World’s Smartest Breeds

If you think about the name Poodle for a minute, you’ll see how much it is like the word puddle. The similarity between the words is no accident. The German word for Poodle is Pudel. Pudel can mean either dog or puddle. Through the years the spelling of the English word came out as we know it today – Poodle.

Poodle actually originated in Germany where it was used as a water retriever. Many believe the name “Poodle” comes from the German word “pudel” which means “one who plays in water.”

The term “French Poodle” comes from France’s capitalization of the breed’s intelligence, trainability and eagerness to perform. The French turned poodles into popular circus performers where they gained notoriety and became Louis XVI and Queen Anne’s court favorites. They have long since been associated with royalty. Even America’s President, Grover Cleveland, owned a poodle.

The poodle is the only breed that comes in three AKC registered varieties. The three recognized types are the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The Standard is the tallest, measuring over 15 inches. The Miniature is 15 inches or under, but a minimum of 10 inches. The Toy is under 10 inches.

The Poodle is an exceptionally intelligent dog that excels in obedience training. Its intelligence and ability to learn makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is considered one of the easiest breeds to train. Also, its hypoallergenic coat makes it a favorite amongst owners. It does not shed, but does require grooming on a regular basis. The breed adapts well to any living conditions, making it an ideal pet for apartments. However, it is an active dog and does require daily exercise.

The Poodle carries itself proudly and has a very distinct air of dignity. The word “elegant” is most often used to describe the breed. The Poodle is known to be shy, but sharp at the same time.

barbone

The Standard Poodle (Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne) is considered to be a large dog of high intelligence and trainability. Elegant, strong and good natured, it makes an excellent family dog. It has a thick, soft, curly coat that does not shed but requires daily grooming. The ears are wide and hang close to the head. The eyes are very dark and alert. The feet are compact and the breed has an effortless and delightful gait (like walking on air.)

unlike the Miniature and Toy varieties of the breed, can be less sensitive to its surroundings and does not bond to one owner or one household as much. It is considered the calmer of the Poodle varieties

Height: 15 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

The Standard Poodle is inactive indoors and even a small yard is acceptable. However they do require daily walks. They are not overly demanding but their temperament is based on their living conditions.

caniche

The Miniature Poodle (Caniche) is considered to be a medium dog of high intelligence and trainability. More cheerful and playful than the Standard variety of poodle, it has a thick, soft, curly coat that does not shed but requires daily grooming. The ears are wide and hang close to the head. The eyes are very dark and alert. The feet are compact and the breed has a spunky gait.

It is a loyal companion that insists on being included in all of its owner’s activities. It can learn tricks effortlessly. It is considered less calm than the Standard Poodle, but not as feisty as the Toy Poodle. Most Miniature Poodles love children and other dogs but they will exhibit jealous tendencies and can display sharp reactions.

Height: 11-15 inches Weight: 15-17 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

They are active indoors but do fine without a yard. However they do require daily walks. They are not overly demanding but their temperament is based on their living conditions.

teacup

The Toy Poodle (Caniche, Chien Canne, Tea Cup) is considered to be a small dog of high intelligence and trainability. More sensitive than the Standard and Miniature varieties, it is also considered the smartest of the three. It has a thick, soft, curly coat that does not shed but requires daily grooming. The ears are small and long and hang close to the head. The eyes are very dark and alert. The feet are compact and the breed has a perfect gait.

The Toy Poodle is sensitive but extremely intelligent. They are very responsive and alert. They can be a delight, but also demanding. They do not like strangers and are reserved around children and other dogs. They are known to snap if they are teased, surprised or mishandled.

They generally bond with one owner for life and they are extremely loyal to that individual and will defend them at all cost, despite their size. However, a true “lap dog,” the Toy Poodle expects an equal amount of loyalty and love in return. They adapt better to one dog households and do not do well with small children. The Toy Poodle is considered the least calm of the three poodle varieties.

Height: up to 10 inches Weight: 3-8 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

They require little indoor or outdoor activities but nonetheless, should be socialized with a daily walk. They are demanding dogs and can bark excessively if left alone for long periods of time.

The three varieties are a long lived breed but it is subject to certain genetic diseases like most dogs. Also, the breeds are subject to bloating, so only feed it two to three small meals a day instead of one or two large meals.

How to Find a Responsible Breeder

Animals love people and they learn their social skills early in life. If an animal is isolated and neglected he may develop undesirable character traits that would cause him to be fearful or even hostile around humans. Choose a breeder that raises animals “under foot”. This means that the kittens or puppies have the freedom to roam throughout the house, rather than being locked in cages. All pups should be breed for structure and sound temperament. Puppies from good breeders will not be sold until they reach at LEAST 8 weeks old.

A clean environment is also very important. When visiting breeders check to see whether the animals are living in a well kept area. Does the breeder take pride in his or her animals? Ask specific questions about the breed and test their knowledge. You will be able to distinguish between a breeder that is only in the business to make money and one who truly cares for her animals.

If possible meet the mother of the puppy or kitten to get an idea of her health and how she rears her little ones. In most instances some of the kittens and pups may still be nursing so it usually isn’t a problem to see the mother. If the mother is healthy her babies are also likely to be very healthy because they get their milk from her. Check her eyes for clarity and look at the condition of her coat and paws. If the mother has fleas, ticks, pink eye or other problems, her offspring will also suffer with the same symptoms.

In addition you also want to avoid breeders who run puppy or kitty mills. Over-breeding for profit is a major problem. Many over-breed animals suffer horrible health conditions and display painful symptoms. Some animals have sores on their bodies and problems walking. These conditions are very sad to see and one wouldn’t want to support this type of breeding by purchasing a cat or dog from an unethical breeder. If you come across one of these breeders move on and report this person to the local animal control authorities.

Questions to ask the breeder:

How long have you been breeding cats or dogs?

Do you give your females a rest between litters?

When do you retire your females?

How many pregnant females do you have at one time?

Does the breeder have a contract and papers for each puppy or kitten?

Whether you want puppies suitable for showing, obedience or just loyal family pets. Whether you seek puppies which are pedigreed or a non-pedigree, do take care to make sure that your puppy will be :

1.Healthy, happy and home raised.
2.Supplied with health guarantees and contracts provided.
3.From a healthy adult dog, as this leads to a healthier litter.
4.From a dog breeder that has the availability of facilities to isolate a mother and her pups from the rest of the adult dogs.

There may be more requirements which you may have, but the point is that there is scarcely a pet store than can guarantee that these requirements have been met. Pet stores cannot tell you any personal stories about the parents of your puppy, nor can they tell you about the grandparents. Also, you cannot call pet stores to tell them stories about your puppy like its first experience with an obedience command!

Exotic Pets Are Great

Owning an exotic pet can be a fantastic rush. It is like bringing a part of the wild home with you. There are many different kinds of exotic animals. The definition of an exotic pet is: An exotic pet is a rare or unusual creature kept as a pet, or a creature kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet.

The definition includes some rodents, reptile ( such as snakes ), amphibians. Sometimes any unique and wild-looking pet (including common domestic animals such as the ferret) is called as an exotic pet. Many major pet stores, veterinary insurance carriers or online retailers, classify any animal besides cats, dogs or fish as exotic pets. Exotic pets may also be used for a species which is non-indigenous to the owner’s locale.

Exotic Pets are great but they can cause severe problems to eco-systems if not kept in check. This is because introducing an exotic pet into the wild near your home could cause it to eat everything in site with no predators and with an abundance of food and no enemies it will start reproducing rapidly. It is of great importance that those who seek and attain exotic pets to take responsibility for their actions.

Finding Exotic pet of your choice may not be easy. Depending on where you live and what is available there. You may have to get your Exotic pet from a dealer or specialized shop that is in a different part of the country. You should be prepared for this and the additional expense of having your pet shipped to you. The Internet will be a valuable tool to help you with your search. Many Exotic animal traders only advertise on the Internet.

The trade of some exotic pets around the world is moderate by CITES, The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, to prevent any threats to their survival and ecological damage. Certain animals are strictly regulated or restricted outright due to their conservation status and the possibility of the animal becomes an invasive species.

When thinking about purchasing or acquiring an exotic pet you need to make sure you check the laws where you live. Some exotic pets also fall under federal statutes. But, your local and state wildlife department will have that information. In most cases you will have to get a license. This could just require a monetary payment, or to take some sort of class. This depends on your state and local statutes; check them.

Veterinary costs for treatment of exotic animals may be significantly higher than for a more conventional pet due to the increased specialization. Having your exotic pet on a regular check up with a veterinarian is an important part on your exotic pet’s health as well as your family health some animals are known to carry diseases that can affect humans, such as salmonellosis and rabies. Similarly, some human diseases can be dangerous for certain animals (like strep throat).

Now you’re ready to become an exotic pet owner. Choose the best exotic pets for you.