Poodle
Alternate names: Caniche, Pudel
Breed Group:
Standard: Gun Dog (UKC); Non-sporting (AKC)
Miniature and Toy: Companion (UKC); Non-sporting (AKC), Toy (AKC)
History and Overview:
Popularly believed to have originated in Germany, the Poodle was initially used as a gun dog and water retriever. The name Poodle comes from the German ‘pudel’, which means “to splash in water”. The breed was standardized in France, where it gained popularity for both sport and leisure. They were first brought to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. The Standard, or large, Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, according to the American Kennel Club. The Miniature and Toy breeds were developed shortly thereafter and became popular companions for European royalty. The smallest of the three varieties, the Toy Poodle, was developed in England in the 18th century. Smaller Poodles, which may have been crossed with terriers, were used for truffle hunting throughout Europe. The smaller size of their paws was preferred for digging up truffles, so that they did less damage to these delicacies in the process. Today, Poodles can often be seen on the show floor. Regarded as the second most intelligent breed of dog, the Poodle is incredibly popular for both its beauty and intellect.
Physique:
The Standard Poodle stands over 15 inches tall and weighs between 45-70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are 11-15 inches in height and weigh roughly 14-16 pounds. Toy Poodles are up to 10 inches in height and weigh 5-7 pounds. The Poodle is a slender, muscular dog, with a long muzzle and long ears. It has a long skull and dark, oval eyes. The Poodle’s tail is docked and erect. Its nose may be black or liver-colored. Usually, lighter-coated, brown Poodles have liver-colored noses.
Character and Temperament:
Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. They are considered the second most intelligent dog breed, after Border Collies. Poodles are affectionate and become very attached to their owners and family. Poodles do well with children and other dogs when properly socialized, but some may be weary of strangers. All three variations of the Poodle require moderate amounts of exercise, but the Standard Poodle specifically requires a very active lifestyle and lots of exercise.
Health:
The average lifespan for the Poodle is 15-20 years. The most common ailments for the Standard Poodle are Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat/torsion), epilepsy, hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, renal disease, skin disorders and thyroid problems. The leading causes of death for Poodles are cancer, old age, and gastric dilatation volvulus.
The Miniature and Toy Poodles are susceptible to Addision’s disease, bloat, Cushing’s disease, renal disease, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease (degenerative hip disease), luxating patellas, and von Willebrand’s disease (blood coagulation disease). As testament of their generally good health, the most common cause of death for Miniature Poodles is old age. The most common cause of death for Toy Poodles is old age and kidney failure (renal disease). There is an even smaller variety known as the “Teacup” Poodle, which is more likely to have health problems, including various cardiac anomalies.
Coat and Grooming:
The Poodle’s coat was developed to be water resistant to help this avid swimmer to more easily move in the water. Their coat may be apricot, black, blue, cream, gray, silver, brown, or white. The unique grooming for the Poodle was mainly developed in France, and the Poodle remains notorious for having a variety of clipping styles. Their coats are coarse and curly. While usually clipped, they can be left to cord, hanging in ropes. They are known for being hypoallergenic dogs, as they shed very minimally. However, they are not completely allergen free dogs. There grooming needs are extensive and can be demanding.
Notable Crossbreeds:
- Labradoodle (Labrador Retriver/Poodle)
- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle)
- Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier/Poodle)
- Lhasa poo (Lhasa Apso/Poodle)
