The German word pudel, meaning to splash or puddle, is the source for the Poodle’s name and reflects its water abilities. In France, the dog was also named chien canard or caniche, indicating its duck-hunting qualities. Therefore, from its water and herding roots, it became an excellent water-hunting companion.
It was also used as a guide dog, guard dog, military dog, circus performer, and wagon puller for entertainers. Its coat was clipped to help it swim, but was left sufficiently long on the chest to keep in warm in cold water. Some believe that puffs of hair surrounding the tail tip and leg joints were meant for protection during hunting, but stronger evidence implies that it started as an adornment during the dog’s performing days.
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Fashionable women in France carried poodles as elegant companions, as did the French aristocracy, making it the official national dog. The typical clip of the poodle was accentuated in France, and there was a concerted effort by poodle fanciers to perfect the smaller varieties. In the late 19th century, poodles gained access to the show ring. Some early show dogs had corded coats which had long matted or thin tresses, instead of well-brushed coats. This made the poodles look very impressive. But as a style, it was difficult to maintain and the trend ended in the early 1900s. Soon, the bouffant styles replaced it and became fashionable. However, the popularity of the Standard Poodle waned in the United States and by the 1920s, North America hardly had any dog of this breed. The Standard Poodle made a successful comeback after a decade or so, now becoming one of the most popular dogs in the U.S.
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The Standard Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This breed requires regular grooming and lots of exercise.
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There are three sizes of poodle: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The standard is the largest and probably the oldest of the three varieties.