Could a Pocket Poodle Be Your Ideal Pet?
For someone who wants a friendly breed of dog that promises to stay very small, the ideal companion is likely to be a pocket poodle. The decision to add a new pet to the family is one that should not be taken lightly, but with the proper amount of consideration, it is possible to find the pet you’ve been waiting for! If you are considering a pocket poodle as your prospective pet, then stick around and read up on what you can expect from this terrific dog.
What is a Pocket Poodle?
The term “pocket” is thrown around a lot in the breeding world, but to a prospective owner, this term can get a little confusing. A “pocket” variety of any breed of dog is not a separate species of dog, but rather it is a sub-category within a species. For instance, a pocket Yorkshire terrier is still a Yorkshire terrier and would be registered as such, regardless of its size. The term “pocket” simply let’s all know that this dog was specifically bred to be little. This is the same for a pocket poodle.
So, you’re probably wondering how breeders are able to yield such tiny dogs from a species which typically averages a height of around 25 inches from floor to shoulder. The concept is fairly simple. In breeding, the only way to see more of a trait you like is to pair a male and female who share that quality. To get a pocket-sized puppy, breeders will take a small male and small female poodle and breed them. The smallest puppy from that litter would then be bred with another small poodle (non-littermate, of course), whose litter would hopefully yield pups a little smaller than average. The process is kept up until the size of the puppies becomes drastically smaller than the norm for that breed. Essentially, it is a process of breeding “runts”. Don’t let this put you off! The negative association with runts is unfortunate, when a runt is in fact simply the smallest of the group.
The Poodle’s Personality
Of course, you shouldn’t consider the pocket poodle simple for its size. The personality of the dog is the main part that you should focus on, as this is what you will be dealing with day in and day out. Luckily, the poodle has a fantastic personality! It is the top choice for families because it is as smart as a whip which makes it easier to train. The poodle also LOVES to be around humans. They crave the opportunity to play and show off for their loved ones and are extremely affectionate. Now, the poodle has a naturally elevated need for activity, which means that regular exercise is a MUST for this breed. In order for a poodle to remain calm, it must be allowed the chance to release pent-up energy on a daily basis. For a pocket-sized poodle, this can be done by playing a few games in the house or taking a brisk walk or romp around the yard.
Because the poodle is so smart, they must also receive regular mental stimulation. In most cases, advanced obedience training works out very well, but thought-provoking games can work just as well. So instead of the mindless “fetch” routine, you could try hide and seek or have the dog fetch specific items by name. Although the poodle is very clever, it also has a sensitive tendency that must be soothed. A poodle can become lonely if left alone for too long and they can be especially upset by loud noises or raised voices.
Tips for Caring for a Pocket-Sized Pet
Caring for a pocket poodle is not a difficult task. Feeding, showing affection, grooming, and other general care requirements are pretty much the same as they are with other animals. The real difference when it comes to caring for a pocket-sized pet is the fragility of their body structure. Where an average-sized poodle can be expected to jump up and down on furniture with ease and, yes, even withstand having their paw accidently stepped on, the pocket variety are much more limited in this aspect. The bone and muscular structure of these pets are much more fragile than a typical dog and extra care must be taken to ensure that the dog does not jump to and from furniture or that it is treated too roughly. If you have small children that are incapable of understanding how to treat a fragile dog, then you may want to consider another breed.