Only for the Genius Poodle: From Water Dog to Circus Dog to Companion
All dog breeds have their instincts wired in such a way that each can serve or help his human companions in some way. Some of this help can be through a role that needs filling, or an occupation that needs the canine versatility. As other dog breeds have done, poodles have learned to adapt to being companions, after centuries, or perhaps more than a millennium of working history. And just like other dog breeds, the skills that made them fit well into their new occupations are now helping and assisting them to be better house pets for life.
One of the oldest known work roles of the poodle, and most likely the task for which it was actually bred for, was as a water dog. Hunters would bring along the ancestors of the modern poodles, and the dog’s duty was to bring back the quarry that lands in the water. Today, the poodle’s coat in fact has a lot of similarities with that of the Portuguese Water Dog. Just like many hunting breeds, the poodle is also smart, and is very nimble with his feet. Thus even centuries ago, the poodle was already showing versatility as duck dog, or bait for fowl, or field hunting parter. With a little poodle training, the breed proved to be very up to snuff in these assignments.
The dog’s patience for and attention to hunting implies that it was a very loyal companion to its humans. This further meant that the dog made a good companion in the battlefield. So we get to hear often of dogs going into battle together with their masters, saving their masters from deaths, and guarding army supplies. Aside from military and hunting ends, poodles have also served in many other occupations. Their good sense of smell has been exploited in gathering edible fungi like truffle. And many breed experts even think that closely-related dogs may have helped herd sheep and other livestock animals.
Nowadays, poodles are known the world over for being affectionate, dedicated, and colorful companions to the family, and this is largely due to their broad spectrum of abilities and skills. They enjoy being with children and other animals. In order to keep this dog’s out of boredom’s way and also to keep them learning, they need exercise, play and standard poodle training, which will also keep their family entertained for hours. The poodle is a dog breed that will “read” into the moods of its owners so it can decide on the best way to please their owners, and all they ask is attention and affection in return.
Mail this post