The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at
least 400 years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs
from the first century. The subject is controversial of where the dog was
officially developed and no one really knows the breed’s true country of
origin. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to
the Germans, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims
have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was
a descendant of the now extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the
Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German
word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water." The "Poodle clip" was
designed by hunters to help the dogs swim more efficiently. They would leave
hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The
hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gun dog and as a retriever
of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. The
French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high
intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which
led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called
the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog.” The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from
larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. In the 18th century smaller
poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy,
Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by
the same written standard but with different size requirements. Breeders are
also breeding an in-between size called a Klein Poodle (Moyen Poodle) and a smaller teacup Poodle. Some of the Poodle's talents
include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing
tricks.
least 400 years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs
from the first century. The subject is controversial of where the dog was
officially developed and no one really knows the breed’s true country of
origin. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to
the Germans, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims
have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was
a descendant of the now extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the
Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German
word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water." The "Poodle clip" was
designed by hunters to help the dogs swim more efficiently. They would leave
hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The
hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gun dog and as a retriever
of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. The
French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high
intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which
led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called
the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog.” The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from
larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. In the 18th century smaller
poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy,
Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by
the same written standard but with different size requirements. Breeders are
also breeding an in-between size called a Klein Poodle (Moyen Poodle) and a smaller teacup Poodle. Some of the Poodle's talents
include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing
tricks.
