Poodles For Dummies

The Poodle is known for her keen intelligence, excellent
trainability, and, most notably, those signature curly locks. But
there's more to the Poodle than meets the eye (like, say,
those expensive grooming bills). So, to Poodle or not to Poodle?
That is the question.

With an overview of the breed's history, an exploration of
all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and 8 pages of
full-color photos detailing the colors available and tips and
techniques for grooming, Poodles for Dummies is filled with
all the meaty information and enlightening morsels you need to
decide if this refined beauty is a good match for you. You'll
get answers to your most important questions, including:

• Which size Poodle is best for me? Which color?

• How do I know if a Poodle breeder is reputable?

• What are the pros and cons of shelters and rescue groups?

• What do I look for in choosing a healthy Poodle?

• How can I Poodle-proof my home and yard?

• What's the best way to introduce my Poodle to kids and
  other pets?

• How often does my Poodle need grooming?

No matter which size, color, or gender you own, Poodles are not
a "wash 'n' wear" breed. But if you have
the time, passion, and dedication to give her the training,
exercise, and upkeep she needs, you and your curly companion will
have a happy and rewarding life together.

Auteur

Susan M. Ewing is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and has been writing about dogs professionally for more than 15 years.

Résumé
The Poodle is known for her keen intelligence, excellent trainability, and, most notably, those signature curly locks. But there's more to the Poodle than meets the eye (like, say, those expensive grooming bills). So, to Poodle or not to Poodle? That is the question. With an overview of the breed's history, an exploration of all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and 8 pages of full-color photos detailing the colors available and tips and techniques for grooming, Poodles for Dummies is filled with all the meaty information and enlightening morsels you need to decide if this refined beauty is a good match for you. You'll get answers to your most important questions, including:

• Which size Poodle is best for me? Which color?
• How do I know if a Poodle breeder is reputable?
• What are the pros and cons of shelters and rescue groups?
• What do I look for in choosing a healthy Poodle?
• How can I Poodle-proof my home and yard?
• What's the best way to introduce my Poodle to kids and other pets?
• How often does my Poodle need grooming?
  No matter which size, color, or gender you own, Poodles are not a wash 'n' wear breed. But if you have the time, passion, and dedication to give her the training, exercise, and upkeep she needs, you and your curly companion will have a happy and rewarding life together.

Contenu

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Conventions Used in This Book 2

What You're Not to Read 3

Foolish Assumptions 3

How This Book Is Organized 4

Part I: Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams 4

Part II: Living Happily with Your Poodle 4

Part III: Training and Having Fun with Your Poodle Pal 5

Part IV: Maintaining Your Poodle's Health 5

Part V: The Part of Tens 5

Icons Used in This Book 5

Where to Go from Here 6

Part I: Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams 7

Chapter 1: Making a Match with a Poodle 9

Understanding the Poodle Breed 9

Strolling through a brief history 9

Reviewing sizes and personality traits 10

Considering breed standards 11

To Poodle or Not to Poodle: Is One the Best Dog for You? 11

Selecting the Perfect Poodle for You 12

Adjusting to Life with a Poodle 12

Training and Enjoying Your Poodle 13

Keeping Your Poodle Healthy 14

Chapter 2: Unwrapping the Whole Poodle Package 15

Walking through the History of the Breed 15

In the beginning, there was dog 15

The appearance of Poodle varieties 17

The Poodle's modern rise in popularity 17

Picturing a Poodle's Physical Traits and Personality 19

Measuring up sizes 19

Scoping out a Poodle's anatomy 20

Taking a look at temperament 22

Surveying Breed Standards 22

The American Kennel Club 23

The United Kennel Club 26

Chapter 3: Deciding Whether a Poodle Is Right for You 29

Asking Yourself a Few Important Questions Upfront 29

Does a Poodle fit in with your lifestyle? 30

Do you have room for a Poodle? 30

How will a Poodle respond to your children and other pets? 30

Considering the Costs of Poodle Ownership 31

How much is that doggy? Money matters 31

The clock's ticking: Time issues 32

Chapter 4: Choosing the Best Poodle for You 33

Selecting the Traits You Want in a Poodle 33

Puppy or adult? 33

Toy, Miniature, or Standard? 35

Male or female? 35

Which color? 36

Deciding Where to Find Your Poodle 36

Beginning with breeders 36

Considering shelters and rescue groups 42

Wondering about pet shops 44

Choosing a Healthy Poodle 45

Registering Your Poodle 46

American Kennel Club registration 46

United Kennel Club registration 47

Perusing a pedigree after you register your Poodle 47

Part II: Living Happily with Your Poodle 49

Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Poodle's Homecoming 51

Outfitting Your Home with Crates, Gates, and Ex-pens 51

Crates 52

Gates 54

Ex-pens 56

Buying Comfortable Bedding 56

Staying Attached with Collars and Leads 57

Shopping for collars 57

Looking at leads 59

Securing Proper ID for Your Poodle 60

Beautifying Your Poodle with the Right Grooming Tools 61

Hair care 61

Nail care 62

Self-grooming considerations 62

Savoring the Details of Food and Bowls 64

Getting the Scoop on Cleanup Tools 65

Finding Toys for Toys (And, Yes, Miniatures and Standards) 66

Following a few toy guidelines 66

Gnawing on chew toys 66

Rollicking with retrieving toys 67

Settling on squeaky toys 68

Getting creative with homemade toys 68

Poodle-Proofing Your Home 69

On the inside 69

Out in the yard 70

Choosing Special Spaces for Your Poodle 72

The eating spot 73

The sleeping spot 73

The potty spot 74

Scheduling a Checkup with Your Vet 74 **Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Poodle H...