The history of the Poodle spans centuries as well as across various countries, and they are one of the smartest breeds in the world. When you think of a Poodle what comes to mind is the circus performing dog with the fancy haircuts and frilly outfits. However, they were initially bred to be water retrievers. They would leap into the water and fetch fowl, arrows, and whatever else a hunter needed to be recovered. It has been noted that the Poodle originated in Germany, where the name came from the German word “pudel or pudelin” which means a splash in the water. While in France where the Poodle became popular it was known as a “Caniche.” “Caniche” came from the French word “chien canard” which means duck dog. The breed had its hair cut in a specific style to assist them in the job they were meant to do. They are extremely bright, dignified, and devoted, and make great pets for the family. Standard Poodles would be great with small children, and for apartment living as long as they do get the exercise they need, or they can become destructive. Standard Poodles are usually 15-24 inches high, and normally weigh 45-70 pounds, and were developed for duck hunting. They are a sensitive breed, dislike being alone, and cannot handle stress or they can suffer from stomach distress. They are easy to train but early training and socialization is suggested, for they do need to know who is the boss. This non-shedding and hypoallergenic breed comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is black. They can also be white, apricot, cream, red, silver, gray, and light brown. Due to their having curly, wiry, and thick hair daily brushing is crucial. It is also very important that a Poodle be professionally groomed every 3-6 weeks, although with the proper equipment that task can be performed at home. It is vital to check their ears weekly, trim their nails a few times a month, and brush their teeth daily. Poodles are generally a healthy breed and with routine veterinary visits and loving care they should live a long and happy life.
Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.