Interesting facts about Poodles you might not know!
Standard Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds. Known largely for their stylish looks, the athletic, eager and intelligent Standard Poodle has so much more going for it than just looking good. Learn more about this iconic breed with these fun facts we've put together for today's article!
Standard Poodles originated in Germany
Even though it's the national dog of France, the Poodle actually originated in Germany. The breed's name comes from the German word "pudel" or "pudelin", which means "to splash in water". In France the breed is called "Caniche", which is French for "duck dog".
They were originally bred as hunting dogs
Poodles were originally bred as so-called water retrievers. Their job was to bring ducks and other birds back to their owners. They haven't lost those skills over the years. Some waterfowl hunters still use Poodles as hunting dogs.
A Poodle's coat is functional
It might look like the ultimate canine fashion statement, but the traditional Poodle coat is actually about function rather than fashion. Less coat would make a Poodle a more efficient swimmer, but more vulnerable to cold water. To get the best of both worlds, Poodle owners have, over the years, left coat around the joints and upper torso to protect the joints and vital organs.
There are three Poodle sizes
From the small Toy Poodle, to the medium Miniature Poodle, to the large Standard Poodle, the breed comes in three distinct sizes.
Poodles are very active dogs
Taking a cue from their history as duck hunters, Poodles (whatever their size) need plenty of exercise. They're excellent retrievers and enjoy a good game of fetch, as well as jogging and long walks. Since they're superb water dogs, swimming is another great option.
They have hair, not fur
"What's the difference between hair and fur?" you might be wondering. Fur grows to a certain point and then falls out, which we know as shedding. Hair doesn't fall out and never stops growing.
A Poodle's hair, much like human hair, can respond to hormonal changes in the body. Female Poodles can experience thinning or hair loss after having puppies.
Many Poodles have a "job"
Poodles are among the most intelligent dog breeds. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great working dogs. Poodles are also employed as guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with other physical disabilities, and therapy dogs. They've even been used as truffle hunters thanks to their keen noses.
Poodles once took part in the Iditarod
The Iditarod Trail sled dog race is held every year in Alaska. Nowadays, there's a rule that competing dogs must be from northern breeds that are well adapted to the cold. That breed restriction was brought in after a man named John Suter tried to race a team of Standard Poodles in 1988. Some of the Poodles got so cold, with frozen paws and problems with matted hair, that they had to be left at checkpoints.
American stars adore Poodles
Elvis Presley was famous for his love of Poodles. He often gave them to girlfriends, and kept them as pets himself. US presidents and their wives have owned Poodles too. Richard Nixon had a Poodle named "Vicky", while First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy owned a Standard Poodle named "Gaulie".
