The Poodle is an intelligent, curly-coated breed that began as a water retriever in Germany and was developed in France. It comes in Standard, Miniature and Toy sizes.
It is highly trainable and sheds little, but the coat needs clipping every six to eight weeks.
The Poodle is a highly intelligent, active dog with a dense, curly coat that sheds very little. It is bred in three sizes, Standard, Miniature and Toy, which the Kennel Club registers as separate breeds.
The Poodle began as a water retriever in Germany; its name comes from a German word meaning to splash. It was developed and made fashionable in France, where it is called the caniche, or duck dog. The traditional clip, with hair left over the chest and joints, was meant to keep those parts warm in cold water while freeing the legs for swimming. The smaller sizes were bred down from the Standard as companions and circus performers.
All three are square in outline, light on their feet and proud in carriage, with a long, fine head. The coat is profuse, harsh and tightly curled, in solid colours including black, white, brown, apricot, red, blue, silver and cream.
Poodles are among the most trainable of all dogs, quick, playful and attentive to their owners. They need occupation for their minds as well as exercise and do well at obedience, agility and retrieving. A Standard needs up to two hours of exercise a day; Miniatures and Toys need about an hour and half an hour respectively. The smaller sizes can be sensitive and inclined to bark.
The coat grows continuously. It needs brushing through several times a week and clipping every six to eight weeks, at home or by a professional groomer. Because loose hair stays in the coat, Poodles are often suggested for people with allergies, but no dog is reliably safe for them.
Miniatures and Toys commonly live for fourteen years or more, Standards for about twelve.
All three sizes are in the Kennel Club's Utility group. Poodles are one parent of many popular crossbreeds, including the cockapoo and the labradoodle.