Poodle Basics -
At a glance ....
Standard Poodles are part of the utility group and can be trained to become champions at agility , take over the show ring or a fun loving member of your family. Their beautiful coats can be groomed into very unique and beautiful signature styles.
Summary
*Group – AKC: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility
*Size – large
*Life expectancy – average of 13; ( range of 10-14 years )
*Cost of ownership – medium
*Ease of ownership – high
*Aggressive / protective tendency - medium
*Amount of Exercise – medium
*Amount of Grooming – high
*Ease of Training – high
*Obedience level - high
*Suitable for Children – medium
*Amount of Care Required - medium
*Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium
Appearance
The poodle is a very active refined-looking dog, with a slender muzzle and long neck., i The eyes should be very dark, oval in shape, and have an alert and intelligent expression. The ears should fold over close to the head, set at, or slightly below, eye level. The coat should be of naturally curly texture, dense throughout, although most AKC-registered show dogs have a lion-cut or other, similarly shaven look.
The coat is abundant and curly and is commonly styled into one of many defined Poodle cuts. The movement of the dog is graceful and lively, mainly due to their well-developed and robust thighs.
*Weight
Dog: 45 lbs to 70 lbs (20 – 32 kilos)
Bitch: 45 lbs to 60 lbs (20 – 27 kilos)
*Height
Dog: Over 15 inches (over 38 centimeters)
Bitch: Over 15 inches (over 38 centimeters)
At a glance ....
Standard Poodles are part of the utility group and can be trained to become champions at agility , take over the show ring or a fun loving member of your family. Their beautiful coats can be groomed into very unique and beautiful signature styles.
Summary
*Group – AKC: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility
*Size – large
*Life expectancy – average of 13; ( range of 10-14 years )
*Cost of ownership – medium
*Ease of ownership – high
*Aggressive / protective tendency - medium
*Amount of Exercise – medium
*Amount of Grooming – high
*Ease of Training – high
*Obedience level - high
*Suitable for Children – medium
*Amount of Care Required - medium
*Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium
Appearance
The poodle is a very active refined-looking dog, with a slender muzzle and long neck., i The eyes should be very dark, oval in shape, and have an alert and intelligent expression. The ears should fold over close to the head, set at, or slightly below, eye level. The coat should be of naturally curly texture, dense throughout, although most AKC-registered show dogs have a lion-cut or other, similarly shaven look.
The coat is abundant and curly and is commonly styled into one of many defined Poodle cuts. The movement of the dog is graceful and lively, mainly due to their well-developed and robust thighs.
*Weight
Dog: 45 lbs to 70 lbs (20 – 32 kilos)
Bitch: 45 lbs to 60 lbs (20 – 27 kilos)
*Height
Dog: Over 15 inches (over 38 centimeters)
Bitch: Over 15 inches (over 38 centimeters)
Coat
Poodles have either a solid-colored or parti-colored coat. The dogs have a wide variety of coloring, including white, black, brown, parti, silver, gray, silver beige, apricot, red, cream, sable, and patterns such as phantom and brindle.
For solid-colored poodles, the coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are preferred by registries, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait poodles have liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots, while the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, and amber eyes are permitted, but are not desirable. Incomplete color of nose, lips and eye rims, or a "mismatched" color are considered faults by registries.
Parti-colored poodles are recognized in poodle history as the original coloring of the poodle. A parti poodle has solid-colored patches over a white coat. The coat will usually be white and colored in equal amounts, though it can vary with a larger percent of white. Registries prefer that parti poodles have the same points as its correlating solid-colored descendants. Brown and white parti poodles have liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, dark or self-colored toenails and amber eyes. This is also permitted, but not preferred, in apricot and white parti poodles. Black/white, Blue/white, and silver/white poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes.
Phantom poodles have the coloring of a Doberman Pinscher, with a lighter color appearing on their "eyebrows", muzzle and throat, legs and feet and below their tail. Like Dobermans, phantom poodles have either a black or brown main coat with a tan (usually apricot or red) lighter colorings around the eyebrows, muzzle, throat, legs, feet, and below their tail.
When the dog has markings that resemble those of a tuxedo, it is called a "tuxedo" poodle. The upper coat is solid: head, back, tail; and the lower coat is white: neck, chest, abdomen, and legs, making up usually 40% or more of the coat.
*Coat texture
Unlike most dogs which have double coats, poodles have a single layer coat (no undercoat is present) composed of dense, curly fur that shed as minimally. They could be considered hypoallergenic (though not completely allergen free). The poodle does shed, but instead of the fur coming off the dog, it becomes tangled in the surrounding hair. This can lead to matting without proper care. Texture ranges from coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours/week for a Standard Poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down into lower-maintenance cuts as soon as their show careers are over. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show and require much less maintenance. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a poodle every six to eight weeks. Although professional grooming is often costly, poodles are easy to groom at home with the proper equipment.
Grooming
A poodle’s coat needs clipping every six to eight weeks. This breed sheds very little. A dog needs regular shampooing and the nails need to be trimmed every two to three weeks.
* Ease of grooming – medium
*Amount of grooming – high
Corded coat
In most cases, whether a poodle is in a pet or show clip, the hair is completely brushed out. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly poodle, corded poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. Any poodle with a normal coat can be corded when its adult coat is in. Corded poodles may be shown in all major kennel club shows.
Show clips
Many breed registries allow only certain clips for poodles shown in conformation. In American Kennel Club (AKC) shows, adults must be shown in the "Continental" or "English saddle" clips. Dogs under 12 months old may be shown with a "puppy clip". The AKC allows the "Sporting" clip in Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes, as well.
Some sources believe the show clips evolved from working clips, which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for less drag in the water. Others express skepticism at this theory, instead citing the French circus as the origin of the entertaining and unique clips.
Puppy Clip
The puppy clip is also called the Scandinavian clip . It was invented by Swedish and Norwegian show groomers in the 1970s. It is the most common one in all sizes for shows in Europe, and is allowed for adult poodles to be shown in the FCI countries. The face, throat, belly, feet and the base of the tail are shaved five to seven days before the show to get a nice, smooth appearance of the shaved areas. The hair on the head is left to form a "topknot", fixed in place using latex bands, because in most European countries, hair spray is banned. The rest of the dog is shaped with scissors. It makes the parts of the dog look fluffy.
Continental clip
In the continental clip, the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving "fluffy pompons" around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except for pompons on the lower leg (from the hock to the base of the foot) and optional round areas (sometimes called "rosettes") over the hips. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today.
English saddle clip
The English saddle clip is similar to the continental, except for the hindquarters, which are not shaved except for a small, curved area on each flank (just behind the body), the feet, and bands just below the stifle (knee) and above the hock, leaving four (4) pompons. This clip is now rarely seen in standard poodles.
Pet clips
Pet clips can be as simple or as elaborate as owners wish. The hair under the tail should always be kept short to keep feces from matting in the dog's curls. Most owners also keep the feet and face clipped short to prevent dirt from matting between toes, tear stains on lighter-coated poodles and food from matting around the dog's muzzle. Beyond these sanitary requirements, desired clips depend on owners' preferences. Some owners maintain a longer clip in winter than summer, which they groom often with a wire slicker brush to remove tangles and prevent matting.
Poodles have either a solid-colored or parti-colored coat. The dogs have a wide variety of coloring, including white, black, brown, parti, silver, gray, silver beige, apricot, red, cream, sable, and patterns such as phantom and brindle.
For solid-colored poodles, the coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are preferred by registries, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait poodles have liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots, while the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, and amber eyes are permitted, but are not desirable. Incomplete color of nose, lips and eye rims, or a "mismatched" color are considered faults by registries.
Parti-colored poodles are recognized in poodle history as the original coloring of the poodle. A parti poodle has solid-colored patches over a white coat. The coat will usually be white and colored in equal amounts, though it can vary with a larger percent of white. Registries prefer that parti poodles have the same points as its correlating solid-colored descendants. Brown and white parti poodles have liver-colored noses, eye rims and lips, dark or self-colored toenails and amber eyes. This is also permitted, but not preferred, in apricot and white parti poodles. Black/white, Blue/white, and silver/white poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes.
Phantom poodles have the coloring of a Doberman Pinscher, with a lighter color appearing on their "eyebrows", muzzle and throat, legs and feet and below their tail. Like Dobermans, phantom poodles have either a black or brown main coat with a tan (usually apricot or red) lighter colorings around the eyebrows, muzzle, throat, legs, feet, and below their tail.
When the dog has markings that resemble those of a tuxedo, it is called a "tuxedo" poodle. The upper coat is solid: head, back, tail; and the lower coat is white: neck, chest, abdomen, and legs, making up usually 40% or more of the coat.
*Coat texture
Unlike most dogs which have double coats, poodles have a single layer coat (no undercoat is present) composed of dense, curly fur that shed as minimally. They could be considered hypoallergenic (though not completely allergen free). The poodle does shed, but instead of the fur coming off the dog, it becomes tangled in the surrounding hair. This can lead to matting without proper care. Texture ranges from coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours/week for a Standard Poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down into lower-maintenance cuts as soon as their show careers are over. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show and require much less maintenance. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a poodle every six to eight weeks. Although professional grooming is often costly, poodles are easy to groom at home with the proper equipment.
Grooming
A poodle’s coat needs clipping every six to eight weeks. This breed sheds very little. A dog needs regular shampooing and the nails need to be trimmed every two to three weeks.
* Ease of grooming – medium
*Amount of grooming – high
Corded coat
In most cases, whether a poodle is in a pet or show clip, the hair is completely brushed out. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly poodle, corded poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. Any poodle with a normal coat can be corded when its adult coat is in. Corded poodles may be shown in all major kennel club shows.
Show clips
Many breed registries allow only certain clips for poodles shown in conformation. In American Kennel Club (AKC) shows, adults must be shown in the "Continental" or "English saddle" clips. Dogs under 12 months old may be shown with a "puppy clip". The AKC allows the "Sporting" clip in Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes, as well.
Some sources believe the show clips evolved from working clips, which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for less drag in the water. Others express skepticism at this theory, instead citing the French circus as the origin of the entertaining and unique clips.
Puppy Clip
The puppy clip is also called the Scandinavian clip . It was invented by Swedish and Norwegian show groomers in the 1970s. It is the most common one in all sizes for shows in Europe, and is allowed for adult poodles to be shown in the FCI countries. The face, throat, belly, feet and the base of the tail are shaved five to seven days before the show to get a nice, smooth appearance of the shaved areas. The hair on the head is left to form a "topknot", fixed in place using latex bands, because in most European countries, hair spray is banned. The rest of the dog is shaped with scissors. It makes the parts of the dog look fluffy.
Continental clip
In the continental clip, the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving "fluffy pompons" around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except for pompons on the lower leg (from the hock to the base of the foot) and optional round areas (sometimes called "rosettes") over the hips. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today.
English saddle clip
The English saddle clip is similar to the continental, except for the hindquarters, which are not shaved except for a small, curved area on each flank (just behind the body), the feet, and bands just below the stifle (knee) and above the hock, leaving four (4) pompons. This clip is now rarely seen in standard poodles.
Pet clips
Pet clips can be as simple or as elaborate as owners wish. The hair under the tail should always be kept short to keep feces from matting in the dog's curls. Most owners also keep the feet and face clipped short to prevent dirt from matting between toes, tear stains on lighter-coated poodles and food from matting around the dog's muzzle. Beyond these sanitary requirements, desired clips depend on owners' preferences. Some owners maintain a longer clip in winter than summer, which they groom often with a wire slicker brush to remove tangles and prevent matting.
Training
The Poodle’s intelligence makes him eager to learn. In fact, this explains why Poodles are able to be skilled circus and street act performers. The Poodle is unusually sensitive to the sound of a human voice, which may be one reason to explain the dog’s train-ability. Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their Poodles excel in obedience trials, fly-ball and agility.
In order to achieve successful Poodle training, positive reinforcement needs to be used and not the old leash/collar tugging method of training. Modern training calls for rewarding and praising the Poodle for doing every action correctly.
Positive reinforcement encourages the poodle to think and work things out. Clicker training uses the clicker to “mark” or “tell the poodle” that what they are doing at that particular moment is what is required of them.
Obedience – high
Obedience Training
Why Train Your Dog?
Dogs by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog’s pack, your new dog will look to you - the leader of the pack - for guidance. Leadership can be established in a firm but friendly manner. Keep in mind that it is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior!
Much like people, every dog is different and training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family.
Training will:
* Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking, and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.
* Deepen the bond between you and your dog, and to increase the enjoyment, companionship, and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.
* Ensure your dog’s safety and happiness.
* Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community.
* Allow you to enjoy the fun and excitement of competing in AKC Obedience, tracking and agility trials, among other activities. You and your dog can earn certificates and titles while you continue to strengthen your communication and
teamwork.
Types of Training Classes
* Puppy Class - A developmental training course for the 3 to 5 month-old puppy. A puppy class emphasizes socialization with people and other puppies. Instructors usually offer information on growth, nutrition, grooming, housebreaking and problem-solving and teach basic household commands.
* Basic Class - A basic training course for dogs 5-to-6 months and older, aimed at training you to train your dog. The Basic class emphasizes the essential training commands needed to make a dog a good companion: heel on a loose leash, sit, stand, down, stay in position, and come when called. Instructors also usually provide information on nutrition, grooming and problem-solving. This basic training is important in keeping your dog safe.
* Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class - May be a separate class or a part of a beginner class at AKC clubs and other organizations. CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. Your dog will need to know the commands and exercises taught in a basic training class to qualify for a passing score on the CGC test. Dogs that pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the AKC and are recorded in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Archive.
* Training Classes for Competition Events - A variety of classes that prepare students and their dogs for competition in
obedience, rally, agility, tracking and other AKC events. You will be instructed in the levels of competition and titles available, how to teach your dog the required exercises, and the regulation that apply when your are competing.
Exercise required
The Standard Poodle needs daily exercise. They are comfortable in water and love to go for walks. They will also take great pleasure in being allowed to play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard has maintained his natural sporting instinct, has great stamina and needs a more significant work-out than the smaller Poodle varieties.
*Energy – high
Amount required – 30 -60 minutes per day. Exercise can include a walk and/or a session of fetch in the yard or park
Care
Poodles are prone to ear infections. Their full, floppy ears unfortunately have the best conditions for yeast and bacteria. Healthy poodle ears should be frequently rid of dirt and plucked free of hair (which is painless if done properly). This can help prevent infections.
Poodles can be expensive to maintain. Potential owners need to not only consider how much they can afford to give in terms of the attention the dog needs, but also the cost of having them professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks and annual vet exams.
Character
Far from the delicate-dog misconception, the Poodle is actually an agile sports lover. They are known for being among the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent dog breeds. Lively and playful, they are a dog that has an insatiable love of life.
*Separation Anxiety – medium
*Barking tendency - high
*Aggressive tendency – low
*Compatibility with other animals – high
*Suitable for children – medium
*Watchdog suitability - high
Temperament
This breed’s marking and hunting instincts tend to be displayed more often compared to other breeds. Poodles are not content sitting by their master’s feet, since their energy and interest for the world around them preoccupies most of their time. Bored poodles can become destructive when left to their own devices.
Poodles are people-oriented and are simply eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs and Standard Poodles are good playmates for more sensible children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train.
The Poodle’s intelligence makes him eager to learn. In fact, this explains why Poodles are able to be skilled circus and street act performers. The Poodle is unusually sensitive to the sound of a human voice, which may be one reason to explain the dog’s train-ability. Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their Poodles excel in obedience trials, fly-ball and agility.
In order to achieve successful Poodle training, positive reinforcement needs to be used and not the old leash/collar tugging method of training. Modern training calls for rewarding and praising the Poodle for doing every action correctly.
Positive reinforcement encourages the poodle to think and work things out. Clicker training uses the clicker to “mark” or “tell the poodle” that what they are doing at that particular moment is what is required of them.
Obedience – high
Obedience Training
Why Train Your Dog?
Dogs by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog’s pack, your new dog will look to you - the leader of the pack - for guidance. Leadership can be established in a firm but friendly manner. Keep in mind that it is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior!
Much like people, every dog is different and training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family.
Training will:
* Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking, and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.
* Deepen the bond between you and your dog, and to increase the enjoyment, companionship, and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.
* Ensure your dog’s safety and happiness.
* Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community.
* Allow you to enjoy the fun and excitement of competing in AKC Obedience, tracking and agility trials, among other activities. You and your dog can earn certificates and titles while you continue to strengthen your communication and
teamwork.
Types of Training Classes
* Puppy Class - A developmental training course for the 3 to 5 month-old puppy. A puppy class emphasizes socialization with people and other puppies. Instructors usually offer information on growth, nutrition, grooming, housebreaking and problem-solving and teach basic household commands.
* Basic Class - A basic training course for dogs 5-to-6 months and older, aimed at training you to train your dog. The Basic class emphasizes the essential training commands needed to make a dog a good companion: heel on a loose leash, sit, stand, down, stay in position, and come when called. Instructors also usually provide information on nutrition, grooming and problem-solving. This basic training is important in keeping your dog safe.
* Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class - May be a separate class or a part of a beginner class at AKC clubs and other organizations. CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. Your dog will need to know the commands and exercises taught in a basic training class to qualify for a passing score on the CGC test. Dogs that pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the AKC and are recorded in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Archive.
* Training Classes for Competition Events - A variety of classes that prepare students and their dogs for competition in
obedience, rally, agility, tracking and other AKC events. You will be instructed in the levels of competition and titles available, how to teach your dog the required exercises, and the regulation that apply when your are competing.
Exercise required
The Standard Poodle needs daily exercise. They are comfortable in water and love to go for walks. They will also take great pleasure in being allowed to play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard has maintained his natural sporting instinct, has great stamina and needs a more significant work-out than the smaller Poodle varieties.
*Energy – high
Amount required – 30 -60 minutes per day. Exercise can include a walk and/or a session of fetch in the yard or park
Care
Poodles are prone to ear infections. Their full, floppy ears unfortunately have the best conditions for yeast and bacteria. Healthy poodle ears should be frequently rid of dirt and plucked free of hair (which is painless if done properly). This can help prevent infections.
Poodles can be expensive to maintain. Potential owners need to not only consider how much they can afford to give in terms of the attention the dog needs, but also the cost of having them professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks and annual vet exams.
Character
Far from the delicate-dog misconception, the Poodle is actually an agile sports lover. They are known for being among the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent dog breeds. Lively and playful, they are a dog that has an insatiable love of life.
*Separation Anxiety – medium
*Barking tendency - high
*Aggressive tendency – low
*Compatibility with other animals – high
*Suitable for children – medium
*Watchdog suitability - high
Temperament
This breed’s marking and hunting instincts tend to be displayed more often compared to other breeds. Poodles are not content sitting by their master’s feet, since their energy and interest for the world around them preoccupies most of their time. Bored poodles can become destructive when left to their own devices.
Poodles are people-oriented and are simply eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs and Standard Poodles are good playmates for more sensible children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train.
Food
When it comes to quality commercial dog food, the first ingredient owners need to look for is meat. Do not purchase food that contains corn or meat by-products. Crude protein should be no less than 21 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.
An alternative to ready-made food is the raw food diet, which is in many ways more superior to the former. An example recipe is to grind the following: carrots, parsley, zucchini, celery or just about any leftover veggies from your own dinners. Remember that dogs are sensitive in particular to chocolate and onions and Poodles are no exception.
Be sure to feed your Standard Poodle two to three small meals per day as opposed to the traditional one to two larger ones. This will help prevent bloat.
I feed a high quality, low protein, grain free ,all Natural puppy food to my puppies. Standard poodles should grow slowly, not so fast as it is not healthy for them. Too much protein will cause them to grow to quickly!
When it comes to quality commercial dog food, the first ingredient owners need to look for is meat. Do not purchase food that contains corn or meat by-products. Crude protein should be no less than 21 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.
An alternative to ready-made food is the raw food diet, which is in many ways more superior to the former. An example recipe is to grind the following: carrots, parsley, zucchini, celery or just about any leftover veggies from your own dinners. Remember that dogs are sensitive in particular to chocolate and onions and Poodles are no exception.
Be sure to feed your Standard Poodle two to three small meals per day as opposed to the traditional one to two larger ones. This will help prevent bloat.
I feed a high quality, low protein, grain free ,all Natural puppy food to my puppies. Standard poodles should grow slowly, not so fast as it is not healthy for them. Too much protein will cause them to grow to quickly!
.
Male Vs Female
So you've done your research and decided on a Standard Poodle. You've asked many questions and seen how the puppies are raised, you've met the breeder and the parents of the puppies and you're ready to make your choice. Your pick should be based on a matching personality with the puppy in question. How does the puppy react to you and your family, and kids? The sex of the puppy should be your last consideration. Why?
Most people have a huge misconception on sexes and personalities. Most feel a female is a sweet, loving dog who is a caretaker of puppies and children. Well, that's not always so--they aren't called bit** for nothing! Female dogs are nice; I like my girls and I'm pretty sure they like me. They come to me and get attention, and then they move away and are content to lie on the other side of the room. Perhaps this matches your personality perfectly--maybe you want a dog that isn't overly affectionate. Girls take training seriously, and most are very good at obedience. Females can be alpha dogs just as easily as a male can. Spayed females, of course, make a much better family pet than unspayed females do. Boys tend to get a bad rap because, in your mind, you remember the neighbor's disgusting unaltered male dog lifting his leg on every bush in the neighborhood and doing nasty "boy" things. Male dogs that are intended to be family pets NEED to be neutered at an early age (5 months old). When you do YOUR part, you have an absolutely wonderful family member. They usually squat to piddle, never develop any type of nasty habit and are extremely loving dogs. Where your girls will get their attention and go lie down, a boy will stay near you. He likes to be with his person, he likes to be loved on; he is "devoted" to you. Yes, he takes his training seriously. But then he likes to have FUN, he likes to play in the yard--he doesn't like to take life too seriously all the time! So before you choose a dog based on its sex only, consider the other elements. Are you the type of person who likes an independent dog, or one who prefers a dog that worships the ground you walk on? Of course there is the exception to every rule and the amount of time you spend with your puppy will make a huge difference in his or her personality. My suggestion is to spend time with your potential choice at the breeder's, but don't ignore a potential 'perfect match' for you because it may not be the sex you originally sought!
Most people have a huge misconception on sexes and personalities. Most feel a female is a sweet, loving dog who is a caretaker of puppies and children. Well, that's not always so--they aren't called bit** for nothing! Female dogs are nice; I like my girls and I'm pretty sure they like me. They come to me and get attention, and then they move away and are content to lie on the other side of the room. Perhaps this matches your personality perfectly--maybe you want a dog that isn't overly affectionate. Girls take training seriously, and most are very good at obedience. Females can be alpha dogs just as easily as a male can. Spayed females, of course, make a much better family pet than unspayed females do. Boys tend to get a bad rap because, in your mind, you remember the neighbor's disgusting unaltered male dog lifting his leg on every bush in the neighborhood and doing nasty "boy" things. Male dogs that are intended to be family pets NEED to be neutered at an early age (5 months old). When you do YOUR part, you have an absolutely wonderful family member. They usually squat to piddle, never develop any type of nasty habit and are extremely loving dogs. Where your girls will get their attention and go lie down, a boy will stay near you. He likes to be with his person, he likes to be loved on; he is "devoted" to you. Yes, he takes his training seriously. But then he likes to have FUN, he likes to play in the yard--he doesn't like to take life too seriously all the time! So before you choose a dog based on its sex only, consider the other elements. Are you the type of person who likes an independent dog, or one who prefers a dog that worships the ground you walk on? Of course there is the exception to every rule and the amount of time you spend with your puppy will make a huge difference in his or her personality. My suggestion is to spend time with your potential choice at the breeder's, but don't ignore a potential 'perfect match' for you because it may not be the sex you originally sought!