Description:
This is Roadster the Miniature Poodle. This was one saaaaaad looking dog when we got him. Would you believe that his owner left him in a shopping cart at the East Colonial Petsmart? How heartless is that? All I can think of is how this little guy watch is owner walk off, and wonder how long he stared at the door before her realized that no one was coming back for him. Fortunately, he was found by Steve, the superb manager of the store. Steve called Judy and said, "You'll never believe what I am holding in my arms." Well, when Judy heard the story, she dashed right down and got this baby. What a mess he was. I can't even guess how long it had been since Roadster had gotten a hair cut ~ you couldn't even see his eyes! (Did you know that Poodles are missing the genetic code that defines how long their coat will be, therefore it just keeps growing. That's why they are known as non-shedders) I happened to meet Judy at Fifi's when she was dropping Rowster off to be groomed. When I saw him, my reaction was, "Oh my word! What is that?" You gotta realize, here folks, that Judy is standing there with this mass of gray fur that I can't even make out a face, plus she had Rowster in a sweater. Really, I though she had taken up knitting and was holding a big ball of yarn. Well, the talented folks at Fifi's gave Roadster a wonderful spa day and he emerged, happy and beautiful, sporting a mohawk! Ha! Now all he needs is his loving family and all will be right in the world again....

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place in the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water. The Poodle was used as a gun dog and originally was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help him swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breed's high intelligence, trainability, and innate showmanship, and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breed's common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle was called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything. Some of the Miniature Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdogging, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
The Miniature Poodle is a cheerful, super smart, sensitive and highly trainable companion dog. The breed is great at learning tricks, and a favorite in the circus ring. The Poodle will feel slighted if it is left out of family activities. He is very amusing and clever. Many owners feel this dog understands speech in an uncanny way. Some love to play with children, but some are sensitive and nervous. They can be somewhat high-strung. Be careful where you buy your puppy. Purchase from parents you have met and liked, and even ask to see the grandparents if possible. They tend to be quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. They do tend to bark a lot. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. They have a life-expectancy of 12-15 years.