Six Fun Facts About Poodles You Should Know!

Poodles are an incredibly distinctive dog breed!

Known for their intelligence, athleticism and just plain good looks, Poodles are bundles of canine wonderfulness. Below are 6 fun facts about this distinctive breed.

Where Did Poodles Actually Originate?

Despite often being referred to as “French” Poodles, they are no more French than French fries (which were created in Belgium by the way). The breed actually originated in Germany some 400 years ago to assist with duck hunting (their name comes from the German word for “puddling” or splashing in water). In France, they are referred to as Caniche or “duck dogs.”

That’s right – despite their stately stance and striking updos, Poodles were bred to work as sporting dogs. Capable swimmers, their inherent strength serves them (and their handlers) well.

Puffs of hair protect joints and organs.

Why do We call them French Poodles?

The reference to France probably comes from the stylish continental clip with which they are often groomed. It’s more about the Parisienne style than the country of origin.

Though undeniably natty, the traditional Poodle coiffure serves a practical purpose. A more radical trim would make the dogs more efficient swimmers but also leave them vulnerable to cold water. Preserving puffs of hair around the joints and torso helps protect vital organs.

We love them, but have they always been popular?

The Poodle was recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom in 1874, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886, soon after the founding of both organizations. In the United States, Poodles were not particular popular until 1935, when the Poodle Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace won best in show at Westminster. Afterwards, they rapidly gained prominence, becoming the AKC's most-registered breed from 1960 to 1982. Since 1935, Poodles have won best in show at Westminster 10 times, the second-most of any breed.

Poodles Make Incredible Service and Guide Dogs

What other jobs can they do?

Poodles are the utility players of the dog world. Besides water retrieval, they are employed as Service Dogs, Guide Dogs, and even truffle hunters!

But don’t enter your team of Poodles into the Iditarod sled dog race. A musher named John Suter tried to compete with a team of Standard Poodles in the 1988 race. The Poodles suffered from frozen feet and matted hair (they needed fur – see below) and had to be dropped off during the race.

Do they have hair or fur?

Hair and fur are practical terms referring to different genetic types of dog coats. On the cellular level, all canine coats, whether hair or fur, are made of the protein keratin (as are your hair and fingernails). The difference lies in how the coat grows.

• Some dogs’ coats are genetically programmed to grow to a predetermined length and then stop. That’s what we call fur.

• Other coats will keep growing until they are cut. We call this hair, which is what Poodles have.

Poodles shed less than many other breeds, which means less time is required to clean floors, furniture and clothing. Are they as hypoallergenic as they are claimed to be? The science on this is ambiguous. Allergic reactions are caused not by dog fur (or hair), but instead by the dander that exists in hair/fur. Dogs that shed less release less dander, and so may provoke fewer or milder allergic responses. Dogs with hair still have this dander and can still cause allergic reactions, however, but they are usually less extreme.

Are Poodles the Dogs of the Stars?

Rin Tin Tin and Benji notwithstanding, Poodles have a dedicated following among the glitterati. Elvis Presley was known to love Poodles and give them to girlfriends. Other notable Poodle owners have included:

• Elizabeth Taylor.

• Jackie Kennedy.

• Lucille Ball.

• Marilyn Monroe.

• Katharine Hepburn and Walt Disney.

Poodles are lively, active, fun-loving canines with a sense of humor. But we need to remember that they were bred as hunting dogs, so they crave exercise and training to be at their best.

Poodles are smart, fun-loving and active canines!

They are also very smart – a Poodle has the capacity to learn at least 200 words, and may master as many as 300 to 400 for a trainer who makes a concerted effort. This means your pooch can not only be a Service Dog and a retriever of ducks but may also be able to help with your morning crossword puzzle! Now that’s the kind of working dog you can appreciate.


All images Courtesy of MobilityDog.org.