Poodles - Snooty or Family Dogs?

This dog originated in Germany and his original purpose was to retrieve. The dog pictured is in show coat which was originally created to help the dog move through the water more efficiently. The patches of hair left were to protect the dog's vital organs and joints from the cold.

Poodles come in three sizes. The original was the Standard size and then came Miniature and Toy varieties. The Standard and Mini sizes are in the Non-Sporting Group and the Toy size is in the Toy Group. (In International shows, I have seen four sizes and also another clip called the Continental Clip, where a band is cut around the dog's middle.)

[The American Kennel Club shows this breed as the only one who comes in three sizes. I think they must have been forgetting the Schnauzer who comes in Giant, Standard and Mini!]

Poodles come in a variety of colors including white, black, apricot and gray. They are meant to be a solid color.

Do not be deceived by the beauty and "fluff" of the Poodle. He is exceptionally smart and active and excels in obedience training. Poodles are still a very popular breed. Most families if they are not showing their dogs, would keep them in a "puppy" clip. Most of us all have chuckled at Toy Poodles working in a circus environment. The very fact they can be trained to perform as they do there indicates their intelligence!

Poodles have hypoallergenic coats that may reduce allergic reactions, but they do require professional grooming. Poodles are active and require daily exercise.

Why do Poodles win so often? Well, perhaps because they are easily trained for the show ring and have dedicated groomers who make them a beautiful picture, they just consistently keep on winning, year after year!