Royal Poodle

It seems likely that the origin of the Poodle is African, and that the first subjects arrived in France in the 7th century, accompanying the Arab invasions to Poitiers. Crossbreeding with local dogs gave the breed that we know today.

However, bas-reliefs dating from the 1st century AD, located in southern Europe, already represent Poodles, so much so that some evoke German origins, dating the history of the breed back to Antiquity. 

Etymologically, the French word "caniche" comes from "cane", the female of the duck. In other countries, this word refers to the action of paddling. This recalls that originally, this dog was used for hunting waterfowl.

It descends from the Barbet, from which it has retained many characteristics. In 1743, the female of the Barbet was thus called "caniche". Subsequently, the Poodle separated from the Barbet to become a breed in its own right. It was gradually adopted by the nobility as a true small ceremonial dog. Groomed, perfumed, and its coat sometimes adorned with jewels, the Poodle, especially the Miniature Poodle, became very popular at the court of Louis XVI, but also under the Second Empire. It was not until the 19th century that it joined the most modest homes.

A few decades later, in 1936, the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. 

At the same time, breeders strived to obtain original subjects of uniform color, and different sizes were selected over the years. The Toy Poodle, although quite old, ended up being recognized in 1984.

Ultimately, if the Poodle became very popular as a companion dog, it is not only thanks to its friendly, playful and loyal character, but also undoubtedly thanks to its four sizes and its different colors, so that everyone can choose according to their preferences.

There are 4 varieties of Poodle, with different sizes and weights, but the standard is the same for all.

The Poodle has a well-modeled oval-shaped skull, a long, straight muzzle and black almond-shaped eyes. It has flat ears, hanging on each side of the head, a strong neck and a deep chest. The forelegs are straight and the hindquarters muscular, and the tail, short and straight, is set high. It has a balanced and square silhouette.

The undercoat is woolly, the coat curly, curly or corded, the coat uniform, whatever the color. It can be blue, gray, silver, apricot brown or cream with natural highlights.

However, while the Club du Caniche de France (French Poodle Club) is responsible for the breed standard, some countries have selected other coat variants that are not recognized by the FCI, including the particolor (bicolor or harlequin poodle). 

The Poodle is a breed apart when it comes to hair growth. Indeed, it does not shed, rarely loses its hair, and its coat continues to grow if it is not cut. Thus, it is a hypoallergenic dog breed, very popular with people with allergies. Its coat therefore requires regular grooming, every 4 to 6 weeks, at the risk of also seeing it suffer from skin problems. Brushing must be regular, in order to avoid knots.

In addition, its ears must be cleaned frequently. Very fragile, they require careful and regular care. 

Finally, during dogs showsPoodles are presented in the "lion" toilet, which was originally intended to facilitate the animal's movements in the water. 

The Poodle is very popular, and its character has a lot to do with it. It is an easy-going, intelligent, affectionate, easy-to-train, playful and non-aggressive dog.

It needs to be stimulated by play, requires attention, affection and calm owners.

Integrating fully into the family unit, very attached to its owners, the Poodle likes to play with children, but especially older ones, because it does not like rough handling. It is indeed a very sensitive dog; a family where there is a lot of agitation will suit it less.

City life suits this dog very well, even if it appreciates being outside. Thus, a house with a garden is perfect for it, because it can alternate between indoors and outdoors. However, apartment life also suits it, provided that its need for exercise is properly satisfied. 

Furthermore, whatever its variety, the Poodle is unanimously considered one of the most intelligent dogs. Its memory, its liveliness and its curiosity make it an easy companion to educate and train, always inclined to learn, although he always keeps a strong personality. It has a tendency to nibble or even bite, behavior to be avoided from a very young age. A bit like all dogs, its education must be done gently. Very sociable, it is nonetheless quite jealous.

Finally, the Poodle loves water: it is an excellent swimmer..

With an average life expectancy of 15 years, the Poodle is a robust dog, but one that requires special care. It is predisposed to certain diseases:

• the eye diseases ((progressive retinal atrophy,, cataract, hereditary) ;
• joint disorders, such as dislocation of the patella or Legg-Perthes disease, which is degeneration of the femoral head due to inadequate blood supply;
• the patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect;
• l’epilepsy ;
• the narcolepsy ;
• skin diseases (ectodermaldefects,hyperadrenocorticism,hyperadrenocorticism, de l’hyposomatotropism,, de l’hypothyroidism,hyperadrenocorticism,sebaceous adenitis, de la cheyletiellosis or injection reactions).

Moreover, one of its biggest weaknesses is its ears. Because they're so fragile, it's not uncommon for Poodles of all sizes to develop ear infections of varying degrees of severity, especially ear infections (otitis). 

The Poodle can also suffer from hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia. 

The Standard Poodle is used in the countryside as a water dog, guard dog and companion dog. companion dog.

The Royal Poodle, the Toy Poodle and the Toy Poodle, on the other hand, are companion dogs that live mainly in urban areas. 

From hunting dog in the past, the Poodle has now become a companion dog highly appreciated companion dog, not least because it is adapted to city life.

The Great Poodle has nevertheless retained all its talents as a guardian and hunter. It's a calm animal that remains a utilitarian dog at heart.

Generally speaking, the Poodle also makes an excellent alarm dog. In fact, they are very alert to the slightest unusual movement or suspicious presence.

Folder : Dog use

A true mutt, the Poodle is known for being a dog that trains relatively easily, which is why it has often been introduced into circuses.