The Poodle: So Loved And Famous That His Birthplace Is Claimed By Many Countries

For hundreds of years the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Poodle seems to be most associated with France, however, many countries claim the breed. Denmark, France and even Russia claim the Poodle's original birthplace. Poodles probably originated in Germany so say many more authorities. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German Pudel which means to splash in water.

Today, the Poodle is available in three different sizes and many different colors, which also accounts for its massive popularity. The toy poodle is classified in the toy breed group by the American Kennel Club.

Although the size of a toy, standard and teacups or miniature is different, they typically look the same having a long head and muzzle with long, flat and wide hanging ears. The tail is typically docked. The coat is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture, which requires daily grooming.

Of interesting note about the toy poodle is that it was commonly used in circuses and floor shows as dancing dogs.

The poodle has a pleasant personality and enjoys constant companionship with its humans. He actually prefers the company of humans rather than other dogs. They do make excellent pets for children and people of all ages. The Poodle has been known to be "gentle" with children.

The poodle is quite intelligent. In fact it is felt by many that the poodle is the most intelligent of all breeds of dogs. They learn quickly and enjoy pleasing people performing a variety of tricks rather than responding to commands. For this reason, I think the Poodle must be sort of a "natural entertainer."

The poodle was also the favorite breed of Louis XV Louis XVI of France. Under Louis XVI the Toy Poodle became the official dog at court. The first recorded grooming parlors were established in France. In France during the 19th Century, grooming their dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy. So identified did the Poodle become with France that the breed was known as the "French Poodle," despite the probability that it did not originate there.

Since the first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers, the first clip most suitable to them resembled what is known as the Continental clip. In this clip a mane of hair is left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were completely shaven. Because the clip also made the Poodle resemble a lion, the clip became known in England as the Lion clip. The Amercian fancy adopted the Lion clip with some variations of its own and called it the English Saddle clip. The Poodle is the only breed whose coat is traditionally styled in a variety of ways. Today these styles range from a variety of different pet clips to the formal clips seen in the show ring.

A few tips in grooming the Poodle:

* When brushing the hind legs, hold leg straight out behind the dog. * Hold the hair with one hand as you brush with the other (a technique that is said to result in a fuller look to the leg furnishings). * Wring and towel out as much moisture after the bath as possible before blow drying. * Comb the topknot up and forward. * Comb through ears to make sure no snarls are present. * The pompon is combed through before being scissored.

As with all breeds there are some health concerns. For the poodle the list may include:

* Progressive retinal degeneration; * Medial patella luxation; * Epilepsy; * Cataracts; * Hyperadrenocorticism; * Intervertebral Disk Disease.

Poodles are also sometimes prone to hair loss, ear infections, bladder stones, allergies, diabetes, and deafness. The typical lifespan of a toy poodle is 15 to 18 years. As mentioned above, Poodles do quite well with children and adults of all ages.