Poodles: Poodles can be tiny (Toy), small (Miniature) or large (Standard). Poodles are usually groomed to give a square appearance. Poodles have approximately the same length as their height. Their skulls are moderately rounded. Poodles have long, straight muzzles. Their dark, oval shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. Their ears hang close to their heads and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with their size. Their tails are set and carried high. Their oval shaped feet are small and their toes are arched. Their coats are curly. Poodles come in all solid colors including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, or tan.

Poodles are proud, graceful, noble and good-natured. Poodles are enjoyable and cheerful. Highly intelligent, Poodles are one of the most trainable breeds. Standard Poodles are generally lower energy and often calmer than the Miniature and Toy Poodles. Poodles are sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. They are house dogs, and enjoy being with their owners and dislike being alone. They are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children. Standard Poodles are good with other dogs and some can make good guard dogs.

Poodles have been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years and are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. The subject is controversial of where Poodles were officially developed and no one really knows the breed's true country of origin. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to the Germans where they say they were used as water retrieval dogs. Other claims have been Denmark. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water". The "Poodle clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs swim more efficiently. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds.

Hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gun dog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle", but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Poodle Combinations:
Aussie Doodle - Australian Shepherd Poodle

Basset Doodle - Basset Hound Poodle Bernese Doodle - Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Border

Doodle -Border Collie Poodle Boxer Doodle - Boxer Poodle Chinese Crested Doodle - Chinese

Crested Poodle Doodle - Great Dane Standard Poodle American Eskimo Doodle - American

Eskimo Poodle Giant Schnoodle - Giant Schnauzer Standard Poodle Goldendoodle - Golden

Retriever Poodle Labradoodle - Labrador Retriever Poodle Miniature Aussiedoodle - Miniature

Australian Shepherd Miniature Poodle Miniature Goldendoodle - Golden Retriever / Toy or

Miniature Poodle Miniature Labradoodle - Labrador Retriever Toy or Miniature Poodle Newfy

Doodle - Newfoundland Poodle

Saint Bernard Doodle - Saint Bernard Poodle Schnoodle - Schnauzer Poodle

Sheltie Doodle - Sheltie Poodle

Woodle - Irish Wolfhound Poodle

The Poodle, Labradoodle, Poodle Combination Size:
Height: up to 10 inches (Toy); 11-15 inches (Miniature); 15 inches+ (Standard)
Weight: 6-9 lbs. (Toy); 15-17lbs. (Miniature); 45-70 lbs. (Standard)