AKC Breed page for the Poodle,
The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration statistics.
I have never, ever heard that Poodles, standard or otherwise, are brainless. I’ve always heard them portrayed as extremely bright dogs, easy to train. It’s the little ones that have the Napoleon syndrome. But air brained is never true of the Poodle.
They also say this about the Poodle:
The breed originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish “Poodle clip” was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Standard variety is the oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses.
Fascinating. All this prettifying of the Poodle is done for joint protection and water mobility. I had no idea.
Dog Breed Info is telling me that I’m not crazy in thinking that the Standard Poodle is less crazy, insane active than the Toy Poodle. Specifically, the Standard is calmer, lower energy. Miss Carma Poodale proved that this weekend.
Not only is the Standard Poodle calm, it loves to be near its people, being good with children and a home body. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of Spoo ownership.
Pros of Owning a Standard Poodle
Pros:
- Great with kids and people in general
- Calm, laid back
- Intelligent, easily trained
- Non-shedding, easy maintenance coat
- Good with other dogs
- Cheerful disposition
- Long-lived for a larger breed – 12-15 years
How on earth could you not want a Standard Poodle? Spending time with Miss Carma Poodale this weekend, I think I might want a Spoo. What a sweetheart.
Cons of Owning a Standard Poodle
Cons:
- Health problems – several eye issues, allergies and skin conditions, hip dysplasia, ear infection, disease, bloat – poor babies
- Don’t be fooled by the calm disposition – the Standard Poodle still needs a good long walk, plenty of exercise
And that’s it. Seriously. No other real cons for the Standard Poodle. Owners, please weigh in with what I’ve missed?
I spent a few minutes wracking my brain to remember what kind of Jones Natural Chews treats we handed out to Poodles this weekend. We handed out so many treats to so many dogs. I want to say the Poodles got Pig Ears and Curly Q Bully Sticks. Not sure. Good stuff, whatever it was. 🙂
Giveaway
Regardless of what we handed out to Spoo owners that first BlogPaws (my first, anyway), I know for sure that they’d love the Bark Burgers from Jones Natural Chews. They’re the size of a regular hamburger patty, and they come in both chicken and beef. Not chicken or beef flavored. The very first ingredient in each is either chicken or beef. Real meat burgers. And they’re easy to snap into smaller pieces. To get your paws on some, enter to win some of each by clicking this sentence, leaving a comment on the new post, then clicking the box and clicking I Commented. You’ll want to tweet about it, too, if you’re serious about this treat. Your dog is serious about it. So you should do that. 😉
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
