• Alex Savin
• July 8, 2022
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The Poodle History

The Poodle is one of the world’s most popular, recognizable, and beloved dog breeds. Smart, intelligent, friendly, and very easy to train – all these qualities make the Poodle an ideal family companion dog. In addition to the great temper, the Poodle has two more undeniable advantages. Firstly, it does not shed – this greatly simplifies pet care and makes it a good option for a four-legged family member for allergy sufferers. Secondly, poodle dogs are distinguished by excellent health, and they can live up to 15-17 years with proper care. This article will teach you about the Poodle’s history and features.

Genealogy of the poodle breed

How did the poodle breed develop? It is covered in legends. Many experts believe that the breed appeared and formed after crossing small and larger breeds with curly hair. Scientists believe these were hunting and shepherd dogs: water spaniels, barbets, retrievers, Maltese, greyhounds with Pointing dogs, and others.

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a strong diversity among the poodle population. It is believed that the ancestors of large and small poodles: a truffle dogs with a water spaniel. And their ancestors: Puli dog with Komondor. The relationship of these breeds with modern poodles is guessed.

The little ones show features: Bichons, Toy Spaniels, and Maltese. Ideally, when a small poodle is very similar to a large one, but even now, we are seeing the diversity. The differences are much less than before, thanks to the breeders.

Poodles in history

Poodle history begins even before the common era. Dogs vaguely resembling poodles were depicted on Roman coins and tombs from 30 BC. The Poodle is recognizable in the cathedral of the famous abbey of Saint-Remy, which is located in France. His images are visible on the columns of the monastery located in Montreal. The Poodle quickly became popular in England and Europe. There were especially many poodles in France. Most often, two breeds were bred: the Poodle and the barbet. They were trained to search for truffles and were called “truffle dogs.”

Now poodles are fashionably shorn, but before, they were shaggy and did not freeze much during the hunt when it was cold and raining. The first grooming salons appeared in Europe in the 18th-19th century. There they came up with various poodles haircuts. “Poodle” from the German “splash.” At first, the poodles were hunting dogs and fed the wounded or killed birds from the reservoirs. Now they become companion dogs.

The first breed standard was developed and adopted in England in 1868. Then in Germany in 1904. In France, the breed standard was officially admitted in 1936. In Russia, the intelligentsia has always loved poodles. Most poodles were large, but small ones were brought from Europe.

The American Kennel Club officially declared the Poodle in 1886. Until 1935, the Poodle was not very popular in America, but after winning the Westminster Show, the breed became popular. In 2012, the Poodle became one of the most popular breeds.

Appearance

Only poodles have four variants of breed, depending on the size:

• Standard or large at the withers from 45 to 60 cm. It weighs from 15 to 30 kg.
• Medium or small from 35 to 45 cm. Weighs from 8 to 15 kg.
• Dwarf or miniature from 28 to 35 cm. It weighs from 3 to 7 kg.
• Toy poodle from 24 to 28 cm weighs up to 2.5 kg.

Poodles of any size meet the breed standard. Wool is curly or corded. Curly curls beautifully and springs under the hand. Get beautiful fluffy hairstyles. Coils aligned from root to tip. Around the head, the cordy hair is collected in a ribbon. Most poodles are monochromatic. White and black are the most popular. Often dog lovers buy apricot color, silver, and cream with red. Brown is considered rare, and black, tan, and other colors are even rarer.

If you crossbreed two poodles of different colors, puppies can be born sable-like, spotted, fawn, or brindle, which does not meet the standard. Black and white with spots are called harlequins. They are not considered standard breeds.

A poodle of any size should look harmonious with limbs proportional to the body. The muzzle is elongated, not pointed. Haircuts hide some of the imperfections of the coat.

The head is oval and slightly elongated. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark, in some colors dark amber. The ears are wide and long. Hanging down, close to the cheeks. On them, as well as on the body, long hair grows. The tail is set high.

Temper

The Poodle is a very smart and clever dog. Each has its temper. Some carry themselves proudly with great dignity, especially the big ones, the royal ones. Others are cheerful and gentle. All poodles are friendly to people. Pets have developed intuition. They can predict what command the owner will ask them to make. If you are engaged in training, he will try: to listen carefully and follow the commands. Pets are temperamental but cannot be called too noisy or conflicting. They try not to upset the owners with tricks.

Care

Bathe them every week. Once every 2-4 months, cut hair and trim the ends before that. If you do not cut, tangles will appear and pull the pet’s skin, which is painful. The simplest haircut is one length all over the body. Popular “under the lion” and others. It would be best to clean the pet’s ears weekly, so they do not become inflamed. Teeth should be brushed every three days with a special brush and paste. Feed your pet in a balanced way with meat, cereals, fish, or super-premium dry food and walk at least 1 hour a day, and he will be healthy until old age. Poodles live from 10 to 15 years and longer.

Diseases

Most poodles rarely get sick and mostly in old age, but the breed has genetically transmitted diseases. Large poodles have: hip or elbow dysplasia, problems with the discs of the ridge, and the stomach is often swollen. There is degenerative myelopathy. The little ones have heart problems. Tendency to blood diseases, dislocation of the knee calyx, hypothyroidism. Dwarfs have narrowed passages in the nose or nostrils and sniff loudly. Need a little surgery. There have been cases when a puppy was born with a “cleft palate.” Poodles are prone to urolithiasis, gingivitis, and calculus. Ear inflammation. Tendency to epilepsy, cataracts, and glaucoma or diabetes. There is retinal atrophy. Some people are prone to allergies.