image source 

Don't let those pompoms fool you, the Standard Poodle is a gun dog and brainy to boot. Second, only to the Border Collie in intelligence, the Poodle not only is very clever but excels in all dog sports, especially obedience and agility. Descended from either the French Barbet or from Germany as a duck hunting water dog, "the Pudelhund", either way, their popularity is worldwide. They come in three formal groups: the Standard, the Miniature and the Toy, all are frequent winners in prestigious dog competitions such as Crufts or the World Dog Show.

 

Over time the Standard was bred smaller, some believe the smaller breeds were originally used as truffle hunting dogs back in the 18th century because their feet were so small as not to damage sought after truffles. These days they are mostly considered companion dogs and are often excellent assistance dogs too. With hypoallergenic coats that don't shed (but do need to be groomed regularly!) and generally odourless, these dogs have been crossbred more than any other in recent years. Think Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, you name it, every dog seems to have a bit of poodle in them. That says a lot!  

As the poodle is a water retriever when their thick coat is submerged it becomes very heavy so, in order to keep the dog afloat, the bottom half of the dog is shorn away. Over the chest and head their hair is left long in order to keep their organs warm in cold water. A top knot neatly ties long hair away from their eyes while they swim and ankle pompoms or "bracelets" are left around joints to stave off rheumatism. Besides the "puppy cut" which means their dog's hair is kept as an even cut, poodle owners have two traditional options: the "Continental Clip" or the "English Saddle Clip". The Continental Clip incorporates pompoms on the tail, ankles, knees and hips with fully shaved legs and hindquarters but the hair over the rib cage and chest is kept long. The English Saddle Clip is similar but the hair over the legs and hindquarters is left short not shaved. Either way, the handsome dogs is a show stopper.

 

The Poodle Skirt

Arguably the "first teenage fashion trend", the poodle skirt came about in 1947 when American Juli Lynne Charlot needed a quick skirt for a Christmas party. 

Famous poodles owners include...

image source

If you have a place in your heart and home for an elegant, intelligent companion please check out the sites below. Someone special is waiting for you.....