Poodle Dog Breed | Poodle FACTS - Dog 101 - Breed Information | Health and More
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Poodle - Dog Breed
The Breed History
"Poodle" likely derives from Pudel, a German term describing one who plays and splashes in water or puddles. The exact lines of genetic origin are obscured, but ancient breeds such as the Irish water spaniel, Rough haired water dog and others contribute to the type, and perhaps the first of the smaller types of poodles originated by crosses with terrier type for use in truffle hunting. German history records poodle type dogs in the 15th century. The toy version of poodle first widely entered the history record in the 18th century. Very early records in the Mediterranean place poodle type dogs in the first century. Though often referred to as the French poodle, the breed is not though to have originated there. AKC recognition occurred in 1887.
Breeding for Function
Originally these dogs were bred as gundogs for waterfowl hunting, as a water retriever. The origins of the fancy coat clips trace back to early times when the hunters clipped the bulk of the dog coat so that they would dry quickly, and to minimize the weight of the wet hair for ease of swimming, but they left fur over bony prominences to help insulate joints from the cold. In France, the dog was also used extensively as a circus dog. Toy, miniature, and standard poodles are all popular as companion dogs, and the smaller types were bred down in size from the standard; it was the larger standard poodle that was originally used for hunting. Guide dogs, therapy dogs, police work and obedience and agility competitions round out some of their modern functions.
Physical Characteristics
All three types share the same breed standard, only the size and weight varies between the three.
Toy
Height at Withers: female up to 10" (25.4 cm), male up to 10" (25.4 cm)
Weight: females 6-9 lb (2.5-4 kg), males 6-9 lb (2.5-4 kg).
Miniature
Height at Withers: female 10-15" (25.5-38 cm), male 10-15" (25.5-38 cm)
Miniature Weight: females 15-17 lb (7-8 kg), males 15-17 lb (7-8 kg).
Standard
Height at Withers: female 15 " (38 cm) or more, male 15" (38 cm) or more.
Standard Weight: females 45-60 lb (20-27 kg), males 45-70 lb (20-32 kg).
Coat: All solid colors accepted (e.g., apricot, black, gray, silver, blue, cafe-au-lait, cream) and the coat is dense, wiry and curly. If left unclipped, it tends to form ringlets (cording) and waves. There are specific clips used in show, and their coat is a distinguishing breed feature.
Longevity: 12-15 years. The smaller types may reach 15-17 years on average.
Points of Conformation: A long face, with medium-sized and leathered triangular ears lying flat, and wide, almond-shaped dark brown eyes, a slight stop, and fairly narrow muzzle typify the poodle head. They possess a level topline, feet are compact and webbed, and they have straight limbs with the dewclaws generally removed. Tails are usually docked to one half length, and they are proportioned to be as high as they are long. Their gait is lively and elastic, and they move straight.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Extreme intelligence, sociability, and excellent trainability are well known poodle traits. Very lively, they do tend to bark, and need to be socialized to other pets and people or else they can potentially be nippy. They need close human companionship and tend to be aloof with strangers. They are good alarm barkers.The poodles require regular clip and grooming (every 6-8 weeks), and are low shedding and low allergy dogs. They tend to need more frequent dental care. They do well in town or country and need moderate levels of exercise. They are high activity around the house, though the standard poodles are often less active indoors.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Echocardiographic Normal Values for Miniature Poodles:
Parameter Median/ (Range)
Weight (kg) - 3/ (1.4-9)
Heart rate (bpm) - 150/ (100-200)
LVPWD (mm) - 5/ (4-6)
LVPWS (mm) - 8/ (6-10)
LVD (mm) - 20/ (16-28)
LVS (mm) - 10/ (8-16)
FS (%) - 47/ (35-57)
EPSS (mm) - 0/ (0-2)
RVd (mm) - 4/ (2-9)
IVSd (mm) - 5/ (4-6)
IVSs (mm) - 8/ (6-10)
AOD (mm) - 10/ (8-13)
LAS (mm) - 12/ (8-18)
N - 20
LVPWD, LV posterior wall dimension at end-diastole; LVPWS, LV posterior wall thickness at end-systole; LVD, LV chamber dimension at end-diastole; LVS, LV chamber dimension at end-systole; FS, percent fractional shortening; EPSS, E-point septal separation; RVD, RV chamber dimension at end-diastole; IVSd, interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole; IVSs, interventricular septal thickness at end-systole; AOD, aortic root at end-diastole; LAS, left atrium at end-systole; N, number of animals.
Drug Sensitivities
None Reported