The Breed of Poodle’s Popularity
Poodles are a very popular dog breed. Poodles became the most popular breed in America maintaining the number 1 position from 1960 to 1982 according to the American Kennel Club. This is a reign of 22 years being the number 1 dog breed, the longest reign of any breed. Since that time poodles have been one of the top 10 most popular breeds in America. In 2010 the Labrador Retriever was the number 1 most popular dog breed in American.
In other countries Poodles are ranked in the top 10 most popular dog as well.
One reason is the choice in size. The poodle range in size from under 5 inches to over 20 inches tall at the withers. From a very small toy, called teacup poodle, to a royal poodle which is a large dog over 20 inches tall, there is size of poodle the matches everyone’s taste.
And poodles are smart.
They are ranked second in intelligence of dog breeds, right behind the border collie and before the German Shepard. This intelligence make Poodles an easy dog to train. The poodle also wants to be trained, as they enjoy learning new tricks and being active. Poodles are a favorite for circus acts and can be seen performing tricks worldwide.
It is very important to a poodle to please you and you need to train them on what pleases you in behavior and commands.
Not Shedding: A Major Reason For Poodle’s Popularity
A poodle’s coat is hair, not fur.
Having hair means the poodle does not shed fur. Not shedding, not leaving fur throughout the home is a major reason poodles have become a very popular pet.
Fur has a natural cycle of growing and shedding. Fur is constantly shedding as each follicle is in a different growth point.
Hair does not shed. Hair just grows and grows and needs to be cut to an appropriate length. The poodle’s coat does need maintenance otherwise their hair will become very matted.
Hypoallergenic: Another Major Reason for Poodle’s Popularity
Having hair also means people with allergies usually do not have a reaction with a poodle. Poodles being hypoallergenic is another major reason they have become a very popular pet.
The major allergens from dogs are the dander and saliva. Dander consists of dead skin cells that flake off when the outer layer of skin renews itself, a normal, ongoing process. As the pet licks itself saliva is deposited and dries. As fur sheds the dander and saliva goes with the fur.
Cats cause even more allergic reaction than dogs. As cats clean themselves often by licking, more saliva is left on their fur, which sheds copiously. The cat’s dander and saliva are lighter than a dogs and stay airborne floating to places the cat has not even been.
A dog that does not shed is easier for people with allergies to tolerate as there is less dander and saliva throughout the home.
Poodles do not have fur which naturally sheds, they have hair as their coat. The poodle is one of the easiest dogs to have for people with allergies. Their hair just grows and grows like human hair. Poodles do have dander and saliva and people with a high sensitivity may still have an allergic reaction. A very sensitive person concerning allergies will have an allergic reaction to a cat within 15 minutes by being in the same room as a cat. It is not wise for very sensitive people to have a dog or a cat.
For people with seasonal allergies and allergies to pollen, an animal’s dander and saliva worsen the allergic reaction. The allergic reaction include sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffed noses and in general feeling of being miserable.
As a person who has suffered from allergies, I have been able to live with poodles without having an allergic reaction for years. I sleep with my poodles and do not get itchy eyes or irritated throat or stuffiness. The poodle is an excellent choice for allergic people as they have a very little chance of causing a reaction.
Brains and Beauty
Poodles are brains and beauty. They are not a fancy sissy dog who is so delicate all they can do is sit and look pretty. The poodle is an athletic active dog genetically predisposed to be a water retriever of fowl and living well into the teens. In addition, the poodle makes an enjoyable companion willing to participate in any activity with you, are entertaining, amazing you with their intelligence, do not shed, are hypoallergenic and overall a great pet.
In my opinion, Poodles are the best.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.