Poodle. S. Meyer Clark

breed maintains its ancestral traits that endear it to people around the world. Thus, centuries after the breed’s development, there seems no reason to believe that Poodles will be any less popular in the future than they have been in the past.

       Standard Poodle being gaited around the ring. The evaluation of a dog’s movement determines how well-constructed the animal is.

       CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POODLE

      The Poodle, regardless of size or color, is a distinctive, squarely built, elegant dog with a coat that serves as the crowning touch to a royal entity. From the largest Standard to the tiniest Toy, Poodles have a unique way about them that transcends everything they do in life. How they carry themselves when out for a walk, the easy sway of the hind legs as they chase a ball across a lawn, the alert inquisitive expression when they hear a familiar voice—these traits are all special to Poodles. And every owner quickly learns to recognize that Poodle uniqueness.

       This lovely black male is kept in immaculate condition.

      In addition to loving life in general, Poodles love people even more. They are particularly perceptive of our moods and emotions, and respond accordingly. They join in celebrations when we’re happy and hover nearby in quiet concern when we’re ill, worried or sad.

      They are extremely intelligent and can learn an amazing repertoire of commands if taught with patience and kindness. Retrieving fallen ducks and carrying things in their mouths are but a sample of their rehearsed behaviors. Ever since early Poodle owners discovered the breed’s propensity to learn, Poodles have been trained to perform many behaviors, from helping owners around the home to dancing in circus acts around the world.

      Poodles love to please. They crave attention and have an uncanny sense of humor. If, for example, a Poodle does something that an owner finds amusing and the person responds with laughter and praise, the dog will quickly pick up this response and repeat the behavior over and over. In short, Poodles are genetically “programmed” to work with humans and use their own emotional intuitiveness to create strong bonds with their owners.

       A Standard apricot with white Miniatures. The variety of sizes and striking colors offers many choices to prospective Poodle owners.

      The physical makeup of Poodles is such that they can perform many athletic feats with ease. Standing on their hind legs and “dancing,” climbing to heights on ladders and ramps, jumping all types of barriers and sitting on their haunches to “beg” are just some of the Poodle’s agile maneuvers. These and many more stunts are possible due to the breed’s exceptional sense of balance and dexterity.

      Combine intelligence, emotional intuitiveness, love of companionship, physical ability and beauty in one breed of dog and you have the remarkable, personable Poodle. This breed is of such great versatility, it’s no wonder that Poodles are considered to be the most intelligent of all breeds.

DIFFERENT SIZES, DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES

      Poodles come in a wide range of sizes. Toy Poodles stand 10 inches or less at the shoulder. Miniatures stand 15 inches or under, but must be taller than 10 inches at the shoulder. Standards must stand over 15 inches at the shoulder. In some European circles, there is a fourth size called Moyen, which means “middle” or in between the Miniature and the Standard. Moyens measure at least 15 inches but rarely reach the height of the average Standard. Certainly there is a size of Poodle for every lifestyle and taste.

       A lovely black champion Miniature Poodle. The breed’s show coat presentation is exquisite.

       Posing with his tortoise playmates, this Toy Poodle pup is photogenic and fun-spirited.

      Different-sized Poodles frequently exhibit different behavioral traits. For example, the handsome Standard is every inch a Poodle with his bright expressive eyes, his devotion to owner and family, his love of learning and his sense of humor. In addition, he carries himself with great confidence and therefore excels as a guardian of home and family. He is serious enough and big enough to make the consequences of unwanted entry most undesirable. His deep bark and courageous demeanor send an instant message to any and all unwelcome guests that a forced entry would be most unwise.

       When dogs are a family affair, the Poodles never shy away from participation. Dyed purple to match the bride’s bouquet, these two Poodles were the matrons of honor at the wedding of Meg Purnell’s daughter, Rachel, and her dapper husband, Darren. The family runs the well-known Overhill Kennels in England.

       The standard Poodle is every inch a Poodle, with a good sense of humor and impressive protective instincts.

       Regardless of size, Poodles share certain characteristics, from their people-friendly personality to their eyeopening intelligence.

       Miniature Poodles are remarkable dogs, being friendly, courageous, active, easily trained and fun to be with.

      I once owned a large chocolate Standard who was very protective of home and family. On two separate occasions, he leaped through a glass window to chase away suspected prowlers on my property. Fortunately for the individuals, I was at home on both occasions and stopped the dog from further action against the men. However, they didn’t linger about to find out how serious and strong the dog was.

      Standard Poodles are large enough to tolerate the pulling and pushing of toddlers who cling to their soft coat for support when they’re learning to walk. The dogs are also gentle enough, when raised with children, to be sympathetic to children older than toddlers who run and squeal as they play.

      The Miniature Poodle is an active, agile, alert dog of medium build whose appearance suggests a curious interest in everything in his environment. Miniature Poodles are people-pleasers from the word “go.” They are also great alarm dogs, warning of the approach of strangers. They are small enough to travel well, adapt to any type of dwelling from small apartment to large estate and friendly enough to join any group at a social gathering. Children and adults alike respond to their quick wit and pleasant attitude toward all who know them.

      The Miniature also serves as an alternative size for people who have spent their lives loving Standard Poodles but find that they no longer can maintain such a large dog. Their love of Poodles in general is life-long, so changing to Miniature Poodle ownership is a natural step.

      Finally, we come to the Toy Poodle, also a great alarm dog, if slightly higher pitched. The Toy looks the part of a lovely, delicate toy with an intense awareness of his owners and others in his world. These diminutive little treasures fill very special needs for special people. Because