| History | Poodle, Were, His, Poodles, Have History HISTORY OF YOUR POODLE Information Presented By PoodleMaineia Kennel 2008 Some trace the Poodle back to Roman times through bas-reliefs, mosaics and paintings, but unfortunately none of these exist now, and no mention is made of it in Roman writings, as is true of some other dogs. So we must look to the Middle Ages as a starting point. Of the three different-sized Poodle, the standard is undoubtedly the oldest because it had a purpose, that of being a water retriever. Back in the days when wild game, especially waterfowl, was valued as meat for the table everyone prized a dog that helped to obtain it. During the Feudalistic Middle Ages the noblemen controlled the land and all the rights to it, including the privilege of hunting. The finest dogs belonged to them, and these were often exchanged as gifts and present with other noblemen in distant lands. At times they were even demanded as ransom as part of a military victory, and of course they were often used to gain the ear of a lord or a duke when asking a favor.

The Poodle was undoubtedly held in high esteem, for it appears in the art and writings of so many countries in the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Over and over again we meet the Poodle in Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, England, even the Low Countries of Belgium and Holland - from Durer in 1510 to Goya and Landseer, the renowned English animal painter, to Toulouse-Lautrec. Landseer painted his famous "Laying Down the Law", which is dear to the hearts of all Poodle breeders, for it shows a judicious white Standard Poodle giving a legal lecture to several other breeds of dogs on their transgressions. Toulouse-Lautrec painted the circus Poodle, a black tuft gamin which he knew so well. Writers too have used the Poodle. In 1780 Goethe portrayed Mephistopheles as returning to earth as a black Poodle, and stories of other Poodles lace through literature from Dickens to Alexander Woollcott. No other breed can claim to have reached such high favor in so many different places as the Poodle.

In fact, most of the other breeds trace their origin back to one specific country, even a tiny area of that country - the Weimaraner from Germany and the Brittany spaniel from France, for example. But not the Poodle. He really seems to be ubiquitous, probably helped along by sea captains and circus performers who dealt in dogs on the side, carrying them to and from various ports and cities to sell to wealthy noblemen and merchants. Undoubtedly the two features, which made the Poodle different from other dogs and accounted for its extraordinary growth, were its coat and intelligence. Its wiry, almost waterproof coat was ideal protection for hunting around marshes and rivers. When someone clipped its hindquarters, supposedly to allow it more mobility in water, leaving a longhaired ruff around the chest and heart for protection and buoyancy, there lay the base for the chic haircuts and grooming procedures we have today. Where looks might have made him merely a fad, his brains and sense of humor endeared him to both royalty and the bourgeois. First written mention of the Poodle as a breed appeared in northern Germany and western Russia.

In 1524, the German writer Gesner describes a dog called a Pudel as a retriever, specifically for waterfowl, in which task, he says; the dog has no superior. In fact the German word Pudel, from whence comes our word Poodle, means to splash in water. A large dog similar to our standard of today, he was usually black or brown, occasionally white, particularly the Russian variety. In Belgium and Holland he was known as Poedel and used for the same purpose. In France, the large Poodle was first known as the Barbet, the origin of which word is confusing. It may relate to the French word barb, meaning, "Bearded", or to a species of bearded duck known to have existed in France in early times, or to the Barbary Coast (North Africa, specifically Morocco). This last point doesn't seem to make sense until you realize the sultans of Morocco were great animal breeders of ten thousand horses; at this stable were most likely Godolphin breeders. One sultan in the early 18th century owned a stable Arabian, one of the three founding sires of the English Thoroughbred race horse.

I mention this only to point out that the Arabians bred great animals, possible even a breed of dog that could have contributed directly or indirectly to the Poodle's origin. History records the fact that in 1636 Prince Rupert of the Palatinate (Rhine River area of Germany), in aiding Charles I of England against the Roundheads, brought along his pet Poodle named Boye. Van Dyck was commissioned to paint them, and in 1643 a pamphlet entitled "Observations upon Prince Rupert's White Dogge Called Boye was printed in London. It is a discussion between another dog and Boye on the merits of the Cavaliers and the Roundheads. This early German Poodle, shown in the engraved frontispiece with some Cavalier troops and his master, who is urging him to attack a group of Roundheads, was supposed to have been invulnerable in battle and able to put a hex on the enemy. When this celebrated White Standard Poodle died at the battle of Marston Moors in 1644, such was his mystical influence that witches, sorcerers; the Pope and even the Devil were invited to mourn at his funeral to commute him to eternity.

The great early German authority on dog breeds, Dr. Fitzinger, listed six varieties of Poodles in his area: Gros Pudel, Mittlere Pudel, Kleine Pudel, Kleine Pinsch, Schnur Pudel and Schaf Pudel. The word Schaf means "curly and the word Schnur means, "corded", a separate breed, which we shall describe in a moment. The Gros Pudel was called Can Barbone by the Italians and Grand Barbet by the French. It was the largest type, equal to our standard Poodle of today, and probably even included our royal standard, the super size that we occasionally see now. The Mittlere Pudel was called the Barbet in France and is currently known there as the Caniche. It is not a miniature but merely a shade smaller than our ordinary standard of today, the word caniche coming from canard, the French word for "duck". The French claim the Poodle for their own, rejecting all claims that its origin is in Germany or elsewhere.

Though the facts tend to dispute them, we in the United States have gone along with them for so long that the breed is unofficially but automatically called a French Poodle here. And one might easily put forth a sound argument in defense of this claim on the grounds that the Poodle is certainly more French than German in manner. He is full of joie de vivre and humor, not methodically serious or precise like the other German hunting dogs - the Shorthair, Weimaraner, etc. - which closely parallel the German temperament. The corded Poodle was an interesting 19th century variation within the breed. Whether this was merely a way of training the coats of some especially longhaired Poodles or a separate strain is open to debate. In any case, they're developed around 1850 in England and on the Continent two distinct types of Poodles - curly and corded. The curly variety is what we have today, for though the coat of a Poodle looks straight from constant brushing, it will curl when left unattended or clipped about 1/2 inch long, as in the Kennel clip.

The corded coat was entirely different, consisting of hundreds of coils of hair slightly smaller than a pencil and dangling from all parts of the body to the floor. These corded Poodles were quite a fad in their time. In fact, the first Poodle to be crowned champion in England was a cord named Achilles in 1890. He became a legend in his time and was described as standing 23 inches at the shoulder with cords that hung down for 30 inches, and he carried his huge heavy coat with splendid dignity. He must have looked like a locomotive or a gigantic Yorkshire terrier. The hair on these corded Poodles was never combed out but allowed to grow. It was continually rolled and twisted by means of Vaseline and paraffin to cause longer and longer curls or cords to form. Cords hung from the ears, tail, and body like spaghetti, and the dog's figure was almost completely hidden as a result. This fad was supposedly German in origin, and Lyris, the German-imported father of Achilles, is said to have had an ear spread of 37 inches when his ears were held out straight and measured.

Some of these corded Poodles had coats which swept the ground for several inches behind them, but all this went out of style just prior to WWI because of the weight and inconvenience of such immense coats (they had to be tied up in linen bags and kept in oil outside the show ring). Also, since the coat could not be combed or washed (the result would have been a catastrophic tangle), the dog was always dirty and greasy, prone to all kinds of insects and highly malodorous. The Kennel Club StudBook of England shows its first registry of Poodles in 1874. Shortly thereafter, Poodles from Russia, Germany and France were registered. In 1876, the Poodle Club of England was formed, and there began a war between the curly fanciers and the corded fanciers, for both types were exhibited in the same classes though they looked entirely different. It was a long and bitter battle which culminated in 1910 in the division of Corded and Non-Corded classes and the recognition of the miniatures as a separate group.

Before this time all Poodles, regardless of size, color, and coat, had been registered only as Poodles and all were shown in the same classes. Now the miniatures were a separate entity as were the cords, which soon passed out of existence because of the difficulty in maintaining them. Undoubtedly they were clipped and crossed into the curly Poodle lines, which we see today, although, this was deplored. But even now you can sometimes see the background of the old corded Poodle in certain dogs whose coat on damp day begins to roll into ringlets, and unless they are brushed out, they quickly turn into knots and mats. Some corded Poodles came to the United States for showing in the 1890s, but they weren't popular here because of the coat problem. The first Poodle registered with the American Kennel Club was Czar in 1886. Imported by W. Lyman Biddle of Philadelphia, he was a black standard. But Poodles were exhibited several years before that; the first record was of a show in Boston in 1878, where eight formed the class. The breed had obviously been in America for some time as a working hunter, for W.R.

Furness wrote glowingly about it. In his "American Book of the Dog", he mentioned that the Poodle has extraordinary power in the water and "excels all his race in that element, at least, being able to distance the strongest water spaniel and swim round and round a Newfoundland". During the Gay Nineties, Poodles mostly of the standard size became popular in the eastern part of the United States, but in the rugged West it was the hunting dog and the snappy terrier that best suited the personality of that era. In 1896 the Poodle Club of America was formed, and in 1931 reorganized into the club it is today. During the 33-year interim, the Poodle declined sharply in popularity; very few were seen at shows or registered by the American Kennel Club. But most of the new founders of the Poodle Club in 1931 were conscientious breeders dedicated to promoting the Poodle in and out of the show ring. Standards were the popular size of the 1930s, with a few miniatures on the scene and almost no toys.

The reputation of the Poodle was pretty much that of a frou-frou bauble, the ideal gift for one's mistress but not much more. Then came the turning point as the result of one great dog, the emperor of all Poodles - International Champion Duc de la Terrace. He was a colossal white standard with an awe-inspiring presence and grace in every movement. Those who saw him for the first time stopped and stared at him; those who made his acquaintance still described him in unforgettable terms. He was born and raised in Switzerland, choice of a litter bred by Mme. Emile Warney at La Terrace Kennels from a bitch of the world-famed Labory Kennels of Mme. Reichenbach. With his magnificent stature and showy conformation, the Duc pulverized the opposition throughout Europe, winning four Continental championships. Then he was purchased and brought to England by Miss Jane Lane, owner of the famous Nunsoe Kennels. Again he swept everything before him, gained his English championship, contributed strongly to the standard Poodle blood lines in England and had his name changed to Int. Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace, the kennel prefix. Finally purchased by Mrs.

Whitney Blake as a gift for her daughter, Mrs. Sherman Hoyt, the mighty Duc came to America. When Mrs. Hoyt went to the ship to pick him up she was immediately struck by his dignified bearing, the confidence he showed by gently taking her hand in his mouth. A crowd of spectators gathered to view this magnificent animal, which soon created a furor in the United States and became a national figure. Shown in this country 18 times, the Duc was never defeated in his breed, won 16 groups and 9 Best in Shows against all other breeds, including Best at Westminster in 1935, the first time a Poodle had ever won top prize at Madison Square Garden. Again his name changed, this time to Int. Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen, to include his owner's famous kennel. Stories were written about him. The tremendous publicity sparked an interest in the Poodle breed that has never subsided.

Since then, other great Poodles of all sizes and colors have come along, but none have ever outdone the Duc, none were ever quite so colorful, none have precipitated the whirlwind of international recognition or achieved such rapport with the general public. Duc was to poodledom what Justin Morgan and Man-o'-War were to horsedom. As you have seen, most of the foundation blood of our modern Poodles has come from England, although importation's from Germany, Switzerland and France continue to be made whenever the individual specimen is of superior quality. Many prominent Poodle breeders and handlers are invited to England to judge, and many English judges come here to reciprocate impartially. Top Poodles are also sent to England from America, despite the 6-month quarantine. Some of the best standards currently winning in the British Isles were bred in Canada and the United States. So the working relationship which has flourished for more than a hundred years continues to prove helpful to both groups. The history of the Poodle has been long and noble, one that could continue on through several more books and one of which you can be justly proud.

There have been famous war poodles like Moustache, who fought in the Napoleonic wars, was decorated for bravery by Marshall Lannes and died in combat beside his beloved Grenadiers in Spain. There were the white standards, which graced the court of Louis XIV, and when Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, her miniature Poodle visited her faithfully every day outside her prison window until she was guillotined (Marie, not the Poodle). And numerous are the writers who have shared their lonely hours with Poodles. To name but a few: Alexander Pope, George Sand, Booth Tarkington, Mignon Eberhardt, Gertrude Stein, Alexander Woollcott, Quentin Reynolds, and John Steinbeck, whose "Travels With Charley", his black Poodle, was a best seller. The Poodle plays its roll in show business too, not only on the stage but also as a companion and faithful friend to many stars. Helen Hayes, Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Duke Ellington, Barbara Streisand, Jack Lemon, to name but a few, know the warmth and affection of this age-old companion.

And one of the greatest men in modern history gained solace and comfort with his Poodle. In the hours of great decision, and later in the years of peaceful retirement, Winston Churchill and Rufus were inseparable companions. So you can be sure that, wherever you go and no matter how long you're gone, your Poodle will welcome you back with a bouncing leap of joy, a wagging tail and a bark or two of proper recognition. The French have and old expression that describes him - "fidele comme une caniche"--- "faithful as a Poodle". Copied from The Poodle Book- Jeff Griffen- 1968 Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy) – Breed Information | Rocklin, CA Veterinarians | Rocklin Road Animal Hospital Home / Breed Information - Guides / Poodle (Standard, Miniature, T ... Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy) – Breed Information On: Aug 03 Author: Rocklin Vet Categories: Breed Information , Guides No Comments Poodle – Breed Information The poodle is a group of formal dog breeds, the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle, with many coat colors.

Originally bred in Germany as a type of water dog, the breed was standardized in France. The poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles have taken top honors in many conformation shows, including “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007 and 2010. Toy Poodles won “Best in Show” at Crufts in 1966 and 1982. Standard Poodles achieved the award in 1955, 1985, 2002 and 2014. The 2002 winner came from Norway and was the first overseas exhibit to win the Crufts best in show award. Poodle History The poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, Due to the breed’s popularity in France, it became established as its national breed. The poodle has been bred in at least three sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, and was later bred down to the miniature and toy sizes. Despite the Standard Poodle’s claim to greater age than the other varieties, some evidence shows the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today. The smallest, or Toy variety, was developed in England in the 18th century. Standard Poodle Traditionally the Standard Poodle, the largest of the subtypes, was a retriever or gun dog, used in particular for duck hunting and sometimes upland bird hunting. The breed has been used for fowl hunting in USA and Canada since the early 1990s, in and out of hunting tests. The modern Standard retains many of the traits prized by their original owners: a keen working intelligence that makes the dog easy to command, webbed feet that make it an agile swimmer athletic stamina, and a moisture-resistant, curly coat that acts like a wool jumper in damp conditions.

Towards the second half of the nineteenth century their use in hunting declined in favour of their use in circuses and status symbols of the wealthy, so that by the 20th century they were only found as companions or circus dogs. However, in the past 20 years, some breeders in the United States and Canada have been selecting for dogs with drive for birds in order to revive the breed for hunting, with some great success. The Canadian Kennel Club admitted the Standard Poodle for hunting trials in 1996 and the American Kennel Club in 1998, respectively. As of July 2014, the end results of 20 years of breeding to reawaken the hunting instinct have been dogs that are very eager to please their masters. It has resulted in a gun dog with extreme intelligence that requires special training: their aptitude is second only to the British Border Collie and thus the hunting Standard Poodle requires the gunman to be quite specific as to what he wants and how he wants it done, unlike other spaniels and retrievers who require no such input since they won’t try to solve the problem themselves without it.

Hunting poodles typically are dogs with lightning quick reflexes, sprinting hard on command after the downed bird and having a prodigious ability to remember where the bird fell and a decent nose to sniff and track a bird hiding in tall grass Standard Poodles have been winning titles against the more widely used native breeds like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, American Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Thus far 13 Standard Poodles have won Master Hunt titles and several more have won senior and junior titles on both sides of the border. Currently only the United Kennel Club in the US recognizes the Standard Poodle as a Sporting dog, thus in spite of this subtype of poodle being ineligible for field competitions more and more are appearing in the field as waterfowl dogs and hunters of pheasant, the latter especially in the Midwest. Miniature Poodle Members of the second variety, the Miniature Poodle, had ancestors that were originally never said to go anywhere near the water. Truffle hunting was widely practiced in England, and later in Spain, France, and Germany, where the edible fungus has always been considered a delicacy.

For scenting and digging up the fungus, the smaller dogs were favoured, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet than the larger kinds. So it is rumored that a terrier was crossed with the poodle to produce the ideal truffle hunter. An 1837 account describes the narrator meeting up with a Frenchman upon a truffle hunt with a pig with the Frenchman lamenting that he did it “for want of a poodle”, and earlier pages describe exactly how the dog was trained from the age of four months old to fetch and dig for truffles and carefully carry them back to his master: often the prey drive of his larger cousin was left out of the breeding. Otherwise, the Miniature and Toy varieties remained largely the lap dogs of middle and upperclass ladies, especially in France and the UK. The trade in dyeing and affixing their fur to unusual proportions began with the need to compliment the Victorian and Georgian sensibilities of these women, to the point that their status as a dog of the middle and upper classes was quite solid by the time of the founding of the Kennel Club in the 1870s as they were one of the first dog breeds registered.

World War II working dogs Poodles have been used as working dogs in the military since at least the 17th century. During WWII, Roland Kilbon of the New York Sun, reported that other countries had used dogs in their armies for many years. In his column he quoted Mrs. Milton S. Erlanger, owner of Pillicoc Kennels, a premier breeder of Poodles “The dog must play a game in this thing.” Eventually, “With the blessing of the American Kennel Club, the Professional Handlers Association, obedience training clubs across the country, and Seeing Eye, Inc., a nationwide program known as Dogs for Defense, Inc. was initiated and became the official procurement agency for all war dogs used in the Army, Navy and Coast Guard.” Dogs for Defense procured the dogs who were then trained by the Army. In 1942, the Poodle was one of 32 breeds officially classified as war dogs by the Army. Appearance The poodle is an active, intelligent and elegant dog, squarely built, and well proportioned.

To ensure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. The eyes should be very dark, oval in shape, and have an alert and intelligent expression. The ears should fold over close to the head, set at, or slightly below, eye level. The coat should be of naturally curly texture, dense throughout, although most AKC-registered show dogs have a lion-cut or other, similarly shaven look. Poodle sizes Poodles are bred in a variety of sizes, distinguished by adult shoulder height. The exact height cutoffs among the varieties vary slightly from country to country. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of one breed: standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Non-FCI kennel clubs generally recognize three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, sometimes as sizes of the same breed and sometimes as separate breeds. Only the FCI describes a maximum size for Standard Poodles. France is the country responsible for the breed in the FCI, and in this country, the puppies of all sizes are listed together.

The terms royal standard, teacup, and tiny teacup are marketing names, and are not recognized by any major kennel club. Breed size is correlated with litter size and Standard Poodles have the highest litter size followed by Medium, Miniature, and Toy. Toy Poodles have one of the smallest litter size of all breeds. Although hair, dander, and saliva can be minimized, they are still present and can stick to “clothes and the carpets and furnishings in your home”; inhaling them, or being licked by the dog, can trigger a reaction in a sensitive person. An air cleaner, air duct outlet and vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help clear dander floating in the air. The word hypoallergenic, when referring to a dog, is also a misconception; all dogs shed. Poodles shed hair in minimal amounts, and also release dander, but are not as likely to trigger allergies as much as many other breeds.

Poodle Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs Height: From 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight: 45 to 70 pounds Life Span: 12 to 15 years Although today's Poodles seem to epitomize a life of leisure and luxury, make no mistake: These are real dogs bred to do real jobs. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters. In fact, the English name poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning duck dog. Even the elaborate coat styling that the breed's known for once had a practical purpose: trimmed areas lightened the weight of the dog's coat and wouldn't snag on underwater debris, while long hair around the joints and vital organs protected the dog from the cold water.

There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. When it comes to training , this is an "A" student, and the Poodle excels at performance sports such as obedience, agility, and hunt tests. Despite his regal air, the Poodle is no snob. These are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families — they get lonely when left by themselves for long periods — and are always up for a good game. Highlights If you spoil your Poodle and don't train him, he's likely to conclude that he's the alpha dog of the family. This is especially common among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more likely to be coddled and untrained. Teach your dog good canine manners, and then insist that he use them; it shows him that you're the leader of the pack.

Because of their intelligence and playful nature, obedience training is essential to keep your Poodle's mind active. A Poodle who is thinking and learning isn't bored, and therefore won't find destructive ways to occupy himself. The Poodle coat needs a lot of upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy. Most Poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every three to six weeks. If you want to save money on grooming expenses, you can learn to do it yourself, but it takes time and effort. Poodles have weepy eyes that can stain the surrounding hair. To cut down on stains, gently wipe down the face daily with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dipped in warm water. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. History The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed especially for hunting waterfowl . Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into his own distinct breed in France.

Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. Other historians think that one of the Poodle's ancestors is the North African Barbet, which was imported to the Iberian Peninsula. After that, the breed arrived in Gaul where it was used for his hunting abilities. It's also commonly believed that Poodles descended from Asian herding dogs , and then traveled with the Germanic Goth and Ostrogoth tribes to eventually become a German water dog. Yet another theory is that the Poodle descended from dogs that were brought out of the Asian steppes by the conquering North African Berbers and eventually found his way into Portugal in the 8th Century with the Moors. Whatever its ancestry, this is a very old breed. Illustrations of Poodle-like dogs adorn Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs dating from the first centuries B.C. The drawings and statues show dogs that look very much like modern-day Poodles, bringing in game nets, herding animals, and retrieving game from marshes.

Although some say that the Miniature and Toy Poodles emerged shortly after the Standard, many believe it wasn't until the 1400s that breeders began producing smaller versions of the Poodle — first the Miniature, then the Toy — to delight the Parisian bourgeoise. The Toy and Miniature varieties were created by breeding small Poodles to each other, not by breeding Poodles to smaller breeds. The French used the larger Standard Poodle for duck hunting, and the mid-sized Miniature Poodle to sniff out truffles in the woods. The tiny Toy Poodle's main job, on the other hand, was to serve as a companion to the nobility and wealthy merchant class. Well-to-do owners in the Renaissance often carried their Toy Poodles in their large shirtsleeves, leading to the nickname "sleeve dogs." Gypsies and traveling performers learned that Poodles excelled in another canine profession: circus dog. They trained Poodles to perform tricks, dressing them in costumes and sculpting their coats into fanciful shapes to add to their stage appeal. Wealthy patrons took note and started clipping, decorating, and even dying their own Poodle companions.

The Kennel Club in England registered their first Poodle in 1874, with the first British club for Poodle fanciers arriving on the scene two years later. It's not known for sure when Poodles arrived in the U.S., but the American Kennel Club registered their first Poodle in 1886. The Poodle Club of America was founded in 1896, but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in 1931. Poodles were fairly rare in the U.S. until after World War II. By the mid-1950s, however, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country, a position he held for more than 20 years. Size There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. These aren't different breeds, just different sizes of the same dog. The Toy Poodle stands up to 10 inches tall, and weighs about six to nine pounds. The Miniature Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds.

The Standard Poodle stands 15 inches and taller (usually 22 inches); males weigh 45 to 70 pounds and females weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Personality Intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous are four words Poodle enthusiasts commonly use to describe the breed's personality. The Poodle is also known for what his fans call "an air of distinction": a dignified attitude that's hard to describe, but easy to spot in the dog. Despite his regal appearance, the Poodle has a goofy streak and loves to play — he's always up for a game of any kind. He's also very fond of people and eager to please. Combine that with his legendary intelligence, and you've got a dog that's highly trainable . A good Poodle who's been taught canine manners has a calm disposition, especially if he gets regular exercise to burn off his natural energy. Some owners and breeders think the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles are a bit more high-strung than the Standard; however, other breeders and owners disagree with this theory. The Poodle is protective of his home and family, and if strangers approach your house, he'll sound a warning bark to let you know.

And although he's affectionate with his family, he may take a while to warm up to new people. An outstanding trait of the Poodle is his intelligence. He is often said to have human-like intelligence, an amazing cleverness that astounds his owners. Of course, smart dogs can be difficult to live with. They learn fast — good habits and bad — and they remember everything. Health Poodles are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Poodles will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

In Poodles, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Addison's Disease: Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this extremely serious condition is caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Most dogs with Addison's disease vomit, have a poor appetite, and lethargy. Because these signs are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions, it's easy to miss this disease as a diagnosis until it reaches more advanced stages. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. If Addison's is suspected, your vet may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Poodles, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. It's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be due to an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, or it can occur when a dog has too much cortisol resulting from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination.

If your Poodle exhibits these two symptoms, take it to the veterinarian. There are treatments to help with this disease, including surgery and medication. Epilepsy: A common cause of seizures in all varieties of Poodles is idiopathic epilepsy. It often is inherited and can cause mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to remember that seizures can be caused by many other things than idiopathic epilepsy, such as metabolic disorders, infectious diseases that affect the brain, tumors, exposure to poisons, severe head injuries, and more. Therefore, if your Poodle has seizures, it's important to take him to the vet right away for a checkup. Hip Dysplasia: When the hip socket is poorly formed or the ligaments are loose enough to allow the ball of the thigh bone (femur) to slide part of the way out of the hip socket, it's called dysplastic. Canine hip dysplasia is inherited, with environmental factors sometimes playing a large part in its development.

Over time, there is degeneration of the joint that can cause arthritis and pain, even lameness. Excess weight, excessive or prolonged exercise before maturity, a fast growth rate, and high-calorie or supplemented diets can contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. Veterinary care includes nutritional supplements, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by is an under active thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma and other skin conditions. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Poodle has Legg-perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old.

The condition can be corrected with surgery to cut off the diseased femur so that it isn't attached to the pelvis any longer. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose sight during the day. Many affected dogs adapt to their limited or loss of vision very well, as long as the surroundings remain the same. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: This condition is a congenital failure if development of the optic nerve. It causes blindness and abnormal pupil response in the affected eye. Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): SA is a serious problem in Poodles, especially Standards.

It's estimated that 50 percent of all Standard Poodles are carriers, or affected. This genetic condition is difficult to diagnose and often is mistaken for hypothyroidism, allergies, or other conditions. When a dog has SA, the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands typically produce sebum, a fatty secretion that aids in preventing drying of the skin. It's usually first noticed when the dog is from 1 to 5 years old. Affected dogs typically have dry, scaly skin with hair loss on top of the head, neck, and back. Severely affected dogs can have thickened skin and an unpleasant odor, along with secondary skin infections. Although the problem is primarily cosmetic, it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Your vet will perform a biopsy of the skin if SA is suspected. Treatment options vary. Von Willebrand's Disease: This is an inherited blood disorder that interferes with the blood's ability to clot. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. Most dogs with von Willebrand's disease can lead normal lives. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Care Poodles do just fine in any type of home, from apartments to estates, so long as they have regular exercise and plenty of human companionship. They prefer to live indoors with the family, particularly the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles, since they have no trouble getting their ya-yas out in the house. This intelligent breed learns quickly, but owners should be careful: It's as easy to accidentally teach your Poodle bad habits as it is to teach him good ones, so if you're new to dogs, sign up for an obedience class with a skilled trainer. That goes for Toy and Miniature Poodles as well. Many owners of small dogs skip training, and wind up with a badly behaved dog.

Feeding Recommended daily amount: Standards, 1.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals; Miniatures, 3/4 to 1 cup; Toys, 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Like any breed, the poodle will pack on weight if he's overfed, which can cause joint problems and other health woes. Limit treats, keep him active, and feed in meals rather than leaving food available at all times. Although many owners of Miniature or Toy Poodles in particular give their dogs table scraps, resist those pleading eyes — you'll create a finicky eater. He'll turn up his nose at dog food, which is healthier for him.

Keep your Poodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight , give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Poodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . 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 tearstains. 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. 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. Children And Other Pets The Poodle is a wonderful companion for kids, although young kids who don't know how to handle a dog could accidentally hurt a Toy Poodle, the smallest and most delicate variety of the breed. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Poodles who grow up with other dogs or pets in the house — or who have plenty of opportunities to interact with them in group training classes, dog parks, and the like — will enjoy their company. If your Poodle is used to being the only pet in the household, however, he may need some time and special training to help him accept a newcomer. Rescue Groups Poodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Poodles in need of adoption and or fostering.

There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Poodle rescue. Sizes Of Poodles - Poodle Club of America Sizes Of Poodles Poodles Come in Three Sizes The Standard Poodle: over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the 22-27" range The Miniature Poodle: over 10 inches and not over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the 13-15" range The Toy Poodle: 10 inches and under at the shoulder The original Poodles were water dogs used for retrieving. To this day, their conformation and the texture and pattern of their coats reflect the purposes for which they were bred. Miniatures and Toys have been bred down from the larger Poodles and they exhibit the same general characteristics. The Poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog which is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred Poodles in all three varieties have steady, calm nerves, hardy constitutions and they can be easily trained.

A Poodle is a "person" and he expects to be treated as one. Each one is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions. Exercise, Grooming, and Feeding A Poodle should be a member of the family. Prospective owners of Poodles should be equipped to provide a fenced-in area in which the Poodle can exercise or be prepared to walk the Poodle regularly on a leash. Poodles permitted to roam are likely to be stolen or killed. Poodles require regular clipping and grooming; a dexterous owner can readily learn how to groom his own dog or he can take the Poodle to a professional grooming shop. Poodles are not finicky eaters, unless made so by indulgent owners. They thrive on simple, prepared dog foods. Finding a Poodle The best place to buy a Poodle is from a Poodle breeder. A reputable breeder tries to produce the ideal Poodle as described in the Standard of the Poodle. He or she plans breedings to produce a sound, healthy dog, excellent in conformation and temperament, one which will be both an ideal show dog and an ideal companion.

This breeder has spent much time and effort in study, breeding and selection; his or her breeding program is based on accumulated knowledge of which dogs to use to produce the best Poodles. Not all puppies in a litter will satisfy the definition of a show prospect. Maybe in a litter only one or two puppies will be retained for showing; the others will be classified as "pet puppies." The differences will be so small that only an expert judge will be able to make the distinction; the eyes may be a bit too light, the tail a bit gay or the hocks a bit straight. All Poodles in the litter will display essentially the same characteristics, the same quality of construction, personality and health. For a pet price, a prospective buyer can purchase a well-bred, professionally raised Poodle, backed by the integrity of the breeder and accompanied by helpful advice, instructions and the enduring interest of the breeder in the welfare of the dog. Buyer Beware Puppy mills and pet shops, and/or those who exploit the popularity of the Poodle in order to make a fast buck, buy their dogs in litters, usually by mail, as early as they can be weaned. They are not concerned with temperament, hereditary faults or quality.

They are simply interested in so many puppies that they can sell for so many dollars. They do not bother about medical care. They are not interested in what happens to the dog after it is sold. Although the puppy may be accompanied by a pedigree or AKC "papers" (eligibility for registration with the American Kennel Club), this is not a guarantee of health, disposition or quality. Learn More Having purchased his or her beautiful Poodle from a reputable breeder and having noted all the helpful instructions and friendly advice of the breeder from whom the Poodle has been purchased, the new owner should check out publications recommended by The Poodle Club of America, Inc., subscribe to one or more of the magazines and, if interested, begin to build up a reference library. Whether a Poodle owner becomes involved in the intriguing but complex hobby of breeding and exhibiting Poodles, or takes pleasure in the happy association of a companion dog, the new owner will find the Poodle one of life's great delights. Educational Resources Available Pets Available Pets (Based on breed recognition.

See store for details on this particular puppy.) Group Non-Sporting Heritage The Poodle has been illustrated in 15th century artwork throughout Western Europe, yet we have no proof where this breed originated. Both France and Germany have staked a claim to origin, as has Denmark. The Germans used this breed as a hunting dog to retrieve waterfowl, as well as to locate truffles in the forests. The French used this breed both as a hunting dog, as well as a circus performer. Today, our companion Poodles still work with us to retrieve waterfowl, but also as agility dogs, competition obedience, conformation, tracking and even herding. Description The Poodle is an athletic breed with a curly or corded coat. Because they don’t have a double coat like so many other breeds, the poodle has hair rather than fur. The coat comes in colors of black, blue, cream, apricot, red, silver, gray, brown or parti color.

There are several sizes of Poodles: Standard: 15” or more, Miniature: 11-15” at the shoulders Toy: 9-11” Teacup: 9” or less Health Awareness The Poodle has a life expectancy of 12- 15 years and is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, gastric torsion, heart disease, diabetes, ear infections, skin issues, cataracts and other eye issues. Personality The Poodle is alert, high-spirited, enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky, and friendly with people. They need to be with people and can be destructive when isolated. They are highly intelligent and happy to learn. Very high energy and will need a daily outlet for physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Give your Poodle gentle yet consistent guidance to demonstrate that you are a capable leader, or this breed will feel the need to provide their own leadership if you don’t do so and that can result in other behavior issues. Exercise/Energy Level Very high energy and will need plenty daily outdoor running or jogging, swimming and retrieving. Provide plenty of mental stimulation or this breed can be destructive when bored.

Additional Information Good with other pets when well socialized at an early age General Appearance The Standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Miniature varieties except as regards heights. That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Size, Proportion, Substance The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders.

Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle. As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the Variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal. Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog. Head Eyes-- very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding, large or very light. Ears-- hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should not be of excessive length. Skull-- moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of muzzle.

Muzzle-- long, straight and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness. Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth-- white, strong and with a scissors bite. Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth. Neck, Topline, Body Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck. The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just behind the shoulder. Body---(a) Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. (b) The loin is short, broad and muscular. (c) Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the back. Forequarters Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault: steep shoulder.

(a) Forelegs - Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet - The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and cushioned on thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot. Hindquarters The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. (br>(a) Hind legs straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with width in the region of the stifles which are well bent; femur and tibia are about equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major fault: cow-hocks. Coat (a) Quality--(1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2) Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons.

(b) Clip-- A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "Puppy" clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" clip. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the "Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified. (1)"Puppy"--A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the "Puppy" clip with the coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible. (2) "English Saddle"--In the "English Saddle" clip the face, throat, feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved, leaving puffs on the forelegs and a pompon on the end of the tail.

The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven leg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (3) "Continental"--In the "Continental" clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (4) "Sporting"--In the "Sporting" clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat, and base of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon on the end of the tail.

The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline. "Topknot" refers only to hair on the skull, from stop to occiput. This is the only area where elastic bands may be used. Color The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes.

Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots while the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and amber eyes are permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors. Gait A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential. Temperament Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or sharpness. Disqualifications Size-- A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified. Clip-- A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be disqualified. Parti-colors-- The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but of two or more colors.

Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. Major Faults Standard Poodle Dog Breed Information-Facts,Pictures,Origin,Temperament,Lifespan,Characteristics Rare Easy to get Introduction Which is the first thing that flashes to your mind when we say a poodle, for most of us it means a prim and proper looking dog, which can be seen on the streets Paris maybe. There are a lot of people who believe that this breed originated in Paris but contrary to many beliefs this breed was developed in Germany. The Poodle comes in three different sizes, this is the only dog in the dog kingdom that comes in three sizes i.e. standard, miniature and toy. The only differentiating factor in the three is their size everything else remains the same. Caniche is a fantastic dog to keep at home. They are even temperament and make great family pets. Poodles are considered to be the next most intelligent breeds in the dog world and lag only behind the Border Collie , these fantastic dogs can be perfect pet to perform various tricks. So they can be not only shows offs in term of looks but can be a show off when it comes to training for tricks also.

The ease that you get in training is more or less covered when it comes to grooming these dogs, when it comes to their upkeep then this might be one of the most expensive dog to keep because of its grooming requirements. You can choose to keep any of the sizes i.e from the miniature, toy to the standard. Our aim in this small write up is to help you understand them better and if you are a prospective buyer then we aim to help you to decide whether this is the perfect breed for you or not. History The Poodle was developed in Germany but was standardized in France; here they were used as a water retriever. This is because of this reason that they are still the national breed of France. Poodle has been known in Western Europe for over 400 years and has been depicted even in the 15th century paintings. It is believed that this breed was developed from water spaniels and waterdogs though, nobody knows for certain as to who were the ancestors of this majestic breed. This dog was developed to retrieve things from water and even the Poodle clip was developed by hunters to help the dog retrieve efficiently and easily from water.

There is a group of scholars who believe that they are the descendants of the North African Barbet, which was imported from the Iberian Peninsula. It is said that the Standard barbone was the first one to be bred and the toy and the miniature version followed suit. Unique Aspects The most unique aspect about your Poodle is that it is perfect pet for all people who suffer from allergies caused from dog dander. This dog can be the perfect hypo allergic dog for such people. Your Poodle does not shed, their hair grows like humans and the inner coat of fur just falls by itself after some time. So there is hardly any dander in your homes that can cause allergies related to pet. The other thing that makes them different is their intelligence, this is one of the most intelligent breed around. In fact it ranks second only the Border Collie, this will be the perfect breed to train for tricks and can be the perfect show off when it participating in dog shows or just to acquaintances. Poodles at times are considered one of the most expensive pets when it comes to their grooming. There are various clips that you can choose from English Saddle clip, European Continental clip, Sporting Clip or the puppy clip.

Whatever you choose be prepared that it will be a time consuming affair. Fun Trivia Poodles are a fancy looking breed that not looks adorable but are highly intelligent as well. So, no wonder that they have caught the fancy of the tinsel town as well be it in featuring in movies or as adorable pets for the celebrities. Movie Character Poodles have been featured in many movies. Here is a small list of movies that have Poodles in considerable role. This includes movies like April in Paris, Look Who’s Talking, Edward Scissorhands, Best in Show, Babe, Pig in the City, Hulk, Heartbeat and Kathleen to name a few. Celebrity Poodle owners The celebrity list is also includes some famous personalities such as Eva Longaria, Rihanna, Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Simpson, Blake Lively, Molie King are just few of the Hollywood starlets to have a Poodle. Closer home Sheryln Chopra has a standard Poodle.

Pros This is second most intelligent breed in the dog world Excellent family pets and looks good Generally an active breed but can be inactive indoors Cons One of the most expensive breed when it comes to grooming Not for first time owners Can be a little protective about the family Get a heatstroke Basks in it Tolerance to cold No Common Health Issues Poodles are generally a healthy breed but you have to remember when getting a puppy home that almost all and every breed has a chance of developing genetic disorders and they can also get any of the common diseases. So this not a word of law these are just some of the unfortunate cases that you can encounter with your Poodle at times. One of the common diseases that you can encounter in your pet is of Legg Calve Perthes disease that reduces the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone; this at times can cause it to be deformed. If your puppy starts to limp at an early age then we advise you to take him or her to a vet soon so that it can be corrected early. In addition to this they are also sensitive to the Addison disease, in this the adrenal glands do not produce the right amount of hormone cortisol and the dog becomes lethargic and depressed.

There are times when he or she can also have digestive issues as well. This will have a lifelong treatment. Poodles are also prone to hypothyroidism that is generally caused when there is an inadequate level of thyroid hormone. The symptoms will include weight gain, hair loss and excessive hunger, this can be generally corrected with thyroid hormone supplements. Couch Potato Energy Bundle Temperament The standard Poodle is an even temperament dog that is good natured and cheerful. They are great with children as well as adults and make perfect pets for the family. This is one of the most trainable breeds around, so you can teach them to do almost anything the way you want. Standard Poodle is quieter dog when compared to its other two counterparts; the miniature and the toy. They even have a lower energy when compared to those two. Poodles have been known for having a distinction, an air about them but that is something that comes with the looks and intelligence of the breed. It seems like the breed already knows it. Contrary to the looks the Poodle has a goofy character and loves to play with the family members. It is fond of human companionship and is always ready to please. This makes them one of the most trainable breeds around.

The Poodle can be protective about the family and if there are any strangers around the house, they will let you know, they can at times come a little aloof towards strangers but in general is a very warm breed. Many people feel that Poodles are a fragile breed because of their stature and the cut of the hair but if you are a prospective owner then you must know that this by no means is a fragile breed. They are on the contrary a very hardy breed that assisted hunters to retrieve water fowls. Environment The standard Poodle is an active breed and will need its share of walks and run to retain its health. Though, you have to remember that they are pretty inactive indoors. They are adaptable to apartment and condominium as well. The small yard will be more than enough for this breed. Poodles are excellent companions for all children; they have an even temperament and are not known to snap. All said it is advisable to socialize the children with the pet early to ensure that there are not any unpleasant circumstances later in life with the children. They are good with other pets in the house provided you acclimatize them with each other early.

If you are introducing another pet to the family a little later then they might take time to accept a newcomer into the family and at times can even need special training for the same purpose. Training & Intelligence There is the only one breed that can beat your Poodle when it comes to intelligence. These dogs are highly trainable and they can even make a novice trainer look like an experienced one. Poodles are good to catch various commands and just need a little praise and at times treats to help them perform all the tricks that you want. These breeds are natural learners and will not trouble you much. This is a great tricks dog and will love to perform various tricks once you tell them what to do. Poodles can be perfect for various agility courses and will be the gold star pupil in most of the training sessions. Your Poodle has a reputation of being a dainty and fragile breed but on the contrary this breed needs its regular exercise. The Standard Poodle is not a house dog; they will need their share of exercise such as a run or a long walk. This will ensure physical and mental stimulation for the breed and ensure that they take to learning faster. If not exercised properly they can easily become destructive.

Question: The poodle dog/name originated in Germany from association with?
Answer: Water