The origins of the poodle are still in dispute over whether or not the poodle descended from the old French Barbet or a German type of water dog in as early as the 1500’s. The poodle was mainly used as a duck/bird hunting dog due to its swimming ability. It later became France’s established national breed. The poodle's intelligence led to breeding down to the toy and miniature sizes for the ladies of the Royal Court. It was not until the late 1900’s that those in power decided to exclude the Parti from the show ring even though they were the original coloring of the poodle.
There are three different sizes in the poodle breed that is recognized by the AKC Registration;
The Standard Poodle; over 15 inches at the shoulder
The Miniature Poodle; over 11 inches at the shoulder but under 15 inches
The Toy Poodle; Less than 11 inches at the shoulder
Although through the years and alot of breeders devoting their time and energy on sizing poodles, you will also hear talk about the teacup poodle and the moyen poodle.
The Teacup Poodle is the smallest of the smallest not holding a dwarf gene,
The Moyen is between the Miniature and the Standard sized Poodle.
The Majestic Standard Poodles have been cherished and adored by hundreds of years. Based on the history, we know that they have been around since at least the 15th to 16th century due to their images in artwork of that period.
The Standard Poodle that we know and love today probably developed around the 17th century. Most people thinks that the Poodle was originated in France, but in all actuality it was originated in Germany. The German word for Poodle is "Pudel", which means "to splash in the water". There are several Poodle type dogs in other countries during this time, including Russia, France, and Italy.
The original Poodle was highly valued as an excellent water dog because it was extremely intelligent and cooperative. It is actually the oldest know water retriever breed. It's bond with humans stood out from any other breed. This characteristic is what makes the poodle so highly popular today.
In the early 1930's there were only about 34 Poodles registered in the USA. In 1935, a white Standard Poodle won best in show at the Westminister Kennel Club show in New York, after that show, the Poodle's popularity soared, and it was the number one dog registered by the American Kennel Club for approximately 20 years.
The Poodle still remains in the top 10 as far as popularity goes, due to good breeders diligently striving to preserve the personality, characteristics and health of the breed. The poodle is also the 2nd most intelligent dog out there next to the boarder collie but of course they shed...Poodles are so easy to train and more willing to please than any other breed out there.
Most people who think poodle only see black n white but this awesome breed comes in so many different colors that AKC and breeders have been trying to eliminate for decades, well they are coming back with a vengeance. This original color of the poodle came from parti's so don't let anyone fool you these gorgeous dogs come in a variety of colors that are Pure in their blood!
SOME VERY INTERESTING POODLE FACTS YOU PROBABLY DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS AMAZING BREED
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW WHY PEOPLE PICK THE POODLE OVER OTHER BREEDS
When you think Poodle, you’re probably thinking a dog with a really unfortunate haircut … or at least a really silly one. And you’re right, sometimes poodles are given really silly haircuts. But what else do you know about the Poodle?
If you're like the average person, pretty much nothing. Let's change that, shall we. Here are five brilliantly fun facts about the Poodle.
#5 Smarty Pants
The Poodle, for all it’s fashionable traits and trends, is actually hiding the brain of a geek. yes i did say geek dog, In fact, the Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds out there that is exactly one reason everyone wants a piece of them. They’re also a very loving dog, nice to strangers (as long as you keep an eye on them) and have a great sense of humor. All in all, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better game show contestant.
#4 'Hyperallogenic'
The Poodle may be a high class pooch, but it's also great for people who suffer from dog allergies. Even better, they shed very little of their fur. Also, for those with sensitive noses, Poodles tend to be odorless. Cancel the Fabreeze order hehe !
#3 National Hero
Though the Poodle is famous throughout Europe, the French have loved the dog since the 1500's and have even made it their national dog! So it may be a good idea to refer to its highness as
Le Poodle or Le Woof. However, if you get strange looks, don't blame us ...
#2 Something 'Fierce'
It may be "fierce," but this is no supermodel dog. The Poodle doesn’t sit around and announce it will not get out of bed for less than $10,000 per day. No. Along with being smart, pretty, and bestowed with wonderful fluffy cotton like hair, the Poodle is athletic. That's right, it can earn its keep with its excellent hunting and water-retrieving skills and can do anything they can do to say the least.
#1 The Great Halls of the Dogdom
The Poodle is not a newcomer to the halls of doggy fame. No way. In fact, it has been famous all the way back to, well, recorded history. The Poodle, being a noble and etch-worthy (the precursor to news-worthy) dog, was featured on both ancient Greek and Roman coins. Who knows? The warring feuds between those two mighty nations might've been over the poodle.
Well, there you have it, five fun facts about the poodle.