Poodle Information And History

One of the most beloved dog breeds is the Poodle. Standard, Miniature and Toy sized Poodles are regularly champions in dog competitions. Poodles are widely remarked upon for their elaborate fur clips, especially when primping for show. The American Kennel Club requires that Poodles be clipped in either the Continental or English Saddle styles (for adult Poodles) or the puppy clip (for Poodles under twelve months of age).

Poodles are thought to have originated in the 15th century. Though it is debated whether the breed comes from Russia, Germany or France, the French are given credit for the breed. French Poodle breeders effectively bred Poodles into their three sizes. The word Poodle comes from the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water. The elaborate fur clip seen in competition began as a functional way to lighten the weight of the curly, dense coat while insulating the joints from cold water. Poodles were used as retrievers and duck hunters and the breed still adores water.

Competition Poodles can be any solid color; however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow Poodles with multi or parti-colored fur to compete. All three sizes of Poodle can compete if they meet size requirements. The three sizes of Poodle, Miniature, Toy and Standard, have similar overall traits but differ in height and weight.

Miniature Poodles are fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height at the shoulder, Toy Poodles are six to nine pounds and up to ten inches at the shoulder, and Standard Poodles are forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches at the shoulder. Poodle breeders must make sure that competition Poodles reflects all of the AKC breed standard characteristics. Examples of traits required in purebred Poodles are: high activity level, intelligence, elegant bearing, straight, delicate muzzle, alert, dark eyes, oval feet, tail that is half-docked and curly, dense fur. Poodle fur is either curly or corded and is hypoallergenic to most humans.

Before considering a purebred Poodle for a pet, potential buyers should research the breed and find out all the Poodle information and history they can. After viewing common Poodle health problems and the requirements of caring for a Poodle, buyers can decide if their home is a good match for a Poodle. Buyers can then begin contacting local Poodle breeders and rescue centers. Buyers should look for AKC certified breeders or breeders with references, and should interview Poodle breeders before purchasing a purebred Poodle. By doing this, buyers can ask specific questions to weed out any illegitimate Poodle breeders.

Purebred Poodles should come with a documented pedigree or ancestry showing evidence of past champions in the genetic line. Poodle breeders should make documentation of ancestry and medical records available to buyers. They should educate buyers on common health problems, historical facts, and proper care and grooming of Poodles. Breeders should be willing to allow buyers to visit their kennels and to meet Poodle puppy parents. A good breeder will never sell a Poodle to a pet store. No good breeder is in the business just to make a profit. Good Poodle breeders want Poodle puppies to go to loving, permanent homes.


Lisa Collins has an interest in all dog breeds and enjoyed writing about Poodles and Poodle breeders. Locating reputable Poodle breeders begins with asking the right questions. In this article are questions to ask Poodle breeders and general Poodle information.