In this video, we are talking about the Miniature and Standard Poodles which together are in the non-sporting group. We'll talk about the Toy Poodle, which falls into the Toy Group in another video.
Unlike the Miniature Doberman and the Doberman Pinscher where the Miniature Doberman appears about 200 years before the Doberman Pinscher; the poodles originated from similar lineage and breeding. With that said we don't know exactly who originated the first poodle since they have been recorded in numerous countries and we're not trying to start World War Three here, but both Germany and the French lay claim to the Poodle.
With no scientific facts, the poodle has France all over it...puffy bulbs of fur - they literally look like fashion accessories.
Poodles have been registered with the AKC since 1887 which makes them an old breed, but not ancient like the Boxer. The Miniature poodle is 15 inches from the shoulder to the floor and the Standard Poodle is anything above that.
You may have asked yourself, sure they are cute, but what is the purpose of the Poodles? I did too.
The Poodle is a Retriever, which means it's equipped to bring back wild game like pheasant and rabbit. The neck is long and bendable to keep the game from dragging in the water or keeping it high above the mud when running. They have tight lips so they do not protrude into the mouth and cause choking when swimming. They have webbed feet to propel them in the water and keep them from sinking into muck. The nose and mouth are long to assist with water diving and the head is angular to help them navigate through dense marsh and swamp vegetation. The ears are low set and long to cover them in water. Poodles are legitimate retrievers, who knew?
The Poodles fur bulbs - that's what I call them, or "puffs" actually have a purpose other than look...fancy! The Poodle's puffs are to protect their joints, and organs, and to help them navigate when swimming. (1) The puffs around the back are to protect the kidneys. (2) The big puff around the chest is to protect the heart and other organs, (3) The foot puffs keep the joints warm to aid in running and paddling. (4) And the head and ear puffs keep them warm. While the shaved areas improve mobility.
The dark eyes are sunk in to protect them from water splash and keep tall weeds from whipping them in the eyes.
The Poodle is a smart pooch, willing to go anywhere and do anything - they are animated dogs, which makes them great characters in our favorite movies.
They are very capable, not just in show conformation, but also on the farm and the couch - Poodles are a very versatile breed. Sure we know the ladies like them for their femininity, but hunters can also get them retrieving game; you don't see these drastic differences with many breeds. If you want to show a Poodle in conformation, they must be a solid color, but any solid call is acceptable. Thankfully, if you get a mixed color it does not affect their personality - they are just as lovable as any other Poodle. And whether it's a solid color or mixed - the Poodle doesn't shed. But the coat is not worry-free - you will regularly need to comb any Poodle color, but you do not need to maintain the puffs - that's personal preference.
And you'll also need to cut nails and shampoo and condition routinely.
As mentioned they are smart, and love to be trained, so that makes life easier. They have a relatively high metabolism due to their energy level, so feed them high-quality food in a 2-quart stainless food and water bowl for the Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle can be fed from a 1-quart or 2-quart stainless food bowl, depending on your ability to refill...
