05/02/2025
Breed of the month - Poodle!
There are three main varieties of poodle - Standard, Miniature and Toy - each with varying qualities. They likely originated in Germany or France, where they were originally bred for retrieving shot down ducks or arrows from the water. Later in France, they were selectively bred down in size to create what is now known as the Miniature Poodle, a smaller sized dog that was easier to handle and transport in a travelling circus. The poodles would perform all manner of tricks including tightrope walking, acting out comedies and even performing magic tricks. The Toy came about as a result of selective breeding to downsize again to create a popular companion dog.
While it’s hard to generalise qualities across the different size varieties, across the board poodles are notorious for their intelligence (takes a lot of brains to perform in a circus, after all!). They’re athletic, easy to train and high energy. They are people pleasing, but their sensitive nature can result in hypersensitivity and anxiety (especially in the Minis and Toys), so they need to be taught emotional resilience early in life!
They tend to be affectionate and great with family members of all ages, though are also keen watchdogs so expect some barking at “intruders” unless you teach them quiet responses early on. When you have more than one be conscious, they can pack or work together so take care when meeting smaller dogs with two or more poodles, particularly the standards. Also cross foster them with other species early to stop them becoming predatory.
They are particularly smart and often are bred into cross breeds to add intelligence. They are also lively, playful and can be attention-seeking (again - performers!). Their humans find them lots of fun!
Fun fact: the extravagant hair-dos you often see them with have a good purpose! Hair gets heavy when wet, so to make swimming easier, owners learned to shave hair in certain areas while keeping in thicker over the vital organs and joins to keep them warm while working in cold water.
Do you have a poodle in your life? Please do share a photo!
