The
Poodle
is a
versatile
and
wonderful
companion,
a
charming
animal,
pleasing
to
live
with
in
every
way.
They
are
gifted
with
grace,
beauty,
intelligence,
and
athletic
ability.
In
addition
to
being spectacular
in
the
show
ring,
the
Poodle
excels
in
obedience,
agility,
rally,
field
and
many
other
activities.
Their
intelligence,
desire
to
please
people,
trainability
and
non-shedding
coat
make
poodles
ideal
companions,
therapy
and
guide
dogs,
and
family
members.
To
own
a
poodle
is
to
be
captivated!
Poodles
come
in
three
sizes
(Toy,
Miniature
and
Standard)
and
many
colors.
Poodles'
coats
do
not
shed
and
require
special
grooming
to
keep
their
constantly
growing
hair
at a
manageable
length
and
to
prevent
matting.
Origins
of
the
Breed
Historically,
poodles were bred to
hunt for truffle and
to retrieve
waterfowl. To
this day, poodles
still hold their own
in that company.
The name Poodle
seems to come from
the German 'Pudl' which is "to
splash." Most
breed historians
agree that the
Poodle, as we know it
in the United States
today, had its
origins in Russia,
France and Germany.
While the dogs of
these countries were
very different in
type from each other,
they did have one
attribute in common.
As long as they have
been known, Poodles
have excelled as
water retrievers and
swimmers, and they
are a true sporting
dog. They are
marvelous companions
as well and the
darlings of society
due to their amusing
personalities and
their versatile
talents.
However, their
background is that
of the water dog, and these
instincts remain
with the breed
today.
Three Variety of
Poodles
There are three varieties of
poodles: Toy,
Miniature, and Standard.
There is no officially
recognized poodle variety
such as a “Royal” Standard,
a “Tea Cup ” Toy or a “Tiny
Toy” poodle.
Toy Poodle-
The Toy is the smallest of
the three varieties of
Poodle. For the
conformation show ring the
Toy should be no larger than
10” high at the shoulder.
This more diminutive variety
of poodle is particularly
well suited to apartment
life or as a traveling
companion for retired
people.
Miniature Poodle-
The Miniature Poodle is a
medium-sized animal limited
to 15” high at the shoulder
for the show ring.
Still it’s a sturdy
compromise between the Toy
and the Standard, suitable
both to apartment life as
well as the hardy lifestyle
of a family with children.
Standard Poodle-
The Standard is the largest
of the three varieties with
no restriction on size.
Typically Standards will be
about 21” to 27” high at the
shoulder, and the
females will be usually a
little smaller than the
males. Being a larger,
more substantial animal, the
Standard usually requires a
little more room to roam
than the other two
varieties.
Alternatives to
Puppies
Occasionally, adult dogs are
available from breeders.
Some may even be champions.
Rescue dogs, too, are
available from time to time
from area Poodle Clubs.
Both can make excellent pets
and generally readily adapt
to new homes and loving
families. If you
are interested in learning
more about Poodle Rescue,
please click on our "POODLE
RESCUE" webpage.
Internet Resources
There is a lot of
information about Poodles on
the web. Please click
on our "LINKS" webpage for
more poodle information,
also click on
The Poodle Club of America
(PCA) official website.
The PCA website provides
extensive information on
various aspects of the
breed, including the
illustrated breed standard
and information on poodle
health,
performance activities,
shows and more.
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