Poodles in general (there are three size varieties) are the epitome of elegance. The Standard Poodle is the tallest. Those long-legged, fancily-clipped dogs that were once seen on every cat-walk alongside similarly long-legged, beautifully dressed models are highly intelligent and highly trainable.
There is some dispute about the poodle's origins. France, Germany, Denmark all lay claims to the poodle but France is now officially recognised as its birthplace. Western Europe has known of the poodle for at least 400 years. Originally a gundog used to retrieve waterfowl, various sources state it as being descended from the Barbet (a French water dog), the Portuguese Water Dog and/or the Irish Water Spaniel. The Hungarian Water Hound may also have played a part in its development. Pudel' is a German word for one who plays in water'. His great popularity in France led to him being known as the French Poodle' although in France itself he is known as the Caniche' or duck dog. His attractiveness, elegance and trainability made him popular for stage acts and as a circus performer.
The poodle was introduced to North America around the end of the 19th century becoming popular after World War II. Around the mid 50s, it became one of the most popular breeds in the US and remained so for 20 years. Today his main occupations are in obedience and agility trials and as a companion and show dog.
Bas-reliefs (1st century), Roman sculptures and 15th century paintings all depict poodles. Toy and miniature poodles were bred down from the bigger dog, known today as the Standard Poodle.
The various clipping patterns had a practical use when the dogs were used for retrieving water fowl. Clipping the thick coat allowed easier movement through the water but patches of fur were left as protection for vital organs. Bracelets of hair left on the leg joints helped protect them from sharp reeds and from the cold. It is believed that wearing a ribbon on the topknot was first introduced to enable an owner to identify his own dog when dogs were working in the water.
For show purposes, the Standard Poodle must be over 15 inches at the withers (the highest point of the shoulders). The average height ranges between 21 to 27 inches with females being generally at the shorter end of the scale. Weight may range from 45 to 65 pounds and life expectancy is from 11 to 14+ years.
To achieve the prized square appearance the length from breast to rump should approximately equal the height to the withers. Bone and muscle should be in proportion to the size of the dog. The skull is rounded, the muzzle long and straight and the ears should hang close to the head, at or below eye level with the leather wide and thickly feathered. Dark, oval eyes are preferred although dogs of apricot colouring may have amber eyes. An alert, intelligent expression is a must. The head should be held high on a strong neck giving a dignified and noble air. A slight hollow behind the shoulders is the norm in an otherwise level backline.
Straight, parallel forelegs, strong pasterns and shoulders support a deep, moderately wide chest with well sprung ribs. The straight tail is normally docked to about half its length. Rather small, oval feet, not turned in or out, with well arched toes and thick firm pads complete the picture of a very active dog of innate distinction and elegance. When trotting, head and tail are carried up and strong hindquarters drive the animal forward in a light springy action.
The coat is dense and harsh, and of two types either curly or corded. If the coat is corded, the cords should be tight and even. Cording of the coat will normally commence between 9 and 18 months old.
The American Kennel Club standard requires the colour at the skin to be even and solid with parti-coloured dogs to be disqualified in the show ring. Varying shades of the same colour are permissible.
The United Kennel Club recognises six colour types solid, parti-coloured, phantom, abstract, sable and multi-patterned.
There is great variation in the available colours from blues, apricots and creams through to greys and browns. Noses, eye-rims, lips and toe-nails vary in colour according to the colour of the dog thus brown and caf-au-lait poodles have liver-coloured noses, eye-rims and lips with dark toenails and eyes. White, cream, grey, silver, blue and black dogs have black noses, eye-rims and lips with black or self-coloured toenails and very dark eyes.
The four clipping styles are:
a) Puppy' clip a long coat apart from face, throat, entire foot and base of tail, all of which are shaven. A pompom is left on the end of the tail.
b) English saddle clip face, throat, entire foot, forelegs and base of tail are shaven, leaving puffs on the forelegs and a pompom on the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair apart from a curved shaved area on the flanks and two shaved bands on the hind legs.
c) Continental clip face, throat, entire foot and base of tail are shaven. Bracelets and puffs are left on the legs and the rest of the body is untouched.
d) Sporting clip face, throat, entire foot and base of tail are shaven, leaving a cap and a pompom. The rest of the body and legs have the coat trimmed to just over one inch long.
In all four clips, the topknot may be left free or held by an elastic band.
Normally the coat is non-shedding and hypo-allergenic so the poodle is one of the few dogs that may be suitable for people with allergies. However they do require more grooming than many other breeds. Many owners with companion poodles opt for a plain lamb clip' having the hair clipped to the same length all over. Regular bathing and six-to-eight week clipping should be the norm. Show dogs require hours of work each week to maintain their coats.
In temperament, poodles are good-natured, pleasant animals that make wonderful companions. They like human company and are not happy on their own. They are generally friendly to strangers and great with children. Most adore water and, like all dogs, need to be walked. They will be happier and fitter if given regular exercise and chances to play. The Standard has excellent stamina and needs more activity than his smaller counterparts.
Poodles can fall prey to many genetic diseases. Addison's Disease, bloat, cancer (responsible for an estimated 30-40% of deaths), Cushings Disease, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Sebaceous Adenitis and von Willebrand's Disease are the major problems.
Addison's Disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Lethargy, poor appetite and vomiting are the first signs but can be ignored as unimportant. More severe symptoms include potentially fatal shock and heart arrhythmias.
Bloat (Gastric Dilation Volvulus [GDV]), also known as Gastric Torsion occurs when the small intestine twists stopping digestion and trapping gases. This results in swelling and severe pain and is fatal if left untreated. Large, deep-chested breeds seem more susceptible to this condition and there is a high incidence of GDV in Standard Poodles. Restlessness, ineffective retching and pacing are symptoms. There may or may not be swelling of the abdomen. GDV is a medical emergency and survival of the dog will depend on immediate veterinary treatment. Several small feeds a day rather than one large one may help to prevent bloat.
Hypothyroidism can be treated with medication. Lethargy, excessive hunger (leading to obesity) and coarsening of the coat are symptoms.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy occurs between 5 and 6 years of age, progresses gradually and eventually results in blindness.
Sebaceous adenitis results from an absence of, abnormal and/or inflamed sebaceous (oil) glands. 50% of all Standard Poodles may be carriers. The condition is chronic and there is no cure.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is a blood disorder leading to excessive bleeding when injured.
All breeding stock should be screened for hip dysplasia. Annual screening is recommended for PRA. Sebaceous adenitis can be diagnosed by an annual skin biopsy and a DNA test is available to check for vWD.
All potential breeding animals should be screened before being bred from. Before purchasing a young dog, ask to see health clearances of the parents.
Minor health issues include ear infections so check regularly for mites and remove ear hair if necessary. Teeth need to be checked and regular scaling is recommended. Skin conditions are quite common but can be mitigated by using clean, sharp clippers, quality shampoos and/or colour enhancements.
Poodles are elegant, noble dogs that make wonderful family pets. Given their suitability for those with allergies, their high intelligence and their gaiety, it is little wonder they are among the most popular of breeds.