The Poodle is lively, fun-loving, affectionate, highly intelligent breed with a sense of humor

many owners say rivals the best comedians.  In addition to loving life in general, poodles love people

and people love poodles. For 22 years, from 1960 to 1982, the poodle was the most popular

 dog in the U.S., holding the number-one spot longer than any other breed. In 2006, almost

30,000 Poodles were registered, making it the eighth most popular breed across the U.S.

This number doesn’t even take into account the thousands of non-registered Poodles in

the country.

In the world of Poodles, there are more options than you can shake a leash at. The three official

varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are —Standard (over 15 inches at the

shoulder), Miniature (10 to 15 inches), and Toy (under 10 inches)—  unofficial terms such as

Teacups (under 4 pounds in weight), Caniches (small Standards), and Royal Standards

(supersize) are used by breeders to describe sizes.

If color is your thing, the Poodle also aims to please with a palette of coat colors that include white,

cream, café au lait, chocolate brown, apricot, red, silver, blue, and black, as well as parti-colored

(a genetic pattern with white being the dominate color and a patch work pattern in a secondary color),

Phantom (a genetic pattern resembling that of a rottweiler or doberman), Tuxedo Pattern (genetic

pattern of solid color with a white chest marking) or Brindle (black and brown fairly evenly mixed).

AKC recognizes all of the above genetic patterns but they do not meet Show Quality Standards

however, dogs with patchwork coats are still popular with some owners. 

Not only is there a variety of colors you have a multitude of choices as to your Poodle’s hairstyle:

corded or curly, continental or English saddle, Dutch clip, puppy clip, sporting clip,  or kennel clip.

Regardless of what “package” you choose,  you will always get the unique Poodle heart, soul,

and character that make enthusiasts claim the breed is “the best of the best.”

Poodles hair requires nearly the same care requirements as humans.  Regular washings (once every

10 to 14 days), daily brushing and grooming (every 6 to 8 weeks).  They shed minimally at a rate

compared to humans.

Although there is much debate about the unique temperament attributes to each size, it is probably

fair to say that Poodles of all sizes share more personality traits than they differ from each other.

Those Tiny Toys think they can do anything that the “big guys” can do and do it better.  While a lot

of “dignified” Standards would secretly love to be tucked under your arm and accompany you

everywhere. The miniatures are just like its bigger and smaller cousins, the versatile Miniature

plays the middle of the road between the Standard and Toys.

History books show that curly-coated dogs of all sizes have been pleasing people for a long,

long time. Poodle historians argue endlessly about where and when the breed first emerged,

some saying Germany, others insisting on France or Russia; it appears that the breed reaches

back into the mists of ancient times and still others pointing to the Middle Ages as the starting point.

We do know that the breed was well established by the seventeenth century, because writings and

paintings document a famous white Poodle by the name of Boye during this period.  Boye was the

constant companion of Prince Rupert, one of the royalist commanders in the English Civil War. Because

he bravely went into battle by the prince’s side and was a very visible and enthusiastic “soldier,” he

became a kind of mascot for the Cavaliers. For the same reasons, he was hated by the opposing side,

who called him a  “devil dog” and set a price on his head. In the end, poor Boye was killed in battle,

causing his master great grief.

The French staked their claim stating they created the Poodle and made it the national dog of France.

On the other hand, it seems clear that the name Poodle arose from the German word pudeln, meaning

“to splash,” something at which the early Poodles excelled when going about their business of

retrieving waterfowl from water.

The clipping pattern of Poodles originally arose from their function as a retriever; working dogs were

kept closely trimmed on some areas of the body to reduce the weight of a waterlogged coat while

retrieving. Longer hair was left over joints, and around the chest to help those vital parts stay warm.

Also known as "the lion clip" including pom-poms that most people associate with the well-groomed

Poodle. The pom on the tail is said to have originated as a marker to spot the swimming poodle easier.

Despite its reputation as a “foo - foo” dog, the Poodle actually features a squarely built, athletic, and

efficient physical design; again, part of its heritage as a working retriever. Still, when buying a Poodle,

as with any breed, you should be aware of health problems associated with that breed, most notably,

in the case of the Poodle, sebaceous adenitis—a skin disease—and hip dysplasia (in Standards) and

progressive retinal atrophy (PRA; generally found in Minis and Toys). Conscientious breeders are

working to reduce the incidence of all genetic health problems; your best defense is to make sure you

buy a Poodle only from such a breeder.