| e breeders love their Poodles. Though the intricately | | | | Adult dogs must be groomed in either the Continental |
| clipped and coiffed appearance of the Poodle may | | | | or English Saddle styles which involve shaving the |
| bring ridicule from other breeders, most Poodle | | | | dog's back half while leaving pom-poms of fur on the |
| breeders support this interesting and unique-looking | | | | hips, legs, and tail as well as styling the head fur in an |
| breed. Poodles are thought to have originated in | | | | intricate pompadour. |
| Eastern Europe or France. They are the official dog | | | | The AKC defines breed standard traits for all breeds |
| of France and are often called French Poodles, | | | | registered in its competitions. For all three sizes of |
| though their French roots are still debated today. The | | | | Poodle (Miniature, Toy and Standard) the following |
| French are ultimately given credit for the Poodle | | | | traits must be evident: an energetic appearance, alert |
| having bred the dog into its three sizes: Toy, | | | | expression, elegant walk, intelligence, corded or curly |
| Miniature and Standard. | | | | fur, dark eyes, oval-shaped feet, straight muzzle and |
| Poodles are gun or water dogs. They were used | | | | a deep, wide chest. These are just a few of the |
| historically to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl | | | | stated requirements. Poodle breeders will breed for |
| from water. The breed enjoys playing in water and | | | | these characteristics and breed out any irregularities |
| the name Poodle is related to both the German word | | | | in appearance, behavior and health. |
| Pudel, which means splashing or water and the English | | | | Before considering a purebred Poodle for a pet, |
| word puddle, which is a pool of water. The intricate | | | | potential buyers should research the breed and find |
| fur clip seen on competition Poodles today has a | | | | out all the Poodle information and history they can. |
| utilitarian origin. Poodles were clipped to make them | | | | After viewing common Poodle health problems and |
| more mobile in water. Some of their heavy fur was | | | | the requirements of caring for a Poodle, buyers can |
| shaved to lighten them and fur was left around joints | | | | decide if their home is a good match for a Poodle. |
| to keep the Poodles warm in water. | | | | Buyers can then begin contacting local Poodle |
| Poodle breeders understand Poodle breed standard | | | | breeders and rescue centers. Buyers should look for |
| characteristics. They follow the American Kennel | | | | AKC certified breeders or breeders with references, |
| Club's standards when preparing Poodles for AKC | | | | and should interview Poodle breeders before |
| competitions. For example, dogs under twelve | | | | purchasing a purebred Poodle. By doing this, buyers |
| months of age can be groomed in a puppy cut, | | | | can ask specific questions to weed out any |
| which is an all-over trim with fur of the same length. | | | | illegitimate Poodle breeders. |