Health concerns in Poodles:
As in all dogs , including mixed breeds, there are many inherited diseases that affect poodles. Many are specific to Toy and Miniature breeds.
The below site has a comprehensive discussion of all the diseases that affect all sizes of Poodles. Many can be tested for.
https://poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns/
I routinely test my poodle for DM, NE, vWd, ( these are genetic tests that are done with a cheek swab) . I do an Echo-cardiogram to check the hearts of all my poodles ( some problems can be silent so I do not trust the simpler auscultation), I check hips with pen hip and do elbows at the same time. The dogs have to be put under anesthesia for these x-rays. I have their bites checked to have documentation of normal teeth and bite. After age 4 I start checking thyroid hormone levels unless I see a reason to check earlier. I have started checking PRA, though this is an expensive test and this is a problem in miniature poodles only. I also check eyes on all my dogs.
Health is a major concern and testing is important. Unfortunately not all diseases can be tested for, that is why improving the diversity within the breed will help the overall robustness and vitality of the all breeds. The research has shown that the more diversified the dog the less likely the are to develop Addison’s or sebaceous addenitous. By doing test breeding and improving each litter we improve the health of the poodle breed as a whole.
Poodle Grooming
Grooming Poodles
Coat Color And Grooming
The Poodle is a non-shedding breed, and a good choice for people with allergies. Many allergic people are able to keep a Poodle with no reaction.
The coat comes in many colors, including blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream. The hair is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes. If your dog is going to compete in the show ring, however, you can't go too wild with the styling; the American Kennel Club allows four specific clip styles for Poodles in conformation competitions.
Grooming a Poodle isn't for the faint of heart. Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. He requires regular grooming, every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat in good condition. If you are considering a Poodle, consider the upkeep of the coat and expense of grooming.
Don't be scared, though. There are many ways to style the coat for easier care. In fact, many owners simply shave it off.
That said, easy care doesn't mean without care. Even when clipped short, your Poodle will need to be brushed, bathed, and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat clean, short, and tangle free.
Most owners pay a professional groomer, but if you're dedicated and have the time, you can learn to groom your Poodle yourself. You'll need a good set of electric clippers and blades, a quality pair of scissors, brush, comb, toenail trimmer, and a good how-to grooming book or video — there are many on the market just for Poodle owners.
Even if you let a professional handle the complicated stuff, your Poodle needs daily brushing. Because Poodles don't shed like other breeds, loose hair collects in the coats, and unless it's brushed out daily, the hair will mat very quickly.
Many Poodles have weepy eyes that stain the hair under their eyes. The lighter your dog's coat, the more noticeable the tear stains. Brown, Black and blue do not have problem with staining under the eyes. To cut down on staining, wipe around the eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dampened with warm water.
Be sure to check your Poodle's ears often every week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection, then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Breeds with drop-down ears are prone to ear infections because the ear canal stays dark and moist. Also, hair grows in the Poodle's ear canal. Sometimes, this hair needs to be plucked. Ask your groomer or veterinarian if it's necessary for your dog.
Brush your Poodle's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. I give my dogs meaty bones once or twice a week and this cleans my dogs teeth. My dogs are large and I have not had any trouble with it. I do not feed cooked bones that can splinted.
Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from getting scratched when your Poodle enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.
Begin accustoming your Poodle to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Read more at https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle#OT5QfhyY0Gk38yq4.99