Poodles can be traced back to the times of the ancient Egyptians along with Greyhounds. The breed has been popular throughout Europe for several hundred years as a retriever or Gun dog. They were originally developed as water dogs that retrieved game foul, the name poodle comes from the German word pudel which means ’splashing dog’. They are a very versatile breed able to master many tasks and trades.

They are very elegant in the show ring and excel at events such as herding, obedience, agility and tracking. The breed appears in three varieties; Standard, Toy and Miniature, and they come in many colours including black, white, red, apricot, silver and brown. The coat is dense and harsh and is either curly or corded. It rarely sheds and can be cut in a variety of clips including continental, English saddle and pet clip. Show dogs normally have a continental clip which requires extensive grooming and care, they need to be professionally clipped regularly. When their show career is over they are normally given a pet clip which is much easier to maintain.

Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world and they are deeply loyal and devoted to their owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are eager to please. Poodles are good with children and other pets. The standard and miniature varieties are more amiable than the toy which can be neurotic. They are also one of the most intelligent breeds and their aptitude has made them popular performing dogs in circuses. They are agile and energetic and need a lot of exercise as they can get bored easily and find mischief. Poodles are very observant make good watchdogs although the breed has been known to bark excessively.

These are highly trainable and require early socialisation and obedience training. They have a sensitive nature so do not respond well to heavy-handed training methods. They respond best to a firm but fair approach applied with respect, patience and consistency. The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions and leashed walks as well as an opportunity to run around off the lead in a safe area.
Standard Poodles live on average to about 12 years old and miniature and toy varieties can live well into their teens. The most common health issues found in this breed are Addison’s disease, gastric dilation volvulus (bloat) and thyroid issues. They can also suffer allergies epilepsy and heart disease. It is very important that poodle ears and teeth are regularly checked and cleaned.

Addison’s disease cause unexplained lethargy, gastric disturbances and inability to tolerate stress but can be treated if caught early with lifelong medication. Bloat is also a serious condition; symptoms include restlessness, inability to get comfortable, pacing and retching. The abdomen may also get swollen but not always. If an owner suspects a dog is bloating he should take them to a vet immediately as the dogs survival will depend on the speed at which care is given.
There have been several famous Poodles in history and in the media including;

• Rufus, pet of Winston Churchill
• Charley, pet of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck
• Fifi, pet of the Finsters on Rugrats
• Foo Foo, Miss Piggy’s dog in the Muppets
• Roly, the Poodle owned by Sharon Watts in the BBC soap Eastenders.

Steve Batchelor is a dog lover and the webmaster at http://www.dogbreedguides.com where you can find some great information on many different dog breeds. He also recommends petinfogoldmine for more info on dog training, obedience, health care and many other subjects.