Why are you looking to purchase a dog? We all have different reasons for what we think is the perfect dog or puppie. Along with those reasons come some specific considerations. Are you looking for a dog to become a family member? I hope so, or don't get any animal! Are you looking for a dog to show or maybe even breed? Then I'm sure you want a pup that shows a high level of intelligence and sociability, along with a desire to please and the ability to be easily trained. I'm sure some of you will want a "man's dog," or maybe even a hunter. Boy oh boy, have we described the perfect puppy or not?!
Well, from my opinion, based on over 50 years of owning dogs (or having them own me), I have come to the conclusion that the dog that best fits this profile is the Standard Poodle. "Whoa, whoa," I hear you say, "NOT some prissy, foo foo dog like a poodle?" NO! I talking about a Standard Poodle!
Let's break the Standard Poodle down:
- Weighing in at about 60 lbs., they are by no means "foo-foo."
- Absolutely one of the most intelligent breeds around, they crate-train and housebreak in the blink of any eye (I assume you will apply some effort to this endeavor).
- A Standard has the highest level of "I Want To Please You" of any breed I have dealt with.
- Standards were originally bred as a retriever (the dog of choice of waterfowl hunters; I'll put my Standard, Max, up against any duck or goose retriever out there).
- Our Standards absolutely adore our grandchildren and get along exceptionally well with other dogs, and our 2 cats.
- And here's one of the great bonuses of all time: Standard Poodles are non-shedding!
So, if you are looking to add a new family member, and you are willing to take on a dog that will become a life-long companion and your best friend, take a very close look at the Poodle of Poodles, the Standard.
