Poodle
History
Where
and when the Poodle breed developed remains a matter
of controversy. Shaggy water dogs, often with the clipping
which has become a tradition, were known in many countries
predating the Christian era. These developed, over time,
into the specific breeds we know today. Poodle types
were depicted in artwork as early as the 15th century.
Germany may have been the actual country of origin, where,
known as the pudel, he was well established as a water
retriever before that century. It is believed the breed
entered France with German troops.
From
the marshes of Germany, the Poodle climbed to world-wide
popularity. Welcomed by the French, he is still called
Caniche, from the French ckien canard for duck dog. In
France, he evolved into his modern form. His quick intelligence
and charm soon found him favor as a performer, and since
the dawn of European circuses, Poodles have entertained
as trick dogs. One Poodle, named "Domini," was
credited with telling time and playing a challenging
game of dominoes. The exaggerated pompons were clipped
to match those of the clowns. Small Poodles or Poodle
crosses were also used extensively as truffle dogs, sniffing
out the delectable underground fungus for their partners,
the Dachshunds, who then unearthed the truffle.
The
courts of Europe, especially in France, escalated the
fad of the pampered pet, a position the Poodle has not
lost to this day. Because he assumed most of his modern
characteristics in France, FCI has identified that country
as his place of origin.
The
Standard Poodle may be the oldest of the varieties, but
has always has been the least in numbers. His size and
coat care require both space
and time. To his credit, the modern Standard Poodle is
an athletic yet urbane companion. He is still a hearty
swimmer and can jog, hike, or compete in obedience with
joie de vivre. Yet his long history as a companion enables
him to be a gentleman in the home.
The
Miniature variety appeared on the scene shortly after
its larger siblings became celebrated. In circuses and
homes, the smaller size was cheaper to feed and easier
to care for. The Miniature has remained the most common
of all the Poodle varieties. In fact, in the 1950s and
60s, he soared to a phenomenal popularity all over the
world. The numbers were so great that inevitably, some
genetic problems occurred. Today, however, the Poodle
has returned to a position of security. The Miniature
makes a lively, yet mannerly, companion for all lifestyles.
As
the Poodle became the rage with the nobility in the 17th
and 18th centuries, smaller and smaller specimens were
desired, resulting in the birth of the Toy variety. Toy
Poodles were portrayed by the German artist, Durer, circa
1500, and by Goya toward the end of the 18th century
in Spain. Many in Louis XVI's court fancied the charming
dog.
The
Toy Poodle has all the same intelligence and friendliness
of the two larger versions in a smaller package. As is
true with any extreme miniaturization, a few more problems
are inherent in the small size, such as in whelping puppies.
The ideal for the breed defines a Toy as any Poodle under
10 inches—most show dogs, however, are around eight
inches. Some breeders have attempted to produce even
smaller specimens, calling them "Teacup" Poodles.
No such variety is defined by the standard, and these
very tiny dogs are prone to many more inborn problems.
People
occasionally disparage the trim as an exaggerated bid
for attention but, originally, the Poodle's clip had
a practical purpose. The jacket was kept heavy around
the joints and organs, for protection in cold water,
and the remaining coat was shorn for efficiency. Following
that sensible period, came an era of ridiculous embellishments.
As revealed by Shirley Kalstone in "Origins of Trimming
the Poodle" (AKC Gazette., groomers clipped the
dog in any design the owner requested: a family coat
of arms, monograms, fleurs-de-lis, with moustachios and
im-periales (Van Dyke beards). If desired, they capped
it off with a pompadour to match the owner's.
The
Poodle coat requires either frequent home-grooming sessions
or regular visits to professionals. The modern show ring
allows only two coat clips—the English Saddle Clip
and the Continental, with the pompons—both with
full-length body hair requiring great attention. But
most pet owners have their Poodles cut down into a kennel
or Dutch clip, with shorter hair making care easier.
Early show dogs were occasionally shown with a corded
coat and, recently, this style has reappeared.
Poodles
have their tails cut to about half-length when the whelps
are just a few days old. Except for their size, all three
varieties are judged by the same criteria. They move
with a light, springy gait, almost as if they were dancing.
The Poodle, in all of his varieties, probably remains
the most popular companion dog in the world and jockeys
with the Cocker Spaniel for AKC's top dog.
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