Poodles are some of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds. Famous for its stylish look, the intelligent Poodle has so many more talents. Did you know Poodle is the second most intelligent dog breed? Right after Border Collie?
Today we will talk more about this athletic, eager, intelligent, and talented dog. This pup has so many more talents than looking pretty. Here are some Poodle facts.
Originating in Germany
Today Poodles are the national dog of France. But the Poodle puppy actually originated in Germany. The name of the Poodle comes from the German word, “pudel” or “pudelin”. It translates to “to splash in the water”.
The term French Boodle is actually a misnomer. In France, the breed is called Caniche, which is a French word for “duck dog”.
Bred as a hunting dog
We talked about where the name comes from. It comes from splashing in the water. And they did that because of hunting. The Poodle was a water retriever. This puppy had to bring ducks and other birds back to their masters.
And no, they haven’t lost their skills over the years. This is why Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. You can easily play fetch with a Poodle. Some waterfowl hunters still use Poodles.
Type of Poodles
Depending on where you read, you can find three, four, or five types of Poodles. It depends on the country you live in.
For example, the American Kennel Club acknowledges only three types of Poodles, standard Poodle, miniature Poodle, and toy Poodle. But the French kennel club, FCI, acknowledges four types, standard, medium, miniature, and toy.
And then there is the Klein Poodle with size between miniature and standard Poodle. This is what the French call Medium Poodle. And last, we have the Teacup Poodle, the smallest of them, weighing as little as 2 pounds.
Not so healthy breed
Poodles are some of the breeds that you will have to pay a hefty price for maintenance and health care. They have common health problems, including ear infections, skin allergies, upset stomach, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and more.
The Poodle Cut
This might come as a surprise, but the Poodle cut had a purpose at one point. Modern Poodle owner might not know it. But there was a time when any dog owner knew why his Poodle has to get a special cut.
Famous for the unique hairstyle, the Poodle had to work for a living back in the day. It goes back to its days as a water retriever.
By cutting the hair of Poodle’s hindquarters, the owners made it easier for their dog to swim. Today, owners know that Poodle hair is heavy when wet. This is why we cut their hair, so they can swim easier. Back in the day, owners left hair around the heart and lungs to provide protection from cold weather. But everything else had to go.
Poodle Dog Sled Team
You might not think of Poodle as a sled dog. But that is what happened in 1988. The all-Poodle dog sled competed in the Iditarod Dog Sled Race. John Suter entered the grueling 1,150-mile journey through the Arctic tundra of Alaska with his poodles. They did not finish the race because of the harsh weather.
Poodle performance
Poodles are smart dogs and they are always ready to please. Their intelligence, physical ability, and desire to please their owner makes them a perfect performance dog. At one point, Poodle circuses were popular in America.
This was back in the 1800s when people dressed up their Poodle pup in clothing and trained them to perform complex scenes. The victorian-era audience loved it. How is that for some Poodle facts?
Poodle Mix
Because of their special and hypoallergenic hair, Poodles are among the most popular crossbreeds. Nowadays, we have the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, and many more cross-breed puppies. If you love any dog breed but hate the hair shedding, you just mix it with a Poodle.
Crossbreed pups often inherit the signature hypoallergenic coat of the doodle.
One Response
Thanks for pointing out that poodles are mostly hypoallergenic. I’d like to know more about how to find a good breeder soon because I’d like to take care of some. I think my kids would love to have dogs at home.