Poodle History and Fun Facts
Poodle History
"Poodle History & Fun Facts"

Since I started researching poodles years ago, I have come across some
interesting facts that I know many others have asked about as well.  Here are
the top three:

First of all, what is with that “funky” haircut you see on the poodles in the show ring?
    Simply put, it is tradition.  Poodles are the national dog of France due to its long standing
    popularity there (hence the term “French Poodle”), but they were thought to have originated in
    Germany, Russia and France.  In Germany, they were called Pudel , which means to “splash in
    water”.  They were used as water retrievers for hunting and the Continental trim (the “funky”
    haircut) served a serious purpose.  Their coats were so thick and heavy when wet that they would
    drown in deep waters with a full coat.  So, their coats were shaved in the areas that didn’t need
    protecting from the cold waters, such as the hind end and legs.  The vital organs and joints were
    kept covered for warmth.  The Continental clip may appear silly to some (and has definitely given
    poodles an undeserved reputation as sissy dogs), but it has its origins in athleticism and hard
    work.  So, for the sake of tradition, the Continental clip remains the standard in the conformation
    ring, although the English Saddle clip is accepted and for puppies under 12 months old the Puppy
    Clip is accepted.

What is the AKC standard for the poodle and what does that mean?
    Every breed has a written standard, established by the breed’s national club,       
    Against which dogs are judged in the conformation dog shows.  In fact, the word          
    “conformation” refers to how well the individual dog conforms to the breed
    standard.  According to the PCA (Poodle Club of America) standard, the general
    appearance, carriage, and condition of the poodle is “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.”  
    For more information, go to The Poodle Club of America

How many sizes and colors are there?  Why don’t  I see tiny or teacup poodles in
  the show ring?
      There are 3 sizes recognized by the AKC and PCA.  The Standard Poodle is over
     15 inches at the shoulder.  The Miniature Poodle is between 10 and 15 inches at
    shoulder.  Toy Poodles are less than 10 inches at the shoulder. But parents have a
    factor in the size as well, for example, if Toy parents have an 11 inch offspring it
    is not considered a miniature, it is considered an oversized Toy Poodle.  Size is
    the only thing that differentiates among the three classifications.  In every other
    aspect , all three are measured against the same standard, though in reality
    poodles of each size tend to have a slightly different look.

    Poodles can be any solid color (black, blue, silver, cream, white, café au laits,  
    apricot and brown).  An even tone is desired, but in some colors there
    are varying shades.  Poodles that aren’t solid in color (called parti-colored or     
    phantoms) are disqualified from showing in AKC shows.

Did you know?

Poodles are extremely versatile.  Poodles soar in performance and competitive sports as well as
the conformation ring. The possibilities are endless with the fun you can have with a poodle!   

Miniature Poodles tend to have less genetic health issues than Standards and Toys.

Poodles don’t have fur, they have hair…….it never stops growing, unlike most dogs’ fur.  It is also
why they are considered non-shedding and hypoallergenic, and why many allergy sufferers can
live with Poodles without health issues.

Poodles are considered the most easily trainable and intelligent of all dogs, second only to the
Border Collie. (And I have had several trainers tell me that Poodles are THE smartest!)

Poodles typically do NOT drool!

Basic obedience training can make the difference between a beloved pet and a terror on four
legs….many times lack of training is what fills up the animal shelters!

Some famous Poodle owners throughout history include Beethoven, Chopin (known to be Poodle
lovers).  Winston Churchill, often associated with English Bulldogs, had a special place in his
heart for his Miniature Poodle, Rufus.  When Rufus got hit by a car, he was subsequently replaced
by another Mini Poo, Rufus II.
Answers to your questions...