Poodle
By Jacquelyn Valentine
(This article originally appeared in our Summer 2008
magazine. For more information regarding our magazine,
click here.)
When the Poodle comes to mind, many people think of a prissy pink caricature of an aristocratic dog, with an exaggerated “Poodle cut” adorned with frills and bows. Indeed, the Poodle does have that thick curly coat that lends itself to the various interesting cuts that, over the years, have given the onlooker the impression of a pompous dog. But unbeknownst to many, that arrogant-looking cut was devised long ago with a definite purpose, to assist this magnificent gun dog in performing his appointed task of retrieving water fowl while on a hunt.
History
The ancestors of the Poodle can be traced back as far as ancient Rome, where pictures depicting dogs that closely resembled the Poodle were found etched on the walls of the tombs. In the twelfth century, Poodle-type dogs were carved on the coins of Greece as well as Rome.
While these inklings into the breed’s background are interesting, they don’t offer positive proof as to the origin of the poodle as we know it today. Rather, the first concrete evidence of the breed’s beginnings can be found in Germany in the sixteenth century, where they were called pudel dogs (the word pudel meaning “to splash in the water”, is probably where we get their English name, Poodle). It was also in Germany that the Poodle was first bred to have two different kinds of coats, the wooly coat and the corded coat. The corded variety was short-lived, as keeping up with this coat was too much trouble to keep clean and subsequently to get dry.
Soon the German Poodle was imported to France as well as to Russia. As is common when dogs are bred in several countries by various fanciers, there were differences in the way these dogs looked. The German dogs were heavier-boned than the French and Russian dogs. The Russian Poodle was taller and looked much like the greyhound of today. The French dogs had a more slight and slender build than those from Germany and were called the Chien Canne, or the Caniche (duck dog). In all three countries Poodles were recognized as excellent retrievers. Their desire to pick up objects in their mouths, their love of swimming, their intelligence and consequent trainability easily availed them to hunting with their owners.
During the Middle Ages hunting was more a matter of necessity than sport. As the Poodle swam out to retrieve the fowl that his master had downed, the owners must have realized that the wooly coat was an encumbrance to the dog. Here was a dog that could retrieve on land and in the water, but whose coat was so heavy that it almost made swimming impossible. The owners began to cut the dogs’ coat in a way that lightened its weight, with a blanket of fur strategically left over the heart and lungs for protection from icy cold water. In this utilitarian cut, commonly referred to as the lion cut, the leg joints were also protected by sculpted balls of fur called pompons.
As is the case with many dog breeds, it wasn’t long before there was an interest in breeding a smaller version of the smart, versatile Poodle. It is believed that very small Poodles were cross-bred to small Maltese or Havenese-type dogs. This eventually produced today’s Miniature Poodle. The breeding of small Miniature Poodles to other small Miniature Poodles resulted in the smallest member of these breeds, the Toy Poodle.
The eighteenth century saw a growth of the “Sleeve Poodle” in England and France. This moniker came from the fact that the ladies carried their Toy Poodles around in the rather large sleeves of their dresses. The breed continued to grow as a symbol of status during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The interesting cuts, originally created out of necessity and concern for the hunting dog’s well-being, became a fashion statement worn on Miniature and Toy Poodles owned by wealthy French women. This, like so many other styles that originated in Paris, didn’t take long to catch on in England, as the Poodle was introduced there in 1887. The idea of having a Miniature or Toy Poodle as a companion dog had become firmly rooted in the social circles of England, France and America.
Temperament
Today the Poodle is as much in demand as ever, and this is in no small degree due to the breed’s smart, good natured personality. This dog is constantly aware of his surroundings and is always ready to play, walk, or compete; he will take on whatever his human friend has in mind. Yet, even in his eagerness to please he is the picture of grace, style and poise.
Poodles have been bred for centuries to be social in nature, and as such, they thrive on human attention. This alert, eager-to-please companion is happy in almost any situation that involves time with his human family. Regardless of whether it is time spent in the show ring, on the hunting trail, doing therapy work or simply being the loyal family playmate, one more thing this breed has inherited from his ancestors is adaptability. The city dwelling Poodle may enjoy a walk around the block after a day devoted to guarding his backyard. Another Poodle may anxiously await his weekend hunting trip spent in the company of his favorite human. Still another one of these strongly athletic dogs may relish time spent getting ready for the show ring.
There is an air of elegance, sort of a sensitive aloofness, to the Poodle. He doesn’t mean to have his nose in the air, however looking at him you see that he cannot help but be confident; yet at the same time he has an affectionate and steady demeanor. This dog comes highly recommended as a family dog because he is clever, easy to train, and generally has an obedient temperament.
Health
Generally, the Poodle is a very healthy breed. This can be attributed largely to careful breeding and care throughout the centuries by conscientious owners. The uses for these dogs may have varied from one breeder to another, but the common purpose was a strong and healthy Poodle. However, there are some ailments that are common to the breed.
Hip dysplasia, a genetic disorder that affects the way the femur fits into the hip socket, is common in many large breeds, the Standard Poodle included. As some dogs grow, the hip joint changes, and when the bones are not fitting together correctly, cartilage becomes worn down causing the dog considerable pain. Eventually the joint becomes arthritic and the pain is magnified. Mild cases of hip dysplasia can be treated with medication and exercise, but more severe cases may require surgery.
The hereditary condition of Patella luxation, which is the dislocation of the patella (kneecap), is sometimes seen in the miniature and toy varieties. Treatment of this condition, similar to that of hip dysplasia, begins with exercise and medication and may progress to surgery.
Poodles can also be affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a heredity disease of the eye which causes eventual blindness as the retinal tissue simply dies out. An early sign of the disease is night blindness, progressing gradually to loss of sight in the daylight also. If the dog is having trouble seeing, a trip to the veterinarian is in order.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is an uncommon heredity disorder characterized by the blood’s inability to clot because of a shortage of the clotting agent known as the von Willebrand factor. When a Poodle with this condition begins to bleed, he soon uses up his supply of vWD, and his blood is then unable to clot. This is, of course, life-threatening during surgery or in the case of an accident. There is no known cure, but there is a DNA test to check for vWD
Grooming
The Poodle is a breed that needs plenty of grooming. The naturally long, curly coat must be bathed and clipped every six to eight weeks, regardless of the style cut that you choose. The ears must be checked regularly for excess hair that could easily lead to ear infections. Poodle earflaps tend to trap moisture, leaving him vulnerable to yeast infections, so keeping his ears clean and dry is very important.
The great thing about the Poodle’s fur is that they shed very little, making them an ideal choice for people who suffer with allergies or asthma. Brushing is a must with the thick-coated Poodle, and should be done at least two or three times a week. Many people take on the task of grooming their Poodle in order to save money, and others stretch their grooming dollar by clipping their dogs once between visits to the groomer.
A Dog for Anyone
Since the Poodle was originally bred as a large hunting and retrieving dog, we are fortunate to have this magnificently dignified dog as either our companion, hunting assistant, show dog, swimming buddy, family pal, or whatever the situation demands. The Standards, Miniatures and Toys are all just as happy at home in the country or romping down a city street. Brave and energetic for the hunt, impish sophistication with plenty of heart- the Poodle has proven himself as the perfect all-around breed.