| If you have ever watched a dog show, you will be | | | | Unfortunately, this proved problematic, because a |
| aware of the elaborate and sometimes peculiar ways | | | | poodle has extremely thick fur, which is very |
| that poodles are clipped. The truth is that it has been a | | | | absorbent. Poodle owners realized that their dogs |
| tradition for centuries, which, at the very least, dates | | | | were becoming hampered by the weight of their wet |
| back to the 16th century in which portraits show | | | | fur and, subsequently, were not as agile and adept at |
| poodles with the famous Continental clip. | | | | the job of retrieving. |
| Today, the clipping of poodles has become a | | | | The solution seemed simple, just trim the poodle’s |
| fundamental part of the breed specifications, but have | | | | fur. However, this too would cause problems, because |
| you ever wondered why this curious tradition came | | | | poodles needed a thick coat to keep them warm in |
| about? | | | | the harsh winter months. Therefore, poodle owners |
| | | | chose to clip their animal’s fur in patches, which |
| French Fashion | | | | stopped the coat from absorbing as much water. But |
| It is widely known that the fashion for trimming a | | | | they made sure to leave a good layer of thick fur on |
| poodle’s fur into elaborate and flamboyant styles | | | | the chest, internal organs and joints to ensure that the |
| was cemented in France. During the early years of the | | | | dog would be kept warm during the chilly German |
| breed, the poodle became an extremely popular pet | | | | winter. |
| among the French aristocracy. | | | | Additionally, it is believed that the familiar top knot of |
| For French noblewomen the poodle was something of | | | | many poodles was first employed for retrieving |
| a fashion accessory, the equivalent of modern day | | | | purposes. Allegedly, poodle owners would tie a ribbon |
| ‘it’ girls and their Chihuahuas. However, instead | | | | to the top knot, which allowed the dog to be seen |
| of purchasing their dogs stylish sweaters or a Channel | | | | while he, or she, was paddling around in the water. |
| bag to travel around in, the wealthy women of France | | | | |
| would create extravagant hairstyles for their pets. | | | | Not Just a Pretty Face |
| Subsequently, the poodle fast became one of the | | | | Despite an appearance that makes it hard to take |
| most popular breeds of dog in France, eventually being | | | | them seriously, poodles are not just decorative fashion |
| adopted as the national breed. Therefore, the breed is | | | | accessories. They are, in fact, according to recent |
| often known as the French poodle. However, the | | | | research, the second most intelligent breed of dog (the |
| poodle did not originate in France and neither did the | | | | first being the Border Collie). Due to its superior |
| tradition of clipping its fur. | | | | intelligence, the poodle is still used as a working dog. |
| | | | They are of great benefit as hearing dogs for the |
| German Necessity | | | | deaf and guide dogs for the blind. Additionally, they are |
| In fact, the poodle is a German dog; its name derives | | | | regularly used by customs officers as sniffer dogs. |
| from the German word ‘pudel’, which, obviously, | | | | However, their popularity as household companions |
| bears a striking resemblance to the English word | | | | should not be underestimated either. The poodle is one |
| ‘puddle’ and means ‘to splash in water’. | | | | of the most well tempered dogs, making it a wonderful |
| The breed was given this name, unsurprisingly, | | | | addition to any home. They are patient, obedient, |
| because it was a water dog. Poodles were designed | | | | friendly and fiercely loyal. There can be no doubt, the |
| to retrieve waterfowl and, therefore, spent a lot of | | | | poodle is very much more than just a pretty face with |
| time splashing about in ponds, lakes and rivers. | | | | a rather ditsy hairdo. |