| Poodle breeders are adamant supporters of Poodles. | | | | as: curly, dense and coarse fur trimmed in the |
| This purebred dog breed, which originated in Eastern | | | | appropriate style, proportionate features, dark eyes, |
| Europe, is the official dog of France and it is the | | | | oval-shaped feet, straight and delicate muzzle and |
| French who bred the dog into its three sizes: toy, | | | | deep, wide chest. |
| miniature and standard. Competition Poodles draw the | | | | The style of fur required for competition is a puppy |
| attention of the crowd due to their elaborate show | | | | cut for dogs twelve months and under and either an |
| clips. Fur is groomed in such a way that Poodles | | | | English Saddle or Continental clip for adult dogs. There |
| appear either stunningly regal or ridiculous, depending | | | | are various requirements of each type of cut, which |
| on the aesthetic taste of the viewer. Some Poodles | | | | the AKC clearly defines. Dogs that are not competing |
| resemble tiny Clydesdale horses with their closely | | | | are trimmed down considerably to reduce |
| trimmed upper legs, and densely furred lower legs | | | | maintenance. Dogs in full fur require at least ten hours |
| and the full mane of hair on their heads. | | | | of brushing weekly. |
| Today the Poodle clip is used to showcase the | | | | When interviewing Poodle breeders, buyers should |
| delicate beauty of the breed. Poodles were clipped | | | | bring a list of questions to determine a reputable |
| historically to make them mobile in water. They were | | | | breeder from a bad breeder. Buyers should do their |
| adept water dogs used primarily to retrieve game on | | | | homework in advance and be ready to commit to |
| water and on land. They are often called gun dogs or | | | | Poodles at the time of purchase. Some excellent |
| water dogs. The breed retains strong pointing and | | | | questions to ask to help buyers find good |
| hunting skills, especially regarding duck and other fowl. | | | | Poodlebreeders include do you maintain your own |
| Poodle breeders understand Poodle history and | | | | kennel and can I visit it, can I meet the parents and |
| Poodle breed standard characteristics. The American | | | | receive pedigree papers, can I get medical and |
| Kennel Club, which defines breed standards for all | | | | immunization records and do you offer a warranty. |
| breeds registered and competing in AKC competition, | | | | Good Poodle breeders will run their own kennels and |
| has specific characteristics that are required in each | | | | encourage potential buyers to visit and meet not only |
| purebred Poodle. Poodles must meet the size | | | | the puppies but the parents as well. The kennels |
| requirements for miniature, toy or standard sized | | | | should be clean and allow good socialization. Reputable |
| Poodles. All Poodles must appear energetic, alert, and | | | | breeders will also give new owners lots of |
| elegant, must have a regal carriage, must be | | | | information out Poodles, especially car and feeding |
| intelligent, and must have physical characteristics such | | | | instructions. |