Poodle, Standard
COUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 45-70 pounds
HEIGHT: Over 15 inches
COAT: Profuse, dense, harsh, closely curling coat (will cord if not combed)
COLOR: Any solid color
OTHER NAMES: Caniche, Barbone
GROUP: Gun Dog
Poodle, Miniature
COUNTRY: France
HEIGHT: 10-15 inches (USA), 11-15 inches (Great Britain)
COAT: Same as the Standard
COLOR: Same as the Standard
OTHER NAMES: Caniche., Barbone
GROUP: Gun Dog
Poodle, Toy
COUNTRY: France
HEIGHT: Under 10 inches
COAT: Same as the Standard
COLOR: Same as the Standard
OTHER NAMES: Caniche, Chien Canne
GROUP: Gun Dog
Where and when the Poodle breed developed remains a matter of controversy. Shaggy water dogs, often with the clipping which has become a tradition, were known in many countries predating the Christian era. These developed, over time, into the specific breeds we know today. Poodle types were depicted in artwork as early as the 15th century. Germany may have been the actual country of origin, where, known as the pudel, he was well established as a water retriever before that century. It is believed the breed entered France with German troops.
From the marshes of Germany, the Poodle climbed to world-wide popularity. Welcomed by the French, he is still called Caniche, from the French ckien canard for duck dog. In France, he evolved into his modern form. His quick intelligence and charm soon found him favor as a performer, and since the dawn of European circuses, Poodles have entertained as trick dogs. One Poodle, named "Domini," was credited with telling time and playing a challenging game of dominoes. The exaggerated pompons were clipped to match those of the clowns. Small Poodles or Poodle crosses were also used extensively as truffle dogs, sniffing out the delectable underground fungus for their partners, the Dachshunds, who then unearthed the truffle.
The courts of Europe, especially in France, escalated the fad of the pampered pet, a position the Poodle has not lost to this day. Because he assumed most of his modern characteristics in France, FCI has identified that country as his place of origin.
The Standard Poodle may be the oldest of the varieties, but has always has been the least in numbers. His size and coat care require both space and time. To his credit, the modern Standard Poodle is an athletic yet urbane companion. He is still a hearty swimmer and can jog, hike, or compete in obedience with joie de vivre. Yet his long history as a companion enables him to be a gentleman in the home.
The Miniature variety appeared on the scene shortly after its larger siblings became celebrated. In circuses and homes, the smaller size was cheaper to feed and easier to care for. The Miniature has remained the most common of all the Poodle varieties. In fact, in the 1950s and 60s, he soared to a phenomenal popularity all over the world. The numbers were so great that inevitably, some genetic problems occurred. Today, however, the Poodle has returned to a position of security. The Miniature makes a lively, yet mannerly, companion for all lifestyles.
As the Poodle became the rage with the nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries, smaller and smaller specimens were desired, resulting in the birth of the Toy variety. Toy Poodles were portrayed by the German artist, Durer, circa 1500, and by Goya toward the end of the 18th century in Spain. Many in Louis XVI's court fancied the charming dog.
The Toy Poodle has all the same intelligence and friendliness of the two larger versions in a smaller package. As is true with any extreme miniaturization, a few more problems are inherent in the small size, such as in whelping puppies. The ideal for the breed defines a Toy as any Poodle under 10 inches—most show dogs, however, are around eight inches. Some breeders have attempted to produce even smaller specimens, calling them "Teacup" Poodles. No such variety is defined by the standard, and these very tiny dogs are prone to many more inborn problems.
People occasionally disparage the trim as an exaggerated bid for attention but, originally, the Poodle's clip had a practical purpose. The jacket was kept heavy around the joints and organs, for protection in cold water, and the remaining coat was shorn for efficiency. Following that sensible period, came an era of ridiculous embellishments. As revealed by Shirley Kalstone in "Origins of Trimming the Poodle" (AKC Gazette., groomers clipped the dog in any design the owner requested: a family coat of arms, monograms, fleurs-de-lis, with moustachios and im-periales (Van Dyke beards). If desired, they capped it off with a pompadour to match the owner's.
The Poodle coat requires either frequent home-grooming sessions or regular visits to professionals. The modern show ring allows only two coat clips—the English Saddle Clip and the Continental, with the pompons—both with full-length body hair requiring great attention. But most pet owners have their Poodles cut down into a kennel or Dutch clip, with shorter hair making care easier. Early show dogs were occasionally shown with a corded coat and, recently, this style has reappeared.
Poodles have their tails cut to about half-length when the whelps are just a few days old. Except for their size, all three varieties are judged by the same criteria. They move with a light, springy gait, almost as if they were dancing. The Poodle, in all of his varieties, probably remains the most popular companion dog in the world and jockeys with the Cocker Spaniel for AKC's top dog.
COUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 45-70 pounds
HEIGHT: Over 15 inches
COAT: Profuse, dense, harsh, closely curling coat (will cord if not combed)
COLOR: Any solid color
OTHER NAMES: Caniche, Barbone
GROUP: Gun Dog
Poodle, Miniature
COUNTRY: France
HEIGHT: 10-15 inches (USA), 11-15 inches (Great Britain)
COAT: Same as the Standard
COLOR: Same as the Standard
OTHER NAMES: Caniche., Barbone
GROUP: Gun Dog
Poodle, Toy
COUNTRY: France
HEIGHT: Under 10 inches
COAT: Same as the Standard
COLOR: Same as the Standard
OTHER NAMES: Caniche, Chien Canne
GROUP: Gun Dog
Where and when the Poodle breed developed remains a matter of controversy. Shaggy water dogs, often with the clipping which has become a tradition, were known in many countries predating the Christian era. These developed, over time, into the specific breeds we know today. Poodle types were depicted in artwork as early as the 15th century. Germany may have been the actual country of origin, where, known as the pudel, he was well established as a water retriever before that century. It is believed the breed entered France with German troops.
From the marshes of Germany, the Poodle climbed to world-wide popularity. Welcomed by the French, he is still called Caniche, from the French ckien canard for duck dog. In France, he evolved into his modern form. His quick intelligence and charm soon found him favor as a performer, and since the dawn of European circuses, Poodles have entertained as trick dogs. One Poodle, named "Domini," was credited with telling time and playing a challenging game of dominoes. The exaggerated pompons were clipped to match those of the clowns. Small Poodles or Poodle crosses were also used extensively as truffle dogs, sniffing out the delectable underground fungus for their partners, the Dachshunds, who then unearthed the truffle.
The courts of Europe, especially in France, escalated the fad of the pampered pet, a position the Poodle has not lost to this day. Because he assumed most of his modern characteristics in France, FCI has identified that country as his place of origin.
The Standard Poodle may be the oldest of the varieties, but has always has been the least in numbers. His size and coat care require both space and time. To his credit, the modern Standard Poodle is an athletic yet urbane companion. He is still a hearty swimmer and can jog, hike, or compete in obedience with joie de vivre. Yet his long history as a companion enables him to be a gentleman in the home.
The Miniature variety appeared on the scene shortly after its larger siblings became celebrated. In circuses and homes, the smaller size was cheaper to feed and easier to care for. The Miniature has remained the most common of all the Poodle varieties. In fact, in the 1950s and 60s, he soared to a phenomenal popularity all over the world. The numbers were so great that inevitably, some genetic problems occurred. Today, however, the Poodle has returned to a position of security. The Miniature makes a lively, yet mannerly, companion for all lifestyles.
As the Poodle became the rage with the nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries, smaller and smaller specimens were desired, resulting in the birth of the Toy variety. Toy Poodles were portrayed by the German artist, Durer, circa 1500, and by Goya toward the end of the 18th century in Spain. Many in Louis XVI's court fancied the charming dog.
The Toy Poodle has all the same intelligence and friendliness of the two larger versions in a smaller package. As is true with any extreme miniaturization, a few more problems are inherent in the small size, such as in whelping puppies. The ideal for the breed defines a Toy as any Poodle under 10 inches—most show dogs, however, are around eight inches. Some breeders have attempted to produce even smaller specimens, calling them "Teacup" Poodles. No such variety is defined by the standard, and these very tiny dogs are prone to many more inborn problems.
People occasionally disparage the trim as an exaggerated bid for attention but, originally, the Poodle's clip had a practical purpose. The jacket was kept heavy around the joints and organs, for protection in cold water, and the remaining coat was shorn for efficiency. Following that sensible period, came an era of ridiculous embellishments. As revealed by Shirley Kalstone in "Origins of Trimming the Poodle" (AKC Gazette., groomers clipped the dog in any design the owner requested: a family coat of arms, monograms, fleurs-de-lis, with moustachios and im-periales (Van Dyke beards). If desired, they capped it off with a pompadour to match the owner's.
The Poodle coat requires either frequent home-grooming sessions or regular visits to professionals. The modern show ring allows only two coat clips—the English Saddle Clip and the Continental, with the pompons—both with full-length body hair requiring great attention. But most pet owners have their Poodles cut down into a kennel or Dutch clip, with shorter hair making care easier. Early show dogs were occasionally shown with a corded coat and, recently, this style has reappeared.
Poodles have their tails cut to about half-length when the whelps are just a few days old. Except for their size, all three varieties are judged by the same criteria. They move with a light, springy gait, almost as if they were dancing. The Poodle, in all of his varieties, probably remains the most popular companion dog in the world and jockeys with the Cocker Spaniel for AKC's top dog.