Poodle

The poodle is one of the oldest breeds believed to have originated in Germany. The name comes from the German term pudel, which means 'one who plays with water.' It was bred as a water dog with the purpose of retrieving game from rivers and lakes.

The breed had graced fifteenth- to sixteenth-century paintings and artefacts all over Europe. In the late eighteenth century, the poodle became the principal pet dog in Spain as shown in the paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. At the same period, poodles were the pampered favourites during the reign of King Louis XVI of France.

Over the years, the poodle has proved to be a useful dog. It was used as a guard dog, military dog, guide dog, circus performer, and wagon puller for entertainers. With its elegant and charming appearance, the poodle genes have been utilised to develop other dog breeds such as the miniature schnauzer, standard schnauzer, and other bichon-type dogs. The standard poodle is recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

The coat is naturally curly, harsh, and dense throughout. It comes in various solid colours including black, cream, white, silver, red, apricot, brown, and fawn. The poodle does not shed much, which is suitable for dog owners with allergies. Dog grooming includes regular clipping about every six to eight weeks. It is a high-maintenance dog since it forms matts and tangles quite easily, which may require owners to hire a professional groomer.

Other aspects of grooming include dental care such as brushing the teeth regularly and checking for signs of gum disease and bad breath. Keep on top of cleaning the ears to avoid wax build-up and infection. Also, trim the nails every week or two to prevent painful overgrowth that can cause cracking and splitting.

Although they come in different sizes, all poodle types share the same temperament except for some minor differences in behaviour. For example, standard poodles are active and lively, but also a bit aloof and like to have something to do. Miniature poodles, on the other hand, are the most active amongst the three sizes and are a bit more mischievous. Whereas toy poodles are the ideal companion dogs because they are confident and small enough to dwell in city apartments.

The poodle is a great companion for children, although the toy poodle is more suitable for households with older children who know how to handle a small delicate dog. As with all breeds, children should be taught how to approach and treat dogs. Always supervise any interaction between the dog and the children, so no one gets hurt. When it comes to other pets, the poodle gets along with all dogs and even small animals, especially those that it grows up with it.

The typical daily calorie needs of an adult poodle with average sizes and weights:

Standard poodle (45–70 pounds):

• Senior and less active: up to 1,340 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,500 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,670 calories daily

• Senior and less active: up to 470 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 530 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 590 calories daily

• Senior and less active: up to 267 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 300 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 330 calories daily

If you plan to buy a poodle puppy, then you will need to pay anywhere from £600 to £900, especially coming from a reputable dog breeder. Also, set aside a budget for an affordable pet insurance, which can cost around £20 to £40 a month.  However, the pet insurance cost will depend on where you are located, the dog's age, and the status of its health.

The amount you will spend on food will also vary depending on the age and size of your poodle, but a fair estimate is around £30 to £50 a month. Veterinary care is also a significant expense that will quickly set you around £800 a year. Vet care cost includes regular veterinary consultations, vaccinations, boosters, and neutering/spaying. To cover the cost of raising a poodle, prepare to shell out an average of £50 to £100 a month.