Poodle
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The Poodle is a breed of gun dog noted for its ability in the water. It has also been known as the Caniche which is its original French name. The word poodle comes from German pudeln, meaning 'to splash'.
Poodles are typically intelligent, alert and active. Breed standards call for a dignified, elegant carriage.
The poodle is often thought of as a typically French breed, and numerous sources cite it as France's national dog.
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2 Care 3 Hybrids 4 Usage 5 Related topics 6 External links |
The breed comes in three sizes: Standard, Toy and Miniature.
The fur is harsh, either in tight curls or corded. Coat colour is solid black, white, brown, grey or apricot. The nose colour matches the coat.
The coat can be clipped in various styles: the Continental or Lion clip (with the instantly-recognisable 'mane'), the English Saddle clip (with leg bracelets), the Kennel clip (fur same length all over) and other styles, generally variants of the Continental.
The 'bracelets' of longer fur on the leg joints are said to date back to winter hunts, where most of the fur was clipped short to facilitate swimming but the joints needed protection from the cold.
Poodles make good companions and are extremely loyal, sometimes to the point of being possessive. The owner should be a competent trainer, as poodles can be wilful if trained poorly. They require plenty of grooming.
Many hybrids have been created by crossing a poodle with another breed.
Poodles are generally kept as pets. However, they are also used (by French customs for instance) for searching for illegal substances (narcotics) because of their small size (making it easier and more discreet for them to search cars, trains compartments etc... than bigger breeds such as German Shepherds), their good sense of smell and their playful intelligence.
Appearance
Care
Hybrids
People with allergies to dog hair are said to be less aggravated by these hybrids.Usage
Related topics
External links