A Pet's View / January 2007
Beauty and Brains
Poodles have always been a favorite in the show ring with their extravagant trims, puffs and pompons. But they are also a favorite with pet owners who have found the dogs intelligent, friendly, uncommonly devoted, and comically entertaining.
The elaborate poodle trims are purely for appearances now, but they once actually served a purpose. Many early poodles were retrievers who spent a great deal of time in the water. Their thick, curly coat protected their head and chest from icy conditions but obstructed their legs for swimming motion of the legs, so hindquarters were closely shaved.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, poodles became a popular accessory to the French aristocracy. The rosettes on the hips, pompons on the tail and puffs on the leg reflect the frivolity of the French aristocracy, and have been kept by breeders who wish to preserve the dog’s historic tradition.
The American Kennel Club recognizes three different trims for show poodles. Adult dogs sport either the English Saddle Trim or the Continental Trim. Both display a dazzling array of pompons, puffs and sculpted fur, with the less decorative Continental Trim revealing slightly more shaved area. Poodle puppies less than a year old can be shown in the Puppy Trim, also the favored cut of many pet owners, which features an evenly shaped coat without decorative embellishments, except for the tell tale poodle pompon on the end of the tail.
For some, poodles are the ultimate fashion accessory, and many poodle owners bring their dogs to places other dog owners would never consider.
The French are the most famous poodle enthusiasts, but the breed claims roots in France, Germany and Russia. The name Poodle comes from the German word pudeln, which means “to splash about in the water.”
The first poodles worked as hunting dogs, but the breed’s distinctive appearance and outgoing, sometimes clown-like personality made it a favorite companion of the aristocracy. This was particularly true in France, where the poodle went on to become the national dog.
Despite their status in Europe, poodles had a harder time gaining a following in the US. The AKC registered the first poodle in 1887. A newly formed poodle club drew up a standard in 1889, but popularity waned by the early 1900s. By the late 1920s, the breed had almost died out in America. But, in 1931 the Poodle Club of America was formed. Poodles experienced steady growth in popularity from that point. Fashionably clipped poodles became a favorite of movie stars. By 1960, as poodle skirts turned high style, poodle fever raged, and the dog became the most popular breed in the US, based on new AKC registrations.
Poodles retained their position at the top of the AKC list for the next 23 years, an unprecedented run of popularity. Today poodles are still a perennial top-ten finisher in AKC registrations. They are charming, outgoing, intelligent dogs who thrive on human contact.
Standard poodles, standing over 15 inches at the shoulder, are especially noted for intelligence and obedience, with high marks as family dogs.
Miniature poodles, 15 inches or under at the shoulders and toy poodles, 10 inches or under also tend to be lively, amiable dogs. They intelligent and obedient, too, but less suited to the rough play of small children. They are energetic but can get sufficient exercise with in-house play, making them excellent dogs for more sedentary owners. What toy and miniature poodle lack in size, they make up in volume. Many love to bark, and some take their affection to the extreme.
Poodles are people pleasers, natural performers who know no thrill greater than making an owner happy. Humans have used this characteristic to their advantage in many ways, employing them as military scouts, guides, draft dogs and of course, as astounding circus performers.
Popularity and indiscriminate breeding have resulted in some health problems for poodles, like hip dysplasia or eye problems in standard poodles or skin and joint problems in toys and miniatures. But, with good care and lots of love, healthy standard poodles have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Miniatures and toys should live to the age of 15, never quite long enough for owners.
With natural good looks and outgoing personality, poodles generally stand out in a crowd. But, if no one is noticing, they will put on a show.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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