The Poodle, or Pudel, is not just one of the most loved and widespread dogs in the world, it's also the most crossed breed by far.
But why does the Poodle attract so much public attention, and why among the many breeds is it the one to give birth to so many new varieties of exotic and beautiful hybrids?
And finally, why choose a Poodle? If you're still not sure, let us help you understand if it's the right breed for you.
Let's clarify the topic and give you some useful advice to keep Fido's ears in excellent health.
The Poodle is very intelligent
Not for nothing is it ranked second in the list of the most intelligent dogs, preceded only by the Border Collie and followed by the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.
Those who have had the pleasure of knowing both breeds might not agree with a simple second place on the podium and would like to see the Poodle in first, but it's still a great victory!
There are 4 different sizes
Live in a studio? In an apartment? Have a small house? A farm? No problem, there's a Poodle for every taste!
Standard Poodle
Miniature Poodle
Toy Poodle
Teacup Poodle
So, you can choose the one that best suits your space and lifestyle. And if you're wondering... in terms of character, Poodles are all the same, regardless of size!
To learn more about the characteristics of the Poodle, read here!
The Poodle does not shed
The Poodle doesn't have an undercoat, doesn't molt, and consequently doesn't shed hair. Not even a bit, not even a single hair, not even with the change of seasons.
This feature makes it suitable not only for those with allergy issues but also for those who can't stand dog hair on clothes and sofas.
It's the ideal companion dog breed for those who work with the public and bring their dog to the store or office.
It's an excellent swimmer
If you're a fan of the beach, lakes, and swimming, the Poodle is the perfect four-legged friend for you: it loves water and enjoys swimming.
After all, in the past, it was used as a water retrieval dog in hunting small game, and even though it no longer hunts, it has never lost its great talent.
It's always a fashionable dog
Classic cut, long hair, Korean style, short coat... the Poodle will make any hairstylist happy.
Its continuously growing fur can be styled however you like, allowing you to create always new and modern looks.
You can really cross-breed it with anything
Maltipoo, Goldendoodle, Shepadoodle, Schnoodle… how many Poodle mixes do you know? There are indeed very many, each more beautiful than the last.
None are yet recognized by the FCI or other federations, but if what you're interested in is an original dog that doesn't shed or sheds very little, a Poodle mix could be right for you.
To learn more about Poodle cross-breeds, read here!
It's easily trained
Not only was the Poodle the favorite breed of circus performers, but it's also a champion in many dog sports and agility competitions.
Thanks to its great intelligence, this breed is very easy to train, even for those who have very little knowledge about dogs and training.
It's perfect for first-time owners
With its lively yet accommodating nature and its great intelligence, the Poodle is suitable for everyone: families with children, the elderly, and first-time owners.
It adapts well to any environment and situation and doesn't require special skills to become the perfect household dog.
All you need to do is dedicate some time to its socialization, and your Poodle will know how to behave properly in any setting.
Gets along with cats
Forget the saying "Fighting like cats and dogs!" It might take a few days for them to get used to each other, but a cat and a Poodle can become inseparable companions.
The Poodle really gets along with everyone and loves the company of other animals as much as it loves the company of humans.
If you're out of the house for many hours and don't want a second dog, a cat can keep your puppy company and in no time will become its best friend.
Lives a long time
The Poodle has an average lifespan of 15 years, but many reach 20. It's a rather long life expectancy even for a small-sized dog.
And it's quite healthy for a breed that has been heavily selected, making it an ideal breed for those who don't have a large budget for veterinary expenses.
It's very affectionate
If you chose a dog over a cat because you like displays of affection, with the Poodle you can be sure: its love for its owner knows no bounds.
This dog adores its human and becomes very attached to the entire family. With it, you'll never lack love and devotion, and it will show you in every way how important you are.
It's not possessive
Unlike some other breeds, the Poodle is not possessive, a trait that makes it friendly even with strangers.
This important quality will allow you to take your faithful friend with you wherever you go, without worrying about finding yourself in awkward situations with unknown people.
It's very photogenic
Are you an aspiring influencer, love photography, and can never get enough of taking pictures? The Poodle is the right choice.
With its noble appearance and accommodating nature, it will more than willingly serve as a model for all your shots, and with a Poodle by your side, success is guaranteed!
From the Small Dogs Staff
Even if this is your favorite breed, there are many other small dogs to discover, come and meet them with us!
