Poodles as Pets
Pros and Cons of Owning a Poodle

It’s natural for dog enthusiasts to support their favorite breed, and Poodles are a popular breed. While the Poodle certainly possesses many delightful traits, the breed might not be the perfect pet for every owner. Poodles Come in Three Different Sizes

Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in America, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). One of the reasons for their popularity probably is due to the variety in size: Toy Poodle (10 inches, or less, measured at the shoulder) Miniature Poodle (11- 15 inches) Standard Poodle (over 15 inches)
Poodles also come in a variety of colors, such as black, white, brown, apricot, silver, and cream.
Of the three varieties, the Toy Poodle probably is not the best choice for those with young children. These small-boned dogs can't roughhouse with the kids. Choose instead a Miniature or Standard Poodle, which are sturdier dogs than the Toy. The Poodle Disposition

Poodles are cheerful, friendly, confident dogs. They display an outward dignity that belies their sometimes clownish sense of humor. And they possess a fortitude that can be surprising, especially in the smaller varieties.



Poodles are more sensitive than many breeds, and they will not thrive in an angry or combative environment. Poodles are Intelligent and Easily Trained

Poodles are an exceedingly intelligent breed. They are very quick to learn new behaviors—both good and bad!—and are equally as slow to forget them. Anyone wanting a Poodle absolutely must handle the dog consistently. With Poodles, one must always remember that smart dogs require smart owners.
Poodles have been trained as guide dogs for the visually impaired. They have been trained to work with law enforcement. Poodles have even been trained to pull a sled in the Iditarod!
Because of their intelligence and trainability, Poodles excel at learning tricks. However, anyone wanting a Poodle must understand that they aren’t accessory animals to be brought out for parlor tricks. Poodles are social and regal dogs who not only love interacting with their people, they need to interact with their people. Lots. Everyday. Poodles are Athletic

People often view Poodles as "sissy" dogs. Truth is, Poodles are agile and athletic animals.
Once upon a time, Poodles were gun dogs, retrieving water fowl for their hunting masters. Standard Poodles still are used in the field as retrievers. While most Poodles aren't working retrievers, they often exhibit a strong prey drive, and they will keep the yard free of squirrels and other critters.
In other athletic venues, all three varieties shine in agility and obedience. Additionally, Miniatures and Standards excel in flyball and tracking (and they often are fine Frisbee dogs as well!). Poodles are Allergy-Friendly

Poodles don’t shed their fur. They do, however, slough skin cells; they simply do it at a lesser rate than many other dogs. This is good news for allergy sufferers.
However, note that no dog is hypoallergenic—that is, allergen-free. Dog allergens that typically drift about the home come from skin (dander) and saliva. But not all dog allergens are the same, and some breeds produce less than other breeds. Poodles shed their skin roughly once a month, whereas some other breeds shed skin weekly. A Word about the Poodle Coat

Poodles have a soft curly coat. While it doesn’t shed, it does grow—which means it must be cut. In fact, a Poodle must be groomed every 4-6 weeks. Most often, it's easiest to have the dog professionally groomed. This can be quite expensive, particularly for a large Standard. Poodle devotees accept this cost with a shrug.
Research the cost of a groomer before adopting a Poodle. Poodle Health Issues

Poodles are generally a long-lived breed, with a typical lifespan of 12-15 years or better. And a well-bred Poodle is typically a healthy dog. However, Poodles can suffer from some genetic issues of which anyone thinking about adopting this breed should be aware. Potential health problems include the following: Cataracts and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) can cause blindness Diabetes Epilepsy Heart disease Hip dysplasia Poodles on the Alert

Poodles tend to be "alert dogs,” which means an owner will always know when someone is coming up the walk or down the street. A bored and unexercised Poodle will bark more frequently than would otherwise be the case. With Poodles, as with many breeds, a tired dog is a good dog.

Read more at Suite101: Poodles as Pets: Pros and Cons of Owning a Poodle http://dog-breeds.suite101.com/article.cfm/is_a_poodle_a_perfect_pet#ixzz0mYOofTpZ