According to the breed standard, the Poodle is classified into 4 sizes: large (45 to 60 cm) – medium (35 to 45 cm) – dwarf (28 to 35 cm) – toys (below 28 cm). Its curly, curly or corded fur can be of five different colors: black, white, brown, gray and apricot. All poodles have their tails set high at the level of the kidneys. They have straight, parallel and solid limbs. His head is proportional to the body.

The International Cytological Federation classifies him among the 9 group of approval and company dogs.

Originally bred in Germany as a type of water dog, the standard for the breed was established in France. According to the Federation Cynologique Internationale, the French word “caniche” has the etymology of the word “cane”, the female duck, while in other countries, this word refers to the action of paddling. It was also initially used for hunting aquatic birds. He is descended from another dog of the French breed, the Barbet, of which he has moreover retained many physical and behavioral character traits.

The poodle is now very popular as a pet, especially because of its friendly and cheerful character, but certainly also the possibility of choosing among the 4 sizes of the breed standard.

The poodle is renowned for its loyalty and its ability to learn as well as to be trained.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease or hypocortisolism is an endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones and therefore causes a deficiency in natural corticosteroids. The disease mainly affects young or adult females.

The symptoms observed, such as depression, vomiting, eating disorders or even diarrhea result directly from the corticosteroid deficit, but can be indicators of many other pathologies. A more in-depth examination combining an ionogram and a biochemical examination of the blood can make it possible to make a diagnosis and rule out other pathologies. The predisposition of race and sex is also a criterion of orientation of the diagnosis, but cannot be sufficient.

Long-term treatment consists of providing a permanent supply of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid. It is a heavy and restrictive treatment. It can also prove to be onerous for the owner.

The disease can also present in the form of seizures called “Addisonian seizures”. In this case, the management is an emergency treatment which consists in correcting the state of shock, because the life of the dog is at stake. (2)

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is a disease of the respiratory tract. It is characterized by a collapsed trachea which obstructs the airways and can lead to suffocation.

Miniature and toy poodles are among the breeds predisposed to the development of tracheal collapse. The disease can affect dogs of any age and regardless of sex. Overweight and obesity, however, are aggravating factors of the predisposition.

A strong persistent cough in a breed predisposed to tracheal collapse is a diagnostic clue, but additional examinations such as palpation and an X-ray are essential to confirm the collapse.

The treatment is different if the care of the animal is done during an acute crisis during which the dog has great difficulty in breathing or in the long term.

During a crisis it is essential to calm the cough with cough suppressants and the animal by using sedatives if necessary. It may also be necessary to put him to sleep and intubate him to restore breathing.

In the longer term, the dog may be given bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Placing a stent to increase the opening of the trachea may be considered, but to date, no treatment can cure tracheal collapse. If the animal is obese, weight loss may be considered. (3)

Coxofemoral dysplasia

The poodle is one of the canine breeds predisposed to hip-femoral dysplasia. It is an inherited disease resulting from a malformed hip joint. The joint is loose, and the dog’s paw bone is malformed and moves through the joint causing painful wear, tears, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. (4)

Diagnosis and staging of dysplasia is done by x-ray.

Although it is an inherited disease, dysplasia develops with age and the diagnosis is sometimes made in an older dog, which can risk complicating the management.

The first-line treatment is often anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce osteoarthritis. Surgical interventions, or even the fitting of a hip prosthesis can be considered in the most serious cases. It is still important to note that this disease is not inevitable and with the right medication, the dogs concerned can have a good life.

The poodle is very gentle and loves to snuggle up to its owners. But he is an athlete who loves long walks and the breed also excels in many disciplines of dog training, such as agility, dancing with dogs, tracking, cavage, ect.

Last positive point, but not the least, it does not shed its hair in the house!