3 types of Poodles exist: the Miniature and Standard, and the Toy.
With that said, there are 2 AKC recognized poodle groups.
- The Miniature and Standard Poodle fall into the Non-Sporting group.
- While the Toy Poodle falls into the Toy group.
Oh just wait.
All types of Poodles were recognized by the AKC in 1887.
And importantly the group: Non-Sporting versus Toy Poodle has an impact on AKC events, but all of them perform similarly well in events.
As I said the Miniature and Standard poodles are part of the Non-Sporting group; well they are water retrievers.
Moving on; both the Germans and the French claim the poodle; of course.
Well, let's be honest, if the French have a dog type, the poodle is 100% it.
And I mean that sincerely.
The Germans are more known for protection than leisure.
From size, they go: Toy (S), Miniature (M) and Standard (L).
A Miniature Poodle is 15 inches from the shoulder to the floor and the Standard Poodle is anything above that.
The Poodle is a retrieving dog, whether it's in the Non-Sporting group or not - the ears are low set and long enough to cover them in water.
They have tight lips so they do not protrude into the mouth and cause choking while swimming.
The Poodle has a long nose and mouth that assist with water diving and the head is angular to help them navigate through marsh and swamp.
And the neck is long and bendable to keep the game from dragging in the water or to keep it high above the mud when running.
The Poodle has webbed feet to propel them in the water and keep them atop the muck.
Unlike the Miniature Doberman and the Doberman Pinscher where the Miniature Doberman appears about 200 years before the Doberman Pinscher; the poodles originated from similar lineage and breeding.
With that said we don't know exactly who originated the first poodle since they have been recorded in numerous countries, and we're not trying to start WW3 here, but both Germany and the French lay claim to the Poodle.
With no scientific facts, the poodle has France all over it...puffy bulbs of fur - they literally look like Chanel accessories.
Poodles have been registered with the AKC since 1887 which makes them an old breed, but not ancient like the Boxer.
The Miniature poodle is 15 inches from the shoulder to the floor and the Standard Poodle is anything above that.
You may have asked yourself, sure they are cute, but what is the purpose of the Poodles? I did too.
The Poodle is a Retriever, which means it's equipped to bring back the wild game like pheasant and rabbit.
The neck is long and bendable to keep the game from dragging in the water or keeping it high above the mud when running.
They have tight lips so they do not protrude into the mouth and cause choking when swimming.
They have webbed feet to propel them in the water and keep them from sinking into muck.
The nose and mouth are long to assist with water diving and the head is angular to help them navigate through dense marsh and swamp vegetation.
The ears are low set and long to cover them in water.
Poodles are legitimate retrievers, who knew?
I can't wait to tell you what the fur bulbs are for either!
The Poodles fur bulbs - that's what I call them, or "puffs" actually have a purpose other than look...fancy!
The Poodle's puffs are to protect their joints, and organs, and to help them navigate when swimming:
- The puffs around the back are to protect the kidneys.
- The big puff around the chest is to protect the heart and other organs.
- The foot puffs keep the joints warm to aid in running and paddling.
- And the head and ear puffs keep them warm.
- While the shaved areas improve mobility.
- The dark eyes are sunk in to protect them from water splash and keep tall weeds from whipping them in the eyes.
The Poodle is a smart pooch, willing to go anywhere and do anything - they are animated dogs, which makes them great characters in our favorite movies.
They are very capable, not just in show conformation, but also on the farm and the couch - Poodles are a very versatile breed.
Sure we know the ladies like them for their femininity, but hunters can also get them retrieving game; you don't see these drastic differences with many breeds.
If you want to show a Poodle in conformation, they must be a solid color, but any solid call is acceptable.
Thankfully, if you get a mixed color it does not affect their personality - they are just as lovable as any other Poodle.
And whether it's a solid color or mixed - the Poodle doesn't shed.
But the coat is not worry-free - you will regularly need to comb any Poodle color, but you do not need to maintain the puffs - that's personal preference.
And you'll also need to cut nails and shampoo and condition routinely.
As mentioned they are smart, and love to be trained, so that makes life easier.
Because of the Poodle's drive and intelligence, they do great in AKC shows - confirmation, a good Poodle will rake in the ribbons; and obedience was developed with the Poodle!
The Poodle's athleticism translates well to speedy times in Agility.
And because they are natural retrievers, they excel in hunting-retriever trials.
But you have to admit, if they come off a little snobby - it fits with the breed and I'll give them a pass.
Lastly, I don't think a single person can pull out all that a Poodle is capable of - which is pretty cool.
Now, I'm very curious if you were to get a poodle, what color would you get, would you keep the coat natural or do the puffs?
I would do a Poodle with the puffs, but I would not go for the solid color, I would prefer a mixed color - or what the AKC calls the "Parti" color because I wouldn't show - but I would do Agility.
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