History
The poodle is a breed that has been present in Europe for centuries in some form or another, and it debuted on the Continent long before heading to the British Isles let alone North America or East Asia or Australia. Drawings by German artist Albrecht Dürer established the popular image of the breed in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further appearances in art are recorded by Rembrandt in a self portrait he created in 1631, with his pet poodle in the foreground. The breed would not have been a dog of the common man, but of the wealthier gentleman or royalty, evidenced by its role as a water spaniel and retriever from early on: these were not the pursuits of peasants and farmers.
Care and Health
Generally, poodles do not have a double coat like certain other breeds, but rather have a hair shaft shaped in an unusual way that makes the hair on their bodies curl and kink in on itself; this will not stop growing unless it is clipped or cut, and neglecting to care for this breed's coat over long periods can have dangerous consequences that can make the dog quite ill from matting and skin infections.
Fun Fact
The most common serious health issues of Standard Poodles listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry (20 August 2007) are Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus, thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer.
Good For
Hunting and family pet
Attributes
Poodles are known as a highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable breed.
Traits
Size small, medium Fur,
sheds minimal,
high energy.
