Poodle (Standard and Miniature) in Brief These comments apply in general terms and are not necessarily true of a specific dog. Each dog is an individual based on its genetic heritage, training, and environment. Specific dogs of even the most notorious breeds can be friendly, lovable, family companions. Breed Poodle (Standard and Miniature) Country of Origin Medieval Europe AKC group Non-sporting Function originally retrievers and flushers of birds, now used as companions Life span 10-14 years Appearance cut determines appearance, high maintenance English saddle and continental are show cuts, sporting clip easier to maintain, pompoms on the tail, feet and head are popular Color black, white, apricot, gray, chocolate, cream Coat type curly, non-shedding, needs clipping every two months Grooming regular brushing, ear cleaning and hand-stripping, nail trimming, bathing, and clipping every two months Height Standard: 15inches, Miniature 10-15 inches Weight Standard: 50-65 pounds, Miniature: 15-35 pounds Activity level medium Watchdog very high potential Protection average capability Intelligence very high Trainability very high potential, no heavy handedness Good with children? high to medium, a good family dog Good with other pets? medium Good with strangers? accepting Character accepting Home environment fenced yard preferred Best owner patient consistent leader with time to play and exercise, a good family dog Potential problems: Behavioral: Miniatures have more behavior problems, ie; fear biting, nervousness, hyperactive, high-strung. Standards have better temperament but need more exercise. No spoiling, please. Potential problems: Physical eye problems, excessive tearing - stained face, ear rpoblems and infectioins, remove hair from ears Recommendations: Notes from the Trainer "I can't say enough good things about this breed. They have remained surprisingly sound physically and temperamentally in spite of their popularity. They don't have the affection demanding behavior or the foolishness of the Golden or Labrador Retrievers. They make a good family dog."   A Short History The Poodle was actually developed in Germany not France probably as early as the fifteenth century. Although France has claimed the poodle as its national dog, the breed was developed in Germany originally as a large gundog and a water retriever. The German word pudel means to splash in the water. In Germany it was also used as a working dog to pull carts. In Russia the poodle became black. In England, France, and Spain it was used to smell out truffles. The smaller dogs were preferred for this task. The smaller dogs were also developed in France as companion dogs. The Poodle is also known as a circus performer. It is an extrovert that enjoys showing off and being admired. Its intelligence and ability to learn new tricks quickly make it highly desirable as a performing dog. The breed is classified into three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard is 15" or taller, the Miniature is 11"-15", and the Toy is 10" or smaller. The history of the breed is the same for all of them. The Miniature is probably the closest in size to the original; the Standard is much taller and the Toy much smaller. One of the most attractive attributes of the Poodle is its wonderful coat which can be oiled and matted into cords like the Puli or styled, shaped, and combed into entertaining and sometimes comical shapes. The coat needs constant attention to be kept mat-free. The Poodle is a big fine dog: tall, robust, and elegant. It loves exercise and is joyously playful, friendly, and high-spirited. It is a strikingly noble and spectacular show dog whose many colors can match the mood and temperament of each individual owner. It is a natural watch dog with a strong sense of territory. The Poodle is an excellent companion with child-like qualities that make it the most popular dog in the world.