Grooming Extensive grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and protection to the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip - the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling.
Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers.
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 Poodle was used as a gun dog and originally was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl.