Other Names: Toy Poodle, Caniche, French Poodle or Chein Canne
 
AKC Group: Toy Group

Country/ Date of Origin: 

• Germany/ 1400's. In spite of the name, the French Poodle is not Gallic. It is a breed made in Germany.
• However, the French adopted this breed early on. French fondness for this breed has made it the National dog of France!
• The Poodle is the world's oldest water retriever, circus performer and truffle hunter. It was a favorite pet in the French court and served as a popular subject in many paintings.
• Poodle-like dogs with large lion manes and closely trimmed hindquarters appear on ancient Greek and Roman coins, and in the time of Emperor Augustus, around 30 A.D., they were carved on monuments and tombs, resembling, in a primitive way, their modern-day counterparts.
            

Breed Group:  Poodle Club of America

Body Type:  

• A squarely built, active dog that carries itself with dignity.
• Height: 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders.
• Weight: 3-5 pounds
• Hanging ears are not altered.
• Upright tail is carried at an angle to the body, it is docked.
• Major Fault: Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.
  

 Personality:   

• Candidate for the most intelligent breed of dog and extremely willing!
• Happy, lively, and playful.
• Easily trained.
• Friendly and outgoing. Poodles love everyone.
• An excellent family dog for those who are prepared to maintain the coat.
• Major Fault: Shyness or sharpness.

The Coat:       

• The pompoms and topknots of the poodle, which seem so frivolous, had a utilitarian purpose. As water retrievers, the poodles needed the chest and head hair to protect vital organs from the cold water. The pompoms, you will notice, are placed on the joints to protect them from becoming arthritic. 
• The poodle has a double coat. The outer coat is harsh and dense with curls. The undercoat is soft and woolly.
•  Much like our own hair, the poodle coat will continue to grow longer and longer. The adult hair can be shaped into almost anything. 
• This is one of the few breeds that does not shed! Instead of loosing the undercoat every year, it stays put. So you have to brush your poodle often to pull out the undercoat. If not done correctly, the coat will cord and mat severely. 
• This coat will need professional clipping and trimming every 4 to 6 weeks!
•  A solid color to the skin is allowed in the AKC standard. They are as follows: Black, white, red, apricot, cream, cafe-au-laits, brown, blue or silver. 
•  Major Fault: Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified from competition. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even, solid color to the skin, but is of two or more colors. 
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• Is small, easy to carry, light and graceful, athletic and agile.
• Has a curly coat that doesn't shed (one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers).
• Comes in a variety of colors.
• Is lively and playful.
• Is polite with strangers and sociable with other animals.
• Quick to potty train. I recommend crate training, as this provides a safe haven, or "den," for your dog to relax.
• A dog you can teach simple and difficult tricks to.
• Is one of the most beautiful dog breeds.
• Excels at obedience and agility competition.
• Is one of the brightest of all breeds... 2nd only to the Border Collie in fact!
• Has an understanding of new commands in less than 5 repetitions, and
  also obeys first command 95% of the time or better.

• Is very in tuned to you and your surroundings. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud, angry, and emotional? Are their arguments or fights? Poodles are extremely sensitive to tress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and neurotic behavior. Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs that need a peaceful, harmonious home.
• Timid when not socialized enough. As the "pack leader," it is your job to make sure your dog is socialized and knows his place in the pack. When things are "set in stone" for you, it will be "set in stone" for the dog.
• Barking! Some poodles will sound the alarm if this behavior is not corrected or is encouraged.
• A dog that is an obvious breed for theft. People will know it's a poodle. So the people that would normally never take a dog, or steal anything else, will make up excuses to take your poodle. Exp.. "I just saw the poor thing walking around all alone... It must need a home." So they throw the collar in the trash and play it smooth. You will never know that the person who took Fifi, is sitting next to you in church that Sunday!
• Monthly grooming of a thick curly coat. This is a high maintenance dog when it comes to coat care! Be prepared to hire a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks, or you can invest in great book that gets you started in the right direction. I highly recommend Shirlee Kalstone - Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference.
  

Health Concerns

Illustrated Breed Standard: Click on this link to see the AKC standard for the breed. This is the standard all Poodle breeders should strive for! The standard is prepared and published by the Poodle Club of America.