Poodles - Breed Introduction

Poodles come in several varieties: Standard, Miniature, Toy, and Corded. They were developed for different purposes, but all are popular as companion dogs today. The Standard Poodle originated as a water retriever.

A smaller version of the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, became popular in the 1950s and ’60s, and the Toy Poodle is smaller yet. Some countries also recognize the Medium Poodle, sized midway between the Standard and Miniature Poodle, as a separate breed.

Poodles have a history of performing in both circuses and street acts, owing to their superior trainability. They can also excel in obedience trials, flyball, and agility.

The Standard and Corded poodles average 15 inches in height, and weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are typically 11 to 15 inches (28 to 38 centimeters) in height and weigh between  26 and 30 pounds. Toy Poodles stand a mere 10 to 11 inches tall (25 to 28 centimeters), and weigh 14 to 16 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms).

History of Breed

The history of the poodle remains much of a mystery. Both Germany and France lay claim to the development of the breed. Historical references indicate that the Poodle originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, and was transported to France by German troops in the 1400s, though some contend that Poodles are the ancestors of now-extinct Russian hounds.  

The Standard Poodle is the oldest variety, and drawings by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, a German painter and mathematician of the late 1400s and early 1500s, indicate that it was once used as a water retrieving dog.  The French name for the breed, Caniche, means duck dog, and refers to its duck-retrieving capability.

The Miniature Poodle was developed in response to a demand for a smaller version of the breed and is considered a descendant of France. Originating in the 1500s, these dogs became well known as circus performers.

The Toy Poodle became a favorite of nobility of the 17th and 18th centuries, who demanded an even smaller version of the dog.

The Corded Poodle, the predecessor of today’s Standard Poodle, is a result of natural selection, which adapted them for use in guarding herds of sheep in hostile climates. The corded coat offered protection not only from the heat, but from the flock’s predators as well.

The Corded Poodle is thought to be a close relative of the Schafpudel, a traditional sheep-guarding dog; however, the Corded Poodle was subsequently bred for use as a water dog and then as a companion dog. The Corded Poodle is very rare today, and lives primarily in France.

Color and Coat

Poodles typically sport a unique appearance that some characterize as fussy or frilly, thanks to their owners’ penchant for hairstyling. The coat of the Poodle is profuse and curly. The head is topped by woolly, springy hair, while the ears are covered with wavy hair.

Their legs often appear to consist of pom-poms, and another pom-pom typically tops off the tail. The coat of the Corded Poodle provides a striking contrast to this traditional appearance. The hair of these dogs is mop-like in nature, the result of an interweaving of the topcoat and the undercoat.

Poodles come in black, white, blue, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream. The shade may vary within the coat, such that there may be darker feathering on the ears and tipping on the ruff. All colors, with the exception of white, have a tendency to fade when the Poodle reaches the age of 4 or 5.

Personality and Temperament

The Standard Poodle is dependable, happy, affectionate, and high-spirited. Miniature Poodles have a tendency to display more puppy-like behavior characteristics, but they may display a persona of independence as well. The Poodle is prone to barking and will announce visitors thusly, but is not aggressive.

Poodles are extremely intelligent, very responsive, and eager to please, thus making them easy to train as well. Poodles are particularly sensitive to vocal intonations, another aid to training. This accounts for the Poodle’s history of performing in circus and street acts. Gentle and consistent training methods are recommended.

The Standard Poodle has a high energy level and needs about an hour and a half of exercise each day. Miniature and Toy poodles are  also active dogs, but require just 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise.

Standard Poodles need space to run, and most love to swim and retrieve as well. Care must be taken when these dogs are near water to ensure their safety. Miniatures and Toys love going for walks and playing games, particularly those that engage their minds as well as their bodies.

Poodles get along well with children and other animals. Dogs, cats, and even smaller pets are all perfectly fine as far as the Poodle is concerned.

Miniature Poodles naturally have fewer space constraints than their Standard counterparts, and can adapt to living in small quarters as long as they get enough exercise.

Show Characteristics

The Standard Poodle has a well-proportioned head and a long, straight muzzle. The eyes are slightly slanted and set at the level of the stop.

The Poodle has a well-proportioned head. A moderately rounded skull has a slight but definite stop, and the muzzle is long and straight. The poodle carries its head high, with a long strong, neck. The body slopes downward from the shoulders and the back is short. The teeth should be set in a scissor bite.

The eyes are wide-set, dark, and oval-shaped, with an intelligent expression. The ears are low-set and hang close to the head, with long, wide earflaps. The tail is set high and should be docked in proportion with the body. on the skull and hang close to the head. The earflap is long, rather wide and well feathered. A gaily carried tail, set high, is docked to be in proportion with the body.

Typical Health Concerns

Poodles are susceptible to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as epilepsy. Standard Poodles are prone to Addison’s disease, and their deep chests make them more vulnerable  to bloat.

Poodles have also exhibited a sensitivity to the Rabies vaccine. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations.

Grooming

The grooming style of today’s Standard Poodle is derived from its historical use as a duck retriever, and was designed to provide water-resistance while working. The shaping of the hair above the feet, for example, increases the poodle’s swimming power.

Today’s Poodles require high maintenance, including both professional grooming and regular combing and brushing between visits. The Poodle needs a trip to the groomer about every six weeks.

Pet owners have an opportunity to exercise their creativity when it comes to clipping and styling preferences, and many enjoy doing so. The Poodle’s ears should be cleaned frequently to avoid infection, and daily tooth-brushing, particularly for smaller Poodles, is recommended to prevent gingivitis.

The Corded Poodle needs far less by way of maintenance once it has been properly corded.

The poodle is prized for its non-shedding coat, which is ideal for those who suffer from allergies to dander.

Country of Origin

Germany is generally considered the country of origin of the Poodle, but France takes credit for its development as well.

Average Life Span

The typical life span  of the Standard Poodle is 10 to 15 years.Miniature and Toy poodles have a longer life span, averaging between 14 and 17 years.