Best Dogs for Children

In this fast-paced era where ever-busy parents find it really difficult to spend lot of time with children and entertain them, pets are great companions who can keep your child engaged tirelessly for long hours. Pets teach children about compassion toward other being.

Dogs have been domesticated for centuries together; hence many breeds are quite friendly with humans. However, parents should be careful while choosing the breed depending upon the age of the children. For example, large dog breeds like Mastiff or Great Dane are not suitable if you have infants or very small children at home. Similarly, very small breeds like Shitzu, Pekinese or Chihuahuas may find it difficult to cope up with hyperactive kids.

Some of the recommended dog breeds are as follows:

• Collies are suitable for almost all age groups. They are friendly and can be groomed easily.
• Golden retrievers are very gentle with children and are tolerant to all their naughty antics.
• Beagles are one of the most social breeds but they do not like to be disturbed when they have their food.
• Poodles are loving, loyal and trustworthy breeds as long as they are not mishandled.
• Newfoundland breed is suitable for children regardless of their age. These dogs are tolerant and protective about their owners.
• St. Bernard is advisable for older children due to its large size. However, they are gentle and extremely protective if well trained.
• Basset Hounds are gentle dogs who get along really well with children who know how to handle them well.

Poodle Raising Simplified

The Poodle is one of the most difficult breeds of dog to own. Grooming for this pet isn't just about brushing. This pooch requires a lot of attention for its coat, especially if your maintaining a hairstyle. As a puppy they can be a little too playful at times. Annoying if you don't give them good behavioral lessons. But nothing good ever comes free - to get something you've got to give something. It may get tiring, satisfying its many needs, but the results can be quite rewarding. Having a well-disciplined Poodle can be great. Having a restless and troublesome brat can be a nightmare.

Training and grooming for this dog are closely related. This breed actually needs to be trained for grooming - it may sound weird but it's true. The daily routines should start while it's still a puppy. They aren't so hard-headed at this age. The sessions need to be kept short; it may be intelligent, but its mind will drift while doing something for too long. Therefore, your routines must be equally divided through out the day. They must be for a few minutes only, and kept fun. They don't like being bored, being bored makes them even more difficult to handle.

You have to utilize methods that will catch its attention. You'll need to take note of its behavior as well. Give it a reward for doing something good. Never ever tolerate bad behavior. That is something that you don't want it to get used to. Spoiling it is a big no-no. If you see it doing something that isn't right, reprimand it in a gentle but authoritative way. Let it know that you don't like what it's doing so it will lose the bad habit. Ignoring unruly conduct can help as well. As part the Poodles training, you should teach it "table manners".

Having it sit before serving it a bowl of dog food is needed. You don't want it rushing in and getting what it wants without having to work for it. An effective method of teaching him this trick is to hold the bowl slightly above its head. It will have to sit in order to reach its food. Do that every time you feed it so it will be conditioned to do so naturally. Grooming, as I've said earlier, can be difficult if it isn't trained or prepared for it. At an early age have it get used to the sound of electric clippers.

This breed has the tendency to get scared while listening to the noise, which will make it hard to keep them still while grooming. Have this pet placed in a room where he can here the sound but not see what's making it. Like all dogs, regardless of shape and size, a poodle will require exercise. It doesn't have much stamina so all it needs is some time for playing and taking short walks. Doggy training done daily not only keeps it in good shape but does wonders for its behavior as well. It runs out of energy quickly. If it doesn't have energy it can't do much of its annoying routines.

The Poodle isn't such a bad dog once trained properly. One of this dog's advantage is that it can change its appearance. There are different hairstyles available for this breed. This is great for those who get bored of seeing the same look everyday. If you play your cards right, this can be the pet you've been looking for.

The Toy Poodle Breeders

Of all the dog breeders that I envy most, I'd say that toy poodle breeders definitely tops my list. And who would not envy them? Imagine yourself surrounded by these cute little fur balls that are bundles of joy! They are smart, friendly, huggable and ... they don't shed. It is difficult not to smile when you have these little creatures around.

Make no mistake, though, not just anybody can be toy poodle breeders. As in any other business, there are specific requirements. A definite requirement, aside from a vast knowledge of this particular dog breed, is to possess a loving and caring personality. Toy poodles are delicate creatures. A breeder who treats these dogs as part of his family, treating them as he would his own kids, will ensure well behaved pets. It also takes a lot of patience. There are different types of toy poodles. There are breeds that are definitely high maintenance when it comes to grooming.

That is the beauty of being in this type of industry. You help nurture a life. And in the process, when it’s time for you to part with these little mammals, you know that they will bring a smile in the faces of their new owners or even squeals of uncontrollable laughter of a child. And for toy poodle breeders, these are just some of the joy brought about by being in this business – a product that is saleable (one look and you are hooked!), and the happiness it brings to their buyers.

The Miniature Poodle

If you live in an apartment but would still love the companionship of a greatest dogs of all the dog breeds, then a Miniature Poodle may be right for you. These pint sized pups are as fun and intelligent as a Standard Poodle, but small enough to be able to live comfortably in a small space. In this article, we'll look at the miniature Poodles and give you some tips on caring for the breed.

One of the hottest selling points of the miniature is its appearance. Mini Poodles are moderately sized, have a curly coat that doesn't shed and are available in a variety of colors. These dogs are known to be very sociable, lively and playful. They are one of the brightest and most attentive of all breeds. They have an eagerness to please and that makes them easy to train. Poodles often are used as show dogs because of their agility and obedience. Besides being very friendly with humans, miniature Poodles also get along well with other animals.

If you live in an apartment, then a mini sized Poodle dog makes a good pet. While they are still very active, they don't require a yard to get adequate exercise. However, the dogs do need a daily walk. Play will take care of many of their physical needs, but walking and fresh air are essential. Dogs who don't walk enough tend to exhibit behavioral problems.

Before you purchase a miniature Poodle, it's a good idea to spend time with the dog to observe its temperament. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants have reported nervousness as being very common in the breed. This could include snappiness, extreme fearfulness and hyperactivity. They could also experience emotional sensitivity to stress, tension or loud voices. Poodles are also extremely high maintenance dogs. Their coats require regular brushing and monthly clips; they are prone to barking and often experience health problems.

The miniature Poodle certainly is one of a kind. This beautiful and incredibly intelligent dog can be your best friend if you have the time to commit to loving and properly caring for him.

Before you decide to bring one into your home, take the time to research the breed and spend time with the specific dog of your choice. With time and patience, this tiny pup can enrich your life with love and companionship.

The Standard Poodle

Description :
The Standard Poodle is an elegant, medium to large-sized dog, with a profuse, but well groomed and clipped, wiry curly coat. The head and muzzle are long. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are wide and hanging close to the head. The eyes are oval and generally very dark. Brown and cafe-au-lait colored Poodles have dark amber eyes, while apricot dogs may have amber eyes, but dark eyes are considered better. The Poodles length from breastbone to rump is approximately the same as the height at the withers. The topline is level except for a slight depression behind the withers. The croup is rounded and the feet are compact, small, and oval. The tail is docked to half the original length. All solid colors are allowed. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the entire body, the "English saddle clip," and the "Continental clip," with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tail and hips. The Standard Poodle has a delightful springy gait.

Temperament :
The Standard Poodle is proud, elegant, dignified and good-natured. These dogs are highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. They are pleasant, happy and sensitive. The Standard Poodle tends to be a bit calmer than the smaller variety of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give them the proper amount and type of exercise. They need to be with people and dislike being alone. They are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some Standards are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader, providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues.

Height :
15 (38cm) or more

Weight :
Dogs 45-70 pounds (20-32kg.) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg.)

Health problems :
A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness, allergies and skin conditions are common... possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer. Hip dysplasia, runny eyes, and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat, so it is wise to feed your Standard 2-3 small meals a day, rather then one large one.

Living condition :
If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice.

Exercise :
The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties.

Life expectancy :
About 12-15 or more years.

Grooming :
Extensive grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming while protecting the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip - the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. (See description for different styles of clips.)

Origin :
Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place on the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water. The Poodle was used as a gun dog. Originally the breed was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help him swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breeds high intelligence, trainability and innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breeds common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle is called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodles varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything.

The Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a cross between the AKC’s 4th and 5th most popular dogs, Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Bred to be larger than a Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle is a friendly, intelligent dog.

Height :
20-24 inches (51-62 cm)

Weight :
45-75 pounds (21-34 kg)

Like the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is low shedding and generally hypo-allergenic. As of this time, Goldendoodles are not recognized as a breed and most of them are first generation.

The Cockapoo Dog

First bred in the 1960s, Cockapoos have their own organization, The Cockapoo Breed Club of America. A Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Cockapoos are active and good with kids.

Height :
Teacup Toy to Maxi

Weight :
6-19 pounds (3-9 kg)

Temperament :
Though not as hyperactive as a Cocker Spaniel, a Cockapoo loves the water and can be a barker. As a non-shedding and hypo-allergenic dog, a Cockapoo can be a great addition to any family.

Types of Poodles and Poodle Breeds

Poodles are one of America's favorite dog breeds. They are one of the few dog breeds where there are actually three types. Another unique feature of this breed is that they are often crossed with other dog breeds to produce different poodle breeds.

Americans love poodles, in fact according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Poodles are the 8th most popular dog breed in America. Poodles have been consistently in the top 10 most popular dog breeds now for decades. One possible reason for all this popularity is that there are different types of poodles and poodle breeds.

The American Kennel Club acknowledges three different types of poodles. These types are the standard poodle, the miniature poodle, and the toy poodle. These different types are differentiated by size, with the size limits set by the AKC. The standard poodle must stand at least 15 inches tall at the shoulders. The miniature poodle must stand at least 10 inches tall, but no more than 15 inches tall at the shoulders. The toy poodle must be under 10 inches tall at the shoulders.

In order to show your poodle it must fit into one of these three sizes. Another requirement if you are going to show your poodle is that you will need to groom them according to show standards. Currently for poodles the only two cuts allowed are the Continental clip, or the English Saddle clip.

There are also several different poodle breeds. These dogs are created by the crossbreeding of two different purebred dogs. Some people call them hybrid poodles, but that is incorrect terminology. The correct terminology is crossbreed. Hybrid is the crossing of two different species.

Some common poodle crossbreeds are the cockapoo or the spoodle, which is made by crossing the poodle with a cocker spaniel. Another crossbreed is the goldendoodle, which is from a cross with a golden retriever.

One of the first crosses was done with a labrador retriever and called a labradoodle. The labradoodle was first bred by people wanting to make a hypoallergenic guide dog.

Poodles and labradors shed little and are hypoallergenic so the crossing of the two was hoped to result in a hypoallergenic dog, but the results were quite variable from litter to litter.

Poodles of all types and sizes have great personalities and get along great with children. The poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds and is actually a great hunting dog. In fact the poodle originated in Germany and was used as a hunting dog. Its thick curly coat was perfect for keeping them warm and dry when they had to run through water during hunts.

Poodles are very easily trained as well. They have been used in circuses for hundreds of years to entertain audiences. Housebreaking poodles if very easy because they learn very fast, and even teaching basic commands to poodles is much easier than other dog breeds.

As you can see there are several different types of poodles and poodle breeds. With so many to choose from you are bound to find a poodle that fits in great with your family.

Poodles, and Why They Make the Perfect Pet

I have been a dog lover and dog owner for all of my life. I have had the pleasure of having several of the most popular breed of dogs and in my opinion the poodle wins hands down. Let me share with you some of my reasons for making such a bold statement when there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs. I also want to make it clear that there are many wonderful dogs available for adoption and they can reward you with unlimited love and devotion. That being said, I am writing this article for people that are looking for a particular breed to fill their particular needs.

Poodles come in several sizes anywhere from a very small teacup size and all the way to the very large standard poodle and sizes in between. One of the wonderful aspects of having a poodle is they are hypo-allergenic and they do not shed. This is an important factor for anyone with allergies.

Poodles typically have a very sweet and loving disposition and for this reason they can be a perfect choice for almost any age. I am a firm believer that small children should have a larger size dog and the miniature poodle or standard poodle would be a good choice. The reason I believe in small children having a larger size dog is they are less likely to hurt the dog. Most dogs are very careful around children and tend to watch over them.

Poodles also make wonderful watch dogs. I know this may sound silly, but it is true. The main function of a watch dog is to alarm you when someone approaches. I can promise you, no one can get to my door without me knowing it in advance. It is also handy to know when your teenagers come home at night after you have gone to bed.

This may sound arrogant, but poodles are also one of the most intelligent breed of dog. I have had german shepherds, boxers. collies, labs, etc. and poodles in my opinion are at the top of the list in the smart department. They learn commands very quickly and are eager to please. I know this may sound silly, but my poodles can usually understand what I say to them. For example, if I ask if they want to go out, or want a treat, or want to go to bed, they beat a path to the correct location.

I have had miniature poodles and now have two toy poodles, primarily because my wife and I enjoy a lap dog and the joy and comfort of having them sit with us.

I want to make it clear that any dog breed can make a wonderful pet and dogs in general are very loyal, loving, obedient, and wonderful. I just wanted to share the love of my favorite breed.