The Poodle is one of the most loved and hated dog breeds. Often seen fully coiffed either in competition or strolling with their owners, their fur simultaneously pouffed high and trimmed close, poodles appear to be a haughty and decadent dog breed to the Poodle layman.
The history of the Poodle is much less intricate than one would think. Poodles have their origins in the 15th century. They are thought to have come from Russia and Germany. Germans called the Poodle Pudelhund, or splashing dog. The closely curled, dense coat of the Poodle served the purpose of insulating the dog from cold water. Poodles were used as retrievers and duck hunters. Their clich’ trim actually served a functional purpose of keeping them warm around their joints while mobile in other areas when immersed in water.
Good Poodle breeders are aware of the history of the Poodle breed as well as the breed standard characteristics. They should be able to educate a potential buyer on the Poodle to ensure that the buyer and Poodle are a good match. The Poodle’s fur is its most noticeable trait. It is dense, coarse and curly to wiry.
The three sizes of Poodle: miniature, toy and standard have similar traits of all Poodles but differ in height and weight. Miniature Poodles are fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height at the shoulder. Toy Poodles are six to nine pounds and up to ten inches at the shoulder. Standard Poodles are forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches at the shoulder.
The style of fur required for competition is a puppy cut for dogs twelve months and under and either an English Saddle or Continental clip for adult dogs. There are various requirements of each type of cut, which the AKC clearly defines. Dogs that are not competing are trimmed down considerably to reduce maintenance. Dogs in full fur require at least ten hours of brushing weekly.
When interviewing Poodle breeders, buyers should bring a list of questions to determine a reputable breeder from a bad breeder. Buyers should do their homework in advance and be ready to commit to Poodles at the time of purchase. Some excellent questions to ask to help buyers find good Poodle breeders include do you maintain your own kennel and can I visit it, can I meet the parents and receive pedigree papers, can I get medical and immunization records and do you offer a warranty.
Good Poodle breeders will run their own kennels and encourage potential buyers to visit and meet not only the puppies but the parents as well. The kennels should be clean and allow good socialization. Reputable breeders will also give new owners lots of information out Poodles, especially car and feeding instructions.
Buyers can avoid bad breeders by asking to see the kennel where puppies are raised, requesting pedigree information, registration papers and medical records, and by interviewing breeders to make sure they do not mass market puppies or sell them to pet stores. Good Poodle breeders will interview buyers to make sure they can give Poodles a good home.