Poodle

The Poodle has enjoyed a position in the top five favorite breeds in America for many years. Bright, active and pleasing to look at, it is a good choice as a family dog and makes a fair watchdog. This breed is categorized in three size varieties: toy, miniature and standard (the Federation Cynologique Internationale adds a fourth - medium). Some other nations consider the different sizes as different breeds altogether. The Poodle is an extremely intelligent dog, generally judged by dog experts to be in the top three most intelligent breeds. This trait, combined with its eagerness to please, make it an enjoyable dog to train.The standard Poodle, thought to be the original size, stands over 15 inches tall. The miniature is over 10 inches, and the toy is under 10 inches. Although they might appear delicate, Poodles are wiry and hardy. The Poodle's single-layer coat is dense and naturally curly. Most kennel clubs require the coat to be a solid color for conformation, but Poodles can be found parti-colored as well. Common solid colors include black, apricot, white, cream and buff. The poodle is of medium bone and build, with well-defined musculature. It has a well-balanced skull with a narrow, tapered muzzle. Its eyes are round, dark and expressive. Its ears are medium sized, triangular and drop. The coat appears in a variety of clips: Puppy, Continental, English Saddle for the AKC shows, and for European shows, Sporting and Scandinavian. The coat may also be corded, as is that of the Puli or the Komondor. Many Poodle enthusiasts promote the theory that the clips reflect the original types of cuts that protected the Poodle as it hunted in the marshes. The shoulders and head were protected from the cold and water, while the legs were clipped close to the skin, so as not to hamper the swimming ability of the dog. Others in the dog show world doubt the theory's veracity; why, they argue, haven't other hunting breeds traditionally sported such clips? And of course, how does one explain the pom-pom on the tail? Although the origins of the Poodle are a bit obscure, it is agreed that the breed developed first in Germany. But in recent times it is the dog that comes to mind when one thinks of France. There is mention as early as the eighth century of a curly coated retriever type in Europe. What is known is that the Poodle likely comes from the same family as the French Barbet, and other water dogs. The earliest actual depiction of the breed appears in a 15th century painting. The word "Poodle"� is derived from the German "pudel"�, from a verb meaning to splash in the water. From the medieval period, this breed was used by the French and Germans as a water retriever. The French traditionally referred to the breed as "Caniche,"� meaning "duck dog."� In the 18th century, the French were using the Poodle as a truffle sniffing dog: the truffle grew in the undergrowth in the woods, and dogs were often used to sniff them out so that the truffle-hunter would know where to dig. Over time, the truffle hunters realized that the smaller poodles didn't trample the ground so much, and they started to breed for type. They crossed the standard with various terrier and toy breeds to get the Miniature and Toy Poodle sizes we know today. These smaller Poodles were used by the French as circus performers, and became popular with the nobility in Europe as companion dogs, particularly during the reigns of Louis XVI of France, and Queen Anne. Today the Poodle is one of the most popular of show dogs. It is believed to have more best of show wins in the major dog shows than does any other breed. The Poodle was admitted to the American Kennel Club's registry in 1887. The coat of the poodle is easy to keep; this dog sheds only minimally, and does not need brushing. However, its coat grows continuously and needs the attention of a professional groomer every six weeks. Poodles have little to no "doggie odor"� and are famous for being ideal for people with pet allergies. The Poodle is an extremely active breed. Miniature and Toy Poodles are suitable for apartment life, but do need regular daily exercise in the form of a long walk or a vigorous play session. These are extremely intelligent dogs widely believed to be amongst the top three most intelligent of breeds and mental stimulation is absolutely essential. The owner should be willing to play with the dog and to spend time daily in obedience drills, agility work, tricks and other activities to keep this breed's busy mind satisfied. The Poodle required a secure fence if the yard is fenced. Poodles are extremely agile and can climb as well as jump terrifically high. Combine this with a good brain, and you have an escape artist. Poodles enjoy water and enjoy a dip in a lake, stream or swimming pool. Many owners provide a wading pool in hot weather. Poodles are wonderful hiking and jogging companions, possessing a tireless energy and enthusiasm. Poodles are one of the easiest and most enjoyable breeds to train. They are inquisitive, eager to please, and astoundingly quick to learn. Those who enjoy dog training for its own sake particularly appreciate this breed. Poodles are perfect family dogs, affectionate and friendly. They are good with respectful children, but caution should be exercised: a very small poodle can become injured by child play, and a standard poodle while it is young is a ball of energy, and may be dangerous to a small child. Standard poodles are known to be a bit more patient and calm when adults than are the smaller varieties, and may do better with young children. Poodles generally get along with all other household pets, including other dogs. Owners of poodles enjoy competitive obedience and agility trials. Some individual poodles can successfully be taught to hunt.

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