Standard Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. It has also been known as the Caniche, which is its original French name. The word poodle comes from German pudeln, meaning 'to splash'.
| Poodle
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| Alternative names
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| Barbone
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| Caniche
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| Pudelhund
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| Country of origin
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| Unknown
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| Classification
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| FCI: | All types: | Group 9 Section 2
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| AKC: | Standard:
Miniature:
Toy: | Non-sporting
Non-sporting
Toy
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| ANKC: | All types: | Group 7 (Non-Sporting)
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| CKC: | Standard:
Miniature:
Toy: | Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
Group 5 - Toys
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| KC(UK): | All types: | Utility
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| NZKC: | All types: | Non-sporting
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| UKC: | Standard:
Miniature:
Toy: | Gun Dogs
Companion Dogs
Companion Dogs
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| Breed standards (external links)
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| FCI: |
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| AKC: |
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| ANKC: |
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| KC(UK): |
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| NZKC: |
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| UKC: |
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Poodles are typically intelligent, alert, and active. Breed standards call for a dignified, elegant carriage.
The poodle is often thought of as a typically French breed (it was originally known as the French Poodle), and numerous sources cite it as France's national dog. However, it is an old breed and its region of origin is unknown. Most experts believe the poodle originated in Germany or Russia, but it may have come from Iberia. Related breeds are the Portuguese Water Dog and
The American Kennel Club has a slightly different standard, with the maximum for Toys and the minimum for Miniatures at 25cm (10 in). The FCI standards divide poodles into four groups: Large (45 to 60 cm), Medium (35 cm to 45 cm), Miniature (28 cm to 35 cm) and Toy (less than 28 cm with an ideal size of 25 cm).
The fur is harsh, either in tight curls or corded. To compete in conformation, coat colour must be a solid color, one of black, white, brown, grey, blue, or apricot. The nose colour matches the coat. "Parti", "phantom" and other coat colors exist, but are not acceptable in the show ring.
The coat can be clipped in various styles: the Continental or Lion clip (with the instantly-recognisable 'mane'), the English Saddle clip (with leg bracelets), the Kennel clip (fur same length all over) and other styles, generally variants of the Continental.
The 'bracelets' of longer fur on the leg joints are said to date back to winter hunts, where most of the fur was clipped short to facilitate swimming but the joints needed protection from the cold.
Care
Poodles make good companions and are extremely loyal, sometimes to the point of being possessive. The owner should be a competent trainer, as poodles can be willful if trained poorly. Poodles do not shed, and require plenty of grooming.
Hybrids
Many hybrids have been created by crossing a poodle with another breed.
People with allergies to dog hair are said to be less irritated by these hybrids, although this assertion is debated. See also Dog hybrids and crossbreeds.
Use
Poodles are generally kept as pets. However, they are also used (by French customs for instance) to search for illegal substances (narcotics) because of their small size. This makes it easier and more discreet for them to search cars and trains compartments than bigger breeds such as German Shepherds).
Their intelligence and athletic build has made them popular as trick dogs or circus dogs. They can perform well in some dog sports, such as dog agility, although their independent or playful nature can sometimes distract them from the focus and drive needed for these sports.
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