Breed Standard: SCC, FCI | Size: Medium | Average Lifespan: 12+ years | Personality: Jovial, dynamic, and affectionate | Coat: Medium-long | Origin: France.
The Poodle is a jovial and dynamic dog. Its intelligence and unique physical characteristics have made it one of the most famous dog breeds in the world.
The origins of the Poodle
The Poodle is a French dog breed that is believed to trace back its origins to the 19th century.
French origins?
Some of the Poodle’s ancestors include the Barbet and the German Spaniel. Some believe that the Poodle did not originate in France. Instead, specialists suggest that the Poodle originated in Germany. It could also have originated in North Africa with the Barbet as its ancestor.
To prove that the breed originated in Germany, many have pointed to the fact that illustrations of the dog can be found in some drawings by A. Dürer which show it accompanying hunters during the Renaissance. Several depictions of this breed have also been found in medieval works from the Aix cathedral in southern France. However, this dog has also appeared in the works of Botticelli. Therefore, the origins of the Poodle are unclear.
With that being said, one thing is certain: the Poodle was a hunting dog used to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. This particularity is what inspired the French name of this breed. The French word for Poodle is Caniche, which comes from the word “canichon”, meaning a “duck dog”.
Over time, nobles started to appreciate Poodles. Several French kings had Poodles, such as Louis XVI. For this reason, the breed became a symbol of nobility.
Appreciated by all
For a long time, Poodles were associated with nobility. However, in the 19th century, the middle class started to appreciate the breed as well. The first Poodle Club was founded in 1922 and the breed was recognized by the FCI in 1936.
The Poodle’s personality
Because the Poodle was a hunting dog in the past, it is a curious and energetic dog that likes to discover the world around it.
What are some of the Poodle’s qualities?
Poodles love their owners and always wants to please. The breed is also very affectionate and loves life. With that being said, this dog can also be quite clingy as it truly appreciates its owner and family. In addition, this breed likes to cuddle and share long hours with its owner. When their owner is around, they are truly happy and they do not really like being alone.
What are some of the downsides of having a Poodle?
If the Poodle does not learn its place in its family, it can become a bit authoritarian. This may also cause a Poodle to become aggressive. In addition, the Poodle knows what it wants and will try to get it by all means.
The Poodle’s physical characteristics
Whether they are small or large, Poodles are known for their dignified demeanour.
One breed, different sizes
There are several types of Poodles. Royal-sized poodles can measure up to 60 cm. Standard Poodles measure up to 45 cm. When it comes to Miniature Poodles, they can measure up to 35 cm and Toy Poodles, which are the smallest, can measure up to 28 cm.
Head
The Poodle has a long and slender head and is well-proportioned. The space between their eyes is wide. The stop is discreet but present. This dog’s lips are reasonably developed and the mandible traces the design of the muzzle. Its cheeks are not prominent and its eyes are almond shaped. When it comes to their ears, they are flat and rather long, reaching futher than the lower part of the jaw. The body is well-proportioned with a short back and a rounded croup. When it comes to the withers, they are not very developed. Poodles have an elegant and robust body.
Coat, color, and grooming
The Poodle has medium-long hair and needs professional grooming to take care of its coat.
Colors and coat
Some of the different coat types that a Poodle can have include curly and corded.
Each type of coat can have different colors. The Poodle can be black, white, dark or light brown, fawn, or grey. The most common colors are white and light brown.
Grooming a Poodle
Because its coat is so dense, the Poodle needs precise grooming. For example, their coat needs to be brushed several times a week to avoid knots. With that being said, this dog does not shed. It is therefore a perfect dog for people with allergies.
Even if you groom your dog regularly, it’s important to plan several visits to the groomer. If your Poodle has a specific haircut, they should return to the groomer every two months. If they have a simpler cut, they can visit the groomer less often. For Poodles, there are a few different cuts to choose from. It is also important to keep in mind that the Poodle’s hair grows back very quickly.
In addition, it is important to regularly clean their eyes and ears. If you have a white Poodle, you may see pinkish streaks along the tear duct. To avoid this, you can use a saline solution. Regarding their ears, it’s best to clean them once a week.
Did you know?
The German philosopher Schopenhauer had several Poodles. He confided to many of his friends that he considered them more intelligent than humans. When his dog did something stupid, he would say: “You are not a dog, you are a man. Yes, a man! Shame on you.”
The Poodle at a glance
Size: Royal-sized Poodles measure between 45 and 60 cm. Standard Poodles measure between 35 and 45 cm. Miniature Poodles measure between 28 and 35 cm and the Toy Poodle measures around 24 to 28 cm.
Weight: The Toy Poodle weighs between 2 and 4 kg, the Miniature Poodle weighs between 6 and 8 kg, the Standard Poodle weighs between 10 and 15 kg and Royal-sized Poodles can reach up to 22 kg.
Health: While the Poodle is a healthy and robust breed, it is nevertheless predisposed to certain health problems. For example, it can suffer from ear infections regularly, which is why it’s important to clean their ears. In addition, it can also present some dermatological problems and eye problems. Other common health issues include the Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (a hip disease), hip dysplasia which particularly affects large Poodles, and Addison’s disease (a progressive adrenal disease). Small Poodles can suffer from a luxating patella because their joints are very thin.
Average lifespan: between 12 and 17 years.
Is the Poodle good with children? The poodle is a perfect dog for children. They play with them and will be able to protect them by keeping an eye on them permanently. They also follow them everywhere and do not get tired easily.
Is the Poodle easy to train?The Poodle is an intelligent dog that understands what is asked of it and is happy to obey as long as it is was trained well. It is best to teach them through playing. It’s important to keep in mind that they should be trained at a young age. Focus on certain points like teaching them how to stay home alone or not barking (especially for the small breeds).