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Known for their intelligence, energy, and some truly outlandish hairstyles, Poodles are one of the world’s most easily recognizable dog breeds. They may seem like just another pretty face, but there’s more to these dogs than meets the eye. Keep reading to learn 14 interesting and surprising facts about Poodles.
Top 14 Poodle Facts
- Although they are thought of as French dogs, Poodles probably originated from Germany.
- Poodles were first developed as water retrievers.
- Rembrandt painted a self-portrait that included a Poodle.
- A team of Poodles once competed in the Iditarod.
- Poodle hairstyles actually serve a practical function.
- All three sizes of Poodle are judged to the same breed standard.
- Poodles have hair, not fur.
- Poodles are often ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed.
- The first “designer dog” was a Poodle hybrid.
- Poodles are the 5th most popular breed in America.
- The Poodle is the national dog of France.
- John Steinbeck took his pet Poodle on a road trip across America and wrote a book about it.
- Elvis Presley liked to give Poodles as presents to his girlfriends and family members.
- A rescue Poodle has broken several world records over the years.
The History of Poodles
1. Although they are thought of as French dogs, Poodles probably originated from Germany. (Brittanica)
The name Poodle comes from the German word pudelin, which means “to splash.” It’s believed that the first Poodles were bred in medieval Germany, where they served as hunting companions. The French did help the breed evolve from working dogs to posh pets of the nobility, however. Miniature Poodles were bred from Standards in Europe, while the Toy Poodle was first bred in America.
2. Poodles were first developed as water retrievers. (AKC)
Although they’ve held many jobs over the centuries, Poodles are generally not considered a “blue collar” breed. However, their origins are as gritty as any other dog. They served as water retrievers in medieval Germany, collecting downed ducks from lakes and rivers. The French word for Poodle, Caniche, actually means “duck dog.”
3. Rembrandt painted a self-portrait that included a Poodle. (Britannica)
The Dutch painter Rembrandt is one of the most famous artists of all time. He lived in the early half of the 17th century and painted many famous portraits. For his own self-portrait, however, he chose to include a Poodle as a fellow subject.
4. A team of Poodles once competed in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.(Brittanica)
Held each year in Alaska, the Iditarod is a dangerous, grueling contest. You might not think of Poodles pulling a sled, but it did happen once, in 1988. John Suter tried to run the race with a full team of Standard Poodles. The poor dogs got so cold and matted that many of them had to drop out at vet checkpoints. After that, race organizers made a rule that only Northern breeds, like Huskies, could run the race!
The Brains and Body of the Poodle
5. Poodle hairstyles serve a practical function. (AKC Facts)
Although the traditional show Poodle haircut is often the subject of ridicule, it has its origin in practical function. To swim easily and not snag on underwater hazards, the Poodle needed a short coat. At the same time, shaving all their hair would leave them vulnerable to cold in the icy German winters. The compromise was a haircut that removed enough hair to be safe while leaving vital organs and joints warm.
6. All three sizes of Poodle are judged to the same breed standard. (AKC Facts)
The original Poodles were Standards; from them, the smaller Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed. All three sizes are carbon copies of each other. In the show ring, all are judged by the same breed standard, with size being the only difference between them.
7. Poodles have hair, not fur. (AKC Facts)
Poodle coats have more in common with human hair than they do with other dogs. That’s because, like humans, Poodles grow hair, not fur. Fur grows to a specific length and then falls out. Hair just keeps growing and doesn’t really shed. This fact explains why Poodles need such frequent haircuts and why they are an allergy-friendly breed.
8. Poodles are often ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed.(PetMD)
Border Collies are typically regarded as the smartest dog breed. Ranking right behind them, however, is the Poodle. Poodles are easily trained and eager to learn, which has allowed them to play many roles over the years. Poodles have been used as circus performers, truffle hunters, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
9. The first designer dog was a Poodle hybrid. (ABC)
In 1989, an Australian trainer bred what is generally considered the first designer dog, a Labradoodle. He was trying to create a guide dog for a blind man with allergies and found that purebred Poodles just weren’t cutting it. So, he added in Labrador blood. He got his guide dog and the designer dog phenomenon exploded from there.
The Popularity of Poodles
10. Poodles are the 5th most popular dog breed in America. (Canine Journal)
According to the latest AKC registration data, Poodles are the 5th most popular breed in the country. They trail Labradors (who’ve topped the rankings for decades), French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. The Poodle jumped up a ranking from the previous year, while German Shepherds slipped back one, suggesting the Poodle may leapfrog them next year.
11. The Poodle is the national dog of France. (Rutgers)
As we mentioned earlier, the Poodle may have come from Germany, but France is where they became icons. And the Miniature Poodle really was bred by the French in the 18th century, making it easier for the nobles to bring their pets along with them. Although other breeds actually originated in France, the Poodle is the national dog.
12. John Steinbeck took his pet Poodle on a road trip across America and wrote a book about it. (NPR)
John Steinbeck, the Nobel prize-winning writer, owned a Poodle named Charley who was his constant companion. In 1960, Steinbeck took Charlie along on a 34-state, 11,000-mile road trip across America. He wrote a book about their trip called Travels with Charley in Search of America, published in 1962.
13. Elvis Presley liked to give Poodles as presents to his girlfriends and family members. (PETS)
Elvis was a huge animal lover, keeping a wide variety of pets at Graceland over the years. He was also a Poodle fan, adopting one named Champagne when he was in the army in Europe. He later gifted Poodles to his future wife, Priscilla, and his mother.
14. A rescue Poodle has broken several world records over the years.(ABC7)
A black standard Poodle named Sailor holds the current world record for the fastest dog to roll 10 meters on a walking globe. If that sounds obscure…it is. Sailor was adopted by a dog trainer at 6 months old. He currently holds five world records. Although he’s since lost the title (to another Poodle by the way,) Sailor also set a world record for the fastest dog to walk up 20 stairs on his hind legs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poodles
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but some are less likely to cause an allergic response than others, and Poodles are one of them. People with allergies typically react to dog dander and saliva, not the actual hair. Dander is spread around the environment when a dog sheds its fur. Because Poodles don’t shed hair, they also leave less dander around to spark allergic reactions (VCA.)
Do Poodles Make Good Pets?
Poodles are charming, funny, playful, smart, and loving dogs. They make lovely pets for many people and families. However, they won’t be the right fit for every situation. They don’t like spending a lot of time alone and can easily grow bored and destructive without plenty of attention and mental stimulation. Their grooming needs are also quite intense, which won’t appeal to everyone. Small versions of Poodles aren’t a good fit for homes with very young children who don’t know how to be careful with them.
Do I Have to Give My Poodle an Outlandish Haircut?
Absolutely not. The only thing you have to do is make sure your Poodle’s hair doesn’t grow too long and get matted and uncomfortable. There are many different Poodle hairstyles out there, including a nice, plain short cut. You can even let your Poodle’s hair grow and get it styled into a corded coat.
Are Poodles Prone to Any Health Conditions?
Yes, unfortunately, like many popular dog breeds, Poodles are vulnerable to several health problems. The most common include heart disease, bleeding disorders, skin and ear infections, congenital eye conditions, hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, and bloat. Ask your breeder about your new puppy’s family health history before you buy to minimize your risks (DVM360.)
Final Thoughts
Poodles enjoy a long and colorful history dating from their origins in medieval Europe. They are one of the most visible breeds, found in art as well as the historical record. Because they come in sizes just right for small space living, Poodles continue to maintain their popularity around the world, even in some of the busiest countries. Think you’re up for the challenge of living with a Poodle? Make sure you’re prepared to shoulder the financial and emotional commitment for the dog’s entire life first.
Featured Image Credit: Steven Van Elk, Unsplash
