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Poodle

Background

Poodles have been in existence for many centuries and historical reference to them has been found in Germany, England, Italy and France. In pictorial evidence the dogs nearly always appear in the traditional lion clip, which leaves the hindquarters bare except for leg bands and a pom-pom on the tail, while the forequarters are heavily coated except for the face and legs. This appears to indicate that these dogs were used for sporting and retrieving purposes. As the coat is quite heavy when wet, they were clipped in areas to alleviate weight. The tail was docked as a long tail would be caught in the undergrowth. The ribbon on the topknot was to indicate that the dog was working and also to signify it was not a bird or other animal.

The word Poodle itself is said to derive from the German word "pudel", meaning to splash in water. Although three varieties of Poodles are recognised, they differ in size only and are closely related. The largest, the Standard Poodle, is the oldest variety and was used as a water retriever. The smaller Poodles have become more and more popular. The Miniature Poodle is the medium-sized variety and may be closer to the original Poodle in height than the present Standard size. It was originally called the Toy Poodle, but the name was changed when the smallest form was recognised.

Breed Personality, Characteristics & Temperment

Whatever their size, Poodles are renowned for their intelligence. They are lively dogs with friendly dispositions and make excellent guard dogs.

Compatibility With Other Pets

Excellent.

Care Requirements

Poodles, similar to many other breeds, have a double coat that has the quality and appearance of lamb's wool. Poodles shed hair similar to other breeds, but this hair is caught and trapped by the undercoat and packs down. Poodles must be groomed regularly or the coat becomes a knotted unsightly mess. The coat of a Poodle, although requiring more grooming than most other breeds, is particularly advantageous for people with allergies. Best of all, carpets, furniture and clothes will remain hairless and odour free.

A balanced diet, regular exercise and routine are needed. Every dog must be house-trained, obedient and easy to manage. Love is the most important requirement of all. In return, you will be rewarded with love, loyalty and protection from your Poodle, regardless of its size.

Conclusion

If you have decided that the Poodle is the dog for you and you realise that this dog needs to be groomed regularly to keep its coat free from knots, contact one of the groups listed below:

Breeders

State	Contact	Breeder
QLD	Denise Wyatt	Wyderon	Contact
QLD	Margaret Barton	Myflair	Contact
QLD	Helen Bright	Toyopet	Contact
WA	Jacqui Ainsworth	Artizan	Contact
QLD	Sandra Darling	Bienaime	Contact
SA	Andrew and Jacquie McLeay	Kirada	Contact
NSW	Mark and Dayna Johnston	Blueprint	Contact
NSW	Leeann Boyd	Sweetooth	Contact
NSW	Heather Spargo	Trifarli	Contact
QLD	Lila Benson	maxila	Contact
QLD	Judith McRobie	ADITHE	Contact
NSW	Michelle O'Donnell	TDROP	Contact
SA	Margie Nottle-Justice	Remkyn	Contact
NSW	Anthony Hosford	Savarin	Contact
NSW	Pat Kentwell	Mistykent	Contact
QLD	Jodi Foulds	All Style	Contact
WA	Janet McLean	pecante	Contact
QLD	Jenny McRobbie	Adithe	Contact
QLD	Debra Randell	Silkyelk	Contact
SA	Tracy Thomas-Clendon	Magicalia	Contact
NSW	Gary and Danielle Dryburgh	Tezer	Contact
NSW	Delle Soper	Delamont	Contact
NSW	Lorraine and Malcolm Boyd	Picardy	Contact
NSW	Lorraine Young	Jeunesse	Contact
QLD	Lance Wright	Voila	Contact
QLD	Ros and Col Seare	Theldaroy	Contact
ACT	Deb Sheehan	belpais	Contact
ACT	Kathryn Duncan	Kameran	Contact
VIC	Barbra McFadden	Valleyfox	Contact
QLD	Nicolette Gallegos	Nicnak	Contact

Height:

Weight:

Lifespan: Poodles can live up to 16 years of age.

Ideal Owners: Almost anyone. The Toy Poodle makes an ideal companion for someone who lives in a small or confined space.