Edie MacKenzie On Dogs

Posts Tagged ‘Standard Poodle’

Poodle Pups are certainly adorable, but they are a lot of work. Repeat: They are a lot of work! It will take time and effort to teach your puppy the ropes: house-training, manners, grooming, and socializing. If you’re home a lot, perhaps you work from a home office or you are a stay-at home parent, a puppy could be a good bet since you may be able to supervise and acclimate your new friend better.

As well, puppies almost invariably are a bit more playful, and you can develop his personality to your liking. Remember, too, that the first year of a dog’s life is an expensive one! However, if you’re not up to the tireless effort that puppies require, consider adopting an adult Poodle. You can find many available at rescue organizations and sometimes at animal shelters. With an adult dog, you’re past house-training, crying, jumping, and chewing – hopefully.

Adult Poodles also come with a developed personality, which can be wonderful. When it comes to the choice between a male or female Poodle, you’ll encounter proponents of each sex. Some believe female Poodles bond more closely to men and vice versa. In general, enthusiasts say a female Poodle has the attitude of “what can you do for me?” while the male Poodle has the attitude of “what can I do for you?” The Poodle is a one-breed-fits-all in terms of size. What’s so cool about the Poodle is that there’s a size to fit anyone or any household!

The Toy variety is popular among individuals with limited space. Though small in size, the Toy is hardy in stature and has all the heart and spirit of a big dog. Toys can be trained to do just about anything except play the retrieving game. Because of its small size, Toys are sometimes overly spoiled and babied by their owners. Like all dogs, Toys need training and proper socialization.

Because of its tiny size, the Toy may not be a good choice for a family with young children. Larger Poodles are better able to handle the normal roughhousing that goes along with kids. If properly supervised, though, a Toy can fit nicely into a family home.

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The Miniature Poodle, larger and sturdier than the Toy but not a big dog, is also popular among individuals with limited space, and travels well, too. For those who love big dogs and Poodles, the Standard variety is an excellent choice. Exercise and activity requirements are greater than for smaller varieties, but a 100-acre ranch is not a necessity. A Standard can live comfortably in the city with daily romps in the park. Maintenance costs go up with each variety. Toy, Miniature, or Standard. Obviously, it costs more to feed and groom a Standard Poodle than it does to groom a Toy or Mini.

Tumors of the brain and spinal cord are seen with relative infrequency in senior dogs, the former having a higher incidence in boxers and Boston terriers

Symptoms will vary depending on the actual location and size of the tumor but will often include dullness, staggering, pressing the head against a wall, walking in circles, convulsions, or just weakness in one or more legs.

In the hands of a competent veterinary neurosurgeon, many spinal tumors can be removed if detected before permanent damage has been done to the spinal cord in senior dogs.

Chemotherapy is sometimes needed for senior dogs and a brief period following such an operation. Brain tumors can only occasionally be removed, as most are inoperable due either to their size or location within the brain.

Such was the case with my dog TiTi, a gentle and ever so lovable standard poodle. Within a period of only one week he became suddenly aggressive, growled often at his owner, developed an insatiable appetite, and finally had a severe convulsive seizure.

In consultation with a veterinary neurologist, an inoperable brain tumor was diagnosed. Medication controlled the symptoms and improved the dog’s behavior for almost a month, then seizures started again, but with increased frequency and severity. Medication was ineffective at any dose and TiTi was euthanized.

This could happen to any dog but are most common in senior dogs.