Poodle
History and Popularity
– Poodle likely originated in Germany in the Middle Ages
– German name ‘Poodle’ derived from Low German word puddeln, meaning to splash
– French name ‘Caniche’ indicates the breed descended from the Barbet
– Poodles used by waterfowlers to retrieve game and recover lost arrows
– Similar dogs depicted in German and French artwork from the 17th century
– Poodle recognized by Kennel Club of the United Kingdom in 1874 and American Kennel Club in 1886
– Poodles gained popularity in the United States after Poodle Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace won best in show at Westminster in 1935
– Poodles became AKC’s most registered breed from 1960 to 1982
– Poodles have won best in show at Westminster 10 times
– Poodle is the third-most popular FCI registered breed worldwide as of 2012
Size Variants
– Poodles were selectively bred down in size for use in circuses
– Miniature Poodle created for easier handling and transport in traveling circuses
– Toy Poodle created as a popular companion dog
– Initial breeding for dwarfed size resulted in disfigured and behaviorally problematic pups
– Teacup Poodle attempts resulted in serious genetic abnormalities and were abandoned
Description and Appearance
– Poodles are an active, athletic breed with different sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy
– Standard Poodle stands between 45 and 62 centimeters in height
– Poodles have thick, curly coats that require grooming every four to eight weeks
– Poodles are often considered hypoallergenic, but research shows no significant difference in allergens across breeds
– Poodles can be shown in various clips, including the Continental, English Saddle, and Sporting clips
– Standard Poodle weighs between 20 and 32 kilograms
– Miniature Poodle weighs between 12 and 14 kilograms
– Toy Poodle weighs between 6.5 and 7.5 kilograms
– Poodles have thick, curly coats with harsh fur
– Poodles can be groomed in different styles, such as the Continental clip and Sporting clip
Temperament and Health
– Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable
– They rank high in working and obedience intelligence
– Poodles are active dogs that require regular physical and mental stimulation
– Shyness or sharpness is considered a serious fault in the breed
– Poodles are protective of their families and good with children
– Poodles have a comparatively healthy overall breed, with a life expectancy of 10-18 years
– They suffer from hereditary diseases due to inbreeding
– Common hereditary diseases in Poodles include sebaceous adenitis and Addison’s disease
– The breeding focused on popular bloodlines created a genetic bottleneck
– Standard Poodles are closely related due to inbreeding
Work and Sport
– Poodles were originally bred for waterfowl hunting
– They are currently classified as companion dogs by the FCI
– Some breeders have been selecting Poodles with drive for birds to revive the breed for hunting
– Poodles excel in obedience training and do well in agility and rally
– They are popular service dog breeds and have been used as working dogs in the militaryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle