“Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails — that’s what little boys are made of.”
— Early nineteenth century nursery rhyme
There comes a time in just about every dad’s life when his son will ask him for a pet. And, since dog is man’s best friend, it would seem cruel to deny even the littlest boy a canine companion to call his own.
For many fathers, choosing the right family dog can be daunting. But, when in doubt, it is always wise to pick a poodle.
Although I am not an animal expert, I am writing from personal experience. As a young boy, I had wanted a dog. In school, I wrote stories about dogs and drew pictures of dogs. Finally, my second grade teacher said, during a conference with my parents, “Get the boy a dog!” That same year, I was given the cutest puppy that I ever did see: a white toy poodle with a heart of gold.
Aside from being absolutely adorable, poodles are hygienic and hypoallergenic; they neither shed their own hair nor cause allergic reactions in people. These gentle, intelligent, affectionate, and obedient canines come in four different sizes — teacup; toy, like mine; miniature; and standard — and make for wonderful pets.
It is important to note that — like newborns, infants, and toddlers — poodles are often fearful of strangers. As such, they possess a rather high-strung demeanor and may be inclined to bark at unfamiliar humans, as well as other animals. This is just how they go about keeping trespassers off their property and their owners out of harm’s way.
At the end of the day, poodles want nothing more than to be with their families. In fact, teacups and toys are quite fond of sitting on laps and being held. And, as long as these dogs promise to remain on their best behavior, because of their small size, certain airlines and hotels are happy to accommodate them.
There is no denying that little boys and poodles can get away with things that larger creatures of their kind cannot. Both love to play and will enjoy doing so together. So, when the time is right, get the boy a dog. Better yet, make it a poodle. 
Image credit: Tracy Allison Altman
Jared Scott Tesler is a Rochester-area freelance writer.
I’m glad my wife doesn’t read the father life cause I have a feeling she’d be asking for a poodle right about now. But I can guarantee if I am coerced into buying a dog, a poodle will be on the list.
Jared, Great article! Glad you liked this photo — it’s a capture of our neighbor boy and my friend’s standard poodle. (I also have a silver standard poodle — you can only glimpse him in the lower left of the photo.) Poodles are the best. Keep up the good work. –Tracy