Amanda Teixeira
Poodles come in four different sizes and a variety of gorgeous colors. But they all have one thing in common: they are affectionate, smart, clever, eager to learn and versatile family dogs with an irresistible charm. Find out everything about the Poodle dog breed here.
Poodles are extremely popular pedigree dogs among dog lovers. Here you will find the most important information about the poodle.
Size: toy poodle 24-28 cm, toy poodle 28-35 cm, miniature poodle 35-45 cm, standard poodle 45-60 cm
Weight: 3 to 23 kg depending on size
Coat Length: Frizzy coat, curled or laced
Coat Colors: Black, White, Brown, Gray, Fawn
Country of origin: France
Origin of the Poodle
Poodles originated in France and were formerly bred for duck hunting. The hunters grew thick fur around the kidneys and joints to protect these areas from the cold and wet – the origin of the pompoms that can still be seen on some show poodles today.
It is probably also thanks to the docility of the poodle that it was the star of every circus arena for over a century. Clowns and showmen trained the dogs and delighted the audience with acrobatic tricks. He was also extremely popular in the royal and princely houses; Madame de Pompadour is said to be a red-hot
admirer of the “caniche” (French poodle), and Beethoven even dedicated a piano piece to his deceased poodle.
The appearance of the Poodle
Poodles give an impression of pride and elegance with their prancing and springing gait. Their body is well proportioned, slightly longer than they are tall, with well-muscled, strong hindquarters.
The only difference between the four types of poodles is their size:
Toy poodle 24-28 cm
Miniature Poodle 28-35 cm
Miniature poodle 25-45 cm
standard poodle 45-60 cm
Coat and colors of the Poodle
The fur of the poodle has it all. It is constantly growing and is not subject to any change of seasons. The fur is fine, woolly, very dense and curly. Because poodles don’t shed, they need to be clipped regularly. A dog groomer offers different types of clipping, there are even dog groomers who specialize purely in poodles. For the daily grooming of the poodle you need the right equipment – let us advise you. Even as a puppy, the poodle should be accustomed to daily brushing and combing.
The Poodle’s coat color is pure black, white, brown, gray or fawn. Poodles with two coat colors are not recognized by the FCI.
Temperament and training of the Poodle
Poodles combine many positive traits. They are loyal, trainable, very intelligent and friendly. They develop a very strong bond with their people, are funny, playful, spirited and charming.
In addition, there is an amazing docility and an amazing ability to empathize.
Poodles bond with their humans passionately. From day one, their heart seems to beat only for their beloved two-legged friend and they do everything they can to bring joy. At the same time they are self-confident. If you decide to spend the next 14 to 16 years of your life with an enterprising poodle, you have a lot in store.
Poodles are hard to beat when it comes to ingenuity, clowning and wit. Acrobatic tricks, rapid retrieval interludes, lots of practical jokes and surprises are part of it when a representative of this breed moves in, and: Pudelwitz lasts into old age.
Keeping and caring for the Poodle
Poodles are often underestimated as “lap dogs” by those who don’t know the breed. But poodles need exercise, want to learn and are extremely lively.
The astonishing versatility is another characteristic of the clever dog: poodles show themselves as elegant stars, which cause appreciative murmurs in the rows of spectators at exhibitions with graceful movements and a dignified charisma.
But you can also jump over agility obstacles in a completely different way and with a highly concentrated view. Their willingness to learn and their obedience make them easily steerable, successful athletes who are also passionate about the sport of tournament dogs and obedience. The fun-loving charmers have also proved their worth as people’s helpers: many poodles have already been successfully trained as guide dogs for the blind and first-aid dogs.