[tangerineman]

I've only ever owned a Labrador Retriever, which of course has very short fur, and am seriously considering getting a miniature poodle as my next pet. Does anyone think I'll regret that decision as we enjoy taking many walks in rural areas - forests, wherever....will we be driven crazy trying to get rid of burrs?

I know a poodle will need to be clipped, but I'm remembering that even with a short-haired Lab we frequently needed to vacuum as they shed a surprising amount....

I'd really appreciate any thoughts you have on this. As you know, choosing a pet is a huge decision and I want to make the right one.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[gwtwmum2]

Poodles don't shed - so all the hair that you had to clean up after your lab won't be a problem with a poodle.

 

[tangerineman]

Hi, that's occurred to me - fur will have to be taken care of in the form of clipping and brushing, but it won't have to be taken care of in the form of vacuuming and sweeping.

I notice there's a lot of discussion about bathing on this forum. Is that because a lot of members have show dogs and are particular, or does a poodle in particular need more bathing than other dogs?

All comments appreciated

 

[tangerineman]

Teeth brushing also has been mentioned a few times. Do Poodles need more brushing than most dogs?

 

[Pamela]

Hi welcome! If you are used to labs why not get a standard poodle/ May be better for those walks in the woods. They love to run. Although our minis used to like to walk in the woods and run - but they are lazy now lol

 

[tangerineman]

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I think I want to go for a smaller breed this time 'round, one I can pick up if necessary, and one who doesn't need a whole seat in the van. It's been a difficult decision as I adore the Lab personality. Some breeds just seem to connect with people more. Labs fall in that category, and I'm hoping Poodles do as well - pass a Lab on the street and I swear they look you right in the eye and smile.

 

[Blue Fox]

My baby boy is only 5 months old (today actually) but I did alot of research before we got him and my undertanding is that they don't need anymore bathing or teeth brushing than your average dog.

They do require regular brushing between professional grooming visits. You can pretty much do as much or as little as you like eg. you can clip just face, feet and tail or do the whole dog yourself or you can just make sure he is kept matt free by brushing regularly and take him to a groomer for the rest.

I run a small boarding kennel and am teaching myself to grooming so T is very much the "face of our business" and he needs to look good all the time. I really enjoy the time we spend together grooming and I love him to look and smell freshly bathed and clipped so he always get a full going over weekly.

Forgot to add about burs and seeds - we have a rural block, 46 acres, and are in the middle of a drought so every night we pick grass seeds out of T's coat and check his paws for any sticking in. We just do this when we're all sitting on the couch, it's not such a big deal and if you do it nightly it doesn't take long. Once the house yard is finished we hope to only have to do this when we walk in the paddock.

 

[T o d d]

No problem with a poodle in the woods/rural area. No more work than your average dog.

Moose is a standard and weights right around 55lbs we were hoping he'd turn out a bit larger but he's pretty small for a male standard to us... so maybe a smaller standard would be good for you?

 

[Jako]

The burr situation depends a lot on how long the hair is. Less hair = Less work. And the non-shedding aspect is GREAT! I never have to sweep up dog hair.

 

[IPP]

A poodle can be kept in so many different cuts that you can find something that works well for you. Don't forget if the hair is kept short you can always put a coat/shirt/sweater on them to keep them warm for their walk.

I keep my poodles in a short clip so I only have to brush them once a week, but if its nippy outside they have something to help keep them warm on. We keep it very warm in our house (because of our hairless pets) so I don't keep their clothes on them all the time, although some poodles do love to wear clothes...but if you get them used to clothes they will tolerate them well for when they are needed.

I have had other breeds before, and I used to be one who thought poodles were a but too foo-foo for me...but after my allergies to pet dander got so bad I decided to try a poodle. Our 1st was a apricot named Punkin who is now 3 yrs old...she was raised with our middle child and treats him like a brother and our youngest like a son. They really are AWESOME dogs around kids...as long as you get one big enough so you don't have to worry about accidents!

I hope you do decide to get a poodle, you won't be sorry!

 

[tangerineman]

Going back through this forum to see if some other questions occurring to me have already been answered, and came upon this thread I started back in November.

I should update everyone.. I ended up deciding on a Toy Poodle, and thus far couldn't be happier with our little guy. The deciding factor (I guess that's obvious) was size, wanting a dog who would get to 15 lbs tops, leaving Miniatures out. It's reckoned this guy will reach 6 or 7 lbs, smaller than we had originally thought, but I think that'll be perfect for us. (why do I feel like I'm talking about a turkey here?)

We might have to get more that one if we want him to pull our dog sled (another thread)....but we're starting with one, ha ha.

Many thanks for all your comments and suggestions.

 

[IPP]

Glad to see you decided a poodle was for you! Hope to see TONS of pictures of him in the photo section! He looks like a little cutie!