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The Poodle Has A Long And Popular History
The Poodle is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds, still around today. Poodle-like dogs have been found carved on Roman tombs and there are many references to the Poodle in fifteenth and sixteenth century art and literature.
Tracing the origin of the Poodle is difficult. Today's Poodle probably originated as a water retriever. Some speculate the Poodle could be the original Water Spaniel. In sixteenth century Europe a dog called the Water Dog of England was popular among hunters. Others theorize the Irish Water Spaniel, which sported a curly coat, is the forerunner of the Poodle.
The Poodles Origin
The Poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, but to name a specific country of origin is impossible. Germany, Russia, France, and practically every European country has claimed the Poodle as their own.
Spain could also claim the origination of the Poodle. This idea is based on the Poodle coming from the Spaniel family, and the word spaniel is derived from the word Spain.
German writings from the sixteenth century describe the Pudel as a fairly large black water retriever. In the 1600's the Water Dog was begun to be called a Pudel.
The dog was also found in Belgium and Holland as a working dog called the Poedel. Most likely, the English name Poodle, descends from these terms.
The French have long claimed the Poodle as their own. The dogs found a devoted following in France. First known as the Barbet, a term that means beard, and is used to describe any dog with long hair, and later called the Caniche, meaning duck dog.
French literary references note a vigorous, intelligent, sturdy, curly-haired dog that goes into the water. Most likely the name French Poodle can be attributed to its popularity in France. It is believed to have been a favorite pet during the 18th century, and of King Louis XVI of France
A series of paintings by Bernadine Pinturiccio in 1490 featured Toy-size Poodles. In the fifteenth century, the painter Frans Hals depicted a Toy Poodle attending a garden party.
History Of The Poodles Hair
The Poodles coat styles can be traced to the early days of the breed. Their heavy, water-repellant coats that helped keep them warm while dashing in and out of the water also hampered their movement once wet.
The solution was to shave the hair short on the hindquarters, leaving it full on their chests for warmth. Later, bobbles were left on to protect the joints from rheumatism. The hair was tied back from the eyes, first with string and later with colored ribbon to make the dog more visible when swimming or in the field.
The clips accepted for the show ring today are offshoots of the early practicality. As time went on coat styling for the Poodle became more ornamental. Nineteenth century France saw the rise of the business of Poodle grooming, when no style of clip seemed to outrageous. Intricate designs and family crests were clipped into the Poodles coat.
The Corded Poodle was also quite fashionable. The coat was rolled and twisted into long tight ringlets. Each rope-like ringlet was formed individually, with the help of wax or petroleum jelly, and left to grow until it reached the ground.
In the late 1800s, the Corded Poodle was at its peak of popularity, formal registration of the breed began. At early shows, Poodles were frequently corded, and a battle ensued as to whether the Corded Poodle and the Curly coated were separate breeds of the same family.
A change in the breed standard in 1978 brought a few Corded Poodles back in the show ring.
The Poodle Comes To America
The Poodle was introduced to the United States in the late 1800's, and the first Poodle was registered with the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1887. It was not until, The Poodle Club of America, which was founded in 1931, that the Poodle breed was generally noticed.
Early Poodles were imported mostly from England. They were mostly black, white, or brown, and the Standard size attracted the most interest. Poodle registration was minimal and few were exhibited at shows. Pet Poodles were found in homes, but they were far from popular.
In 1930 there were only thirty-four Poodles registered with the American Kennel Club. By 1960 there were more Poodles registered than any other dog breed.
Still popular, today's Poodle is an intelligent and devoted companion.
