Poodles have been so popular for so long that it’s difficult to say which country is really their home.  A dog known as Pudel (splash them with water) was found in Germany.  In France the Poodle was a water retriever and a circus dog.  They were the pampered pet of choice in Spain.  So its past is much like its present — the Poodle is a universal dog.  They come in all colors and sizes — white, black, brown-cream; small (toy), medium (miniature), and large (standard).

Whatever size and color, Poodles are exceptionally intelligent, full of spirit and eager to please, and they are multi-talented dogs as well.  In fact, they were used as retrievers for hundreds of years, until a new hair-cut originally designed to give them more speed in the water, turned the dog into a dandy.  Once the clipping began the Poodle was retired from all other JOBS except companion and show dog.

Poodles are active dogs that need daily exercise.  Additionally they are one of the most intelligent breeds so their brain needs exercise too.  They are easily trained to standard commands and dog “tricks”.  Poodles don’t enjoy boredom.

According to the AKC standard the Poodle is a very active intelligent and elegent-appearing dog who moves soundly and carrying itself proudly.  Properly clipped the Poodle has an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to the breed.

The “Standard” Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder.  “Miniature” are between 10-15 inches, and “toys” must be less than 10 inches.  In all sizes the dog must appear to be squarely built, with the measurement from the breastbone to the rump approximating the height from the ground to the highest point on the shoulder.

The head should be rounded; the muzzle long and straight with chiseling under the eyes.  All Poodles should have a scissor bite, over- or undershot is considered a major flaw.

Poodles, as most water dogs, have a double coat.  The top is a wiry cover of thick close curls while the undercoat is wooly and warm.  The dogs can sport a variety of haircuts.  But, the dog is to be a show dog only four clips are allowed — Puppy, English saddle, Continental, and Sporting.  Only the Puppy and Sporting clips allow for the coat to remain unshaved.  The Continental clip is the most frequent look for Poodles with the face, throat, feet, tail and legs and hindquarters shaved with pompoms at ankles and end of tail.

Read PGAA’s Hypoallergenic Dogs article.

AKC Breed Profile

Poodle Club of America, Inc

Poodle Club of Canada

Tiara Standard Poodles A lot of good Standard Poodle info.

All Poodle Dog Discussion List Website