Poodle’s Temperament- What Is It Like Owning One?
Before you even think about getting a Poodle, you have to first be aware of what it is like to own one. You want to give the four-legged member of the family the most wonderful life, and that’s almost impossible if you don’t have the right information about how they are like! Are you looking for information about Poodle’s temperament? If yes, then we’ve got you covered!
Poodles have a ton of energy and love to play! They are friendly, active, intelligent dogs with some strong instincts from being bred as water retrievers. Also, they fit in easily with families due to their high level of intelligence and loyalty.
In other words, Poodles have a larger-than-life personality. Actually, most Poodle owners will tell you that they have never met a dog so full of love and laughter as their Poodle. A Poodle can be the best friend and most devoted companion to your children, your parents, or you! Let’s proceed to examine their personality in detail!
Poodle’s Personality
Poodles have great temperament and that’s what makes them among the most popular dogs in the world. Here are some of the Poodle temperament traits you should know before deciding to bring one home.
Intelligent:
Poodles are actually one of the smartest dogs. According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, Poodles rank second as the most intelligent dog breed in the world, only after Border Collies, of course.
Their intelligence makes them easy to train and partly explains why they are on the most popular breeds list in the US. They learn things fast and have a knack for doing tricks. People enjoy training them because it’s just so much fun!
Loyal:
As we mentioned, Poodles are very loyal and loving dogs. They make great family pets because they love to be around people. If you are looking for a dog that will follow you around the house or sit by your side while you’re on the computer, then this is the breed for you!
They tend to get attached to one special person and stick to them like glue. They thrive best in a family with many members, usually including children.
Social:
Poodles are social dogs that enjoy spending time with people and other animals alike. They don’t do well when they are isolated for long periods of time, so you can’t leave them alone for too long, especially if untrained to remain alone for extended periods.
That said, they love going out and mingling with people in the park or other public places. Also, they get along well with other pets and seem to have a built-in tolerance that prevents them from getting too excited around other canines, at least in most cases.
Eager to Please:
As a Poodle owner, you are in for some fun because these dogs will keep stacking up the tricks on command. However, it’s important to note that they want something in return. They crave your attention and love nothing better than pleasing their owners and making them happy.
If you fail to give them the kind of attention they need, they may try to steal it by acting up in an effort to get your attention. They are very eager to please, so they make good working dogs too!
Hyper-Alert:
Poodle temperament is also characterized by its hyper-alert nature. They are always on the lookout for things, especially when it comes to strangers. You can tell that they don’t trust a person right away because they keep their tails raised and move closer to you while barking at the stranger in an effort to warn you about them.
Their hyper-alert nature also makes them good watchdogs, although they are not usually aggressive dogs.
Active:
Poodles were originally bred as working dogs, so it’s no surprise that they are pretty active! They love being outdoors and playing fetch in the park or swimming at your local pond. You can keep them entertained for hours by throwing or chasing a tennis ball or Frisbee.
Poodles need lots of exercises because they are high-energy dogs and staying active is necessary to their well-being. If you are not an active person, then this might not be the right breed for you.
Negatives Associated With Poodles Temperament
While they have lots of positive personality traits, Poodles also carry a few negatives that might not make them suitable for everyone. For example:
They Require Plenty of Exercise:
Poodles need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and burn off the excess energy they have. That means that they need several play sessions each day or a couple walks whenever you can take them out.
They Shed Quite a Bit:
Because Poodles have so much hair, their fur gets everywhere! While they aren’t heavy shedders, expect to vacuum your house more than usual and have hair clumps stuck on furniture or your clothes.
They Can Be a Bit Stubborn:
Poodles are very intelligent dogs, which also makes them fairly stubborn. They know how to get their way and can be difficult to train sometimes, especially when they don’t see the point in something. You need to find creative ways of making training fun for them so that they will cooperate with you more.
Standard Vs. Toy Vs Miniature Poodle- Different Personality Traits?
While they may differ in size, all three breeds share the same general personality traits. However, a Toy or Miniature Poodle might be better for families with very young children because they are so small and delicate.
Standard Poodles are better for older or more active children. However, with proper training, all three sizes can get along with kids and treat them well.
People with Seniors- A Good Choice?
Poodles are great companion dogs that can keep you company and make you feel young at heart despite your age. However, they require a lot of exercises and might be too much to handle if you have health issues. For example, older people with problems like arthritis may find it hard to play fetch or help you walk your dog.
It’s best to get Poodles when they are still puppies and train them early on so that they can grow up well-behaved. They do require regular grooming sessions too, but much less than other long-haired breeds such as Shih Tzus.
Poodles can also be trained to work as therapy dogs. That makes them suitable for seniors who want a furry friend that will provide them with company and comfort plus make them feel at peace.
Poodles Lifespan:
According to American Kennel Club, Poodles have a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years. That means the average life expectancy of Poodles is about 14 years. That means they live longer than most of the largest dog breeds such as Great Danes.
However, one thing to keep in mind is the life expectancy differs from one dog to another depending on their health conditions, genetics, level of care, environment, and other factors. And while some causes of death are inevitable, it’s possible to extend your dog’s life by providing them with the best diet and taking them to a vet for regular checkups.
Bottom Line
Poodles are active, playful, loyal, and like to be around their family often. They can make good family pets whether you have kids, seniors, or even other dogs. But they do require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to remain happy. Therefore, before you bring home a Poodle, consider your lifestyle and whether you are ready to give them lots of attention.
Also keep in mind that just like any breed, Poodles also come with some negative traits such as shedding and stubbornness. However, if properly trained and cared for, they could be great pets for an active family. So what do you think about owning a Poodle as your furry friend?
