Facts About Poodles

The Poodle is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in America. Poodles are highly intelligent, adaptable and have a good sense of humor. They come in three sizes, many colors, don’t shed and are tolerated by many allergy sufferers. With so many wonderful qualities, it is easy to understand why the Poodle has so many admirers.

According to breed scholars, the Poodle’s origins most likely took place in Germany where it was known as PUDELIN (meaning “to splash”) because of its love of water. It was the French, however, who honored the dog – at home, in court circles and on the battlefield thus earning the dog the popular, but incorrect title, “French Poodle”.

The Standard Poodle is usually between 21” and 27” at the shoulder, with females leaning towards the lower end of the range. The Standard, originally a water retriever, is now enjoying a myriad of roles: hospital therapy dog, hunting dog and loyal, intelligent companion. He is ideal for those individuals who prefer a larger dog.

The Miniature Poodle is the medium size variety. Ideally not taller than 15” at the shoulder, this sturdy size is small enough to suit apartment living and large enough to be a rough and tumble child’s companion.

The Toy Poodle is the smallest. It is popular with apartment owners, retired people who enjoy traveling with their pet and those who prefer a very small dog. The Toy Poodle should not be taller than 10” at the shoulder.

Grooming: The “Show” trims that receive controversial reactions from people are actually based on the evolution of the breed. History and period artwork indicates that Poodles were water retrievers in Germany. At that time, Poodles were groomed with hair over the critical organs in the chest, including the lung area. Hair was also left over the kidneys (now interpreted as the two “rosettes” of the show cut) and on the key joints of the poodle (ankles and knee joints) – known now as the “bracelets” on the legs. These cuts have now been exaggerated to the extreme and we tease and hair-spray show dogs in preparation for the conformation ring. This exaggeration has also resulted in very high topknots and neck hair.

Today there are many attractive and functional cuts for the pet poodle. We keep our poodles in the Lamb trim, but many people prefer the kennel trim which is shorter and easier to care for.

Poodle Colors: Poodles are available in Black, White, Cream, Silver, Apricot, Red, Brown and Blue. Parti Poodles are disqualified for Conformation as the AKC breed standard clearly state.

Advantages to Owning a Poodle

• Three sizes from which to choose
• Highly intelligent and adaptable
• Delightful, clever temperament
• People oriented
• Non-shedding
• Breed of choice for many allergy sufferers
• Many colors from which to choose
• Beauty – Agility – Intelligence