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History | Sizes | Grooming | Pictures It’s difficult to determine the origin of Poodles because they are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world. They appeared on Greek and Roman coins and in Roman tombs around 30 A.D. The breed as we know today was first heard of in northern Germany and western Russia in the sixteenth century. It is known as "Puddeln" or "Pudel" in German, meaning a puddle dog or one that likes splashing water. In those days, the Poodle was utilized as a sporting dog, especially a water retriever or fowl dog. The German Poodles were typically brown, but in other countries the color was usually black. Later the Germans developed the whites and breeders in Switzerland took up the breeding of white poodles. The Poodle was known in Belgium and Holland as a Poedel and used chiefly as a working dog. Gradually the breed migrated to France, where it is known as the "Caniche" or Duck Dog for his use as duck retrievers. It grew so popular in France that it became the national dog of that country, where they are often called the "French Poodle." In France a common expression is "loyal as a poodle." Poodles became known in England in the seventeenth century as water dogs, and as to whether the poodle is identical with the water dog, or a descendent of the water dog, has long been argued. All of the Poodle's ancestors were good swimmers. The Poodle was developed as a water retriever because of their sharp minds and quick responses. The distinctive clipping of its heavy coat was initiated to increase the animal's efficiency in the water. As early as 1700, the French discovered the natural performing and acting ability of their Caniche. These dogs were shown in other countries, pushing a wheelbarrow, dancing, jumping through hoops, skipping rope, operating a spinning wheel and doing many other tricks. Their entertainment value made Poodles very popular all over Europe. In 1886 the Poodle Club of England was formed and in 1887 the first Poodle was registered with the American Kennel Club, Inc. in The United States. In Brazil, Poodles represent more than 17% of the dogs in the country today (1997). Unfortunately this popularity brought trouble. Too many people started breeding Poodles and that led to physical and personality problems in the dogs. In the USA, Poodles were the most popular breeds in the 80’s, but that popularity declined for the same reason. Personality problems, due to excessive breeding, occur more often in smaller Poodles, such as toy and tea-cup. The Poodle is an elegant looking breed with a great sense of humor. They are loyal, gentle, obedient and active. The human way of thinking is unique to this breed as much as its innate intelligence and exceptional ability to learn. Poodles are often ranked as one of the most intelligent of all breeds. They are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, since they have neither body dander nor odor. Mild mannered, yet protective, they are wonderful with children and great family watchdogs. Poodles have a sense of decency and are precise in the way they do things; they know when it is the right time for bed, feeding and exercise. Their sense of routine and timing is phenomenal. |
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