Standard Poodle
A German gundog, bred to retrieve ducks from cold waters
"Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart “real dogs” of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family." -American Kennel Club
A veterinary surgeon and animals welfare activist from the 1700's wrote a beautiful chapter in one if his books about the Poodle.
"The particular cross from which this dog descended is unknown, but the variety produced has been carefully preserved.
It is, probably, of continental origin, and is known by its thick curly hair concealing almost every part of the face, and giving it the appearance of a short, thick, unintelligent head.
When, however, that hair is removed, there is still the large head; but there is also the cerebral cavity more capacious than in any other dog, and the frontal sinuses fully developed, and exhibiting every indication of the intellectual class to which it belongs.
It was originally a water-dog, as its long and curly hair, and its propensities in its domesticated state, prove; but, from its peculiar sagacity, it is capable of being trained to almost any useful purpose, and its strong individual attachment renders it more the companion of man than a mere sporting dog: indeed, its qualities as a sporting dog are seldom recognised by its owner.
These dogs have far more courage than the water-spaniel, all ~the sagacity of the Newfoundland, more general talent, if the expression may be used, and more individual attachment than either of them, and without the fawning of the one, or the submissiveness of the other. The poodle seems conscious of his worth, and there is often a quiet dignity accompanying his demonstrations of friendship." "William Youatt
A Brief History
The Poodle was first developed in Germany where it was affectionately known as the "pudel," which means "to splash in water." The poodle was bred to retrieve downed ducks from cold waters. Many people associate the Poodle with France. This is because it is France that made the poodle internationally known. By the 20th century the Poodle became one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States, and still is today. Modern Poodles have been primarily bred for show and companionship. There are still some Poodles that hunt, however, it is more in their mature to be incredibly loyal pets.
Size Information
Standard Poodles will weigh between 45-70 pounds at maturity.
Accepted Colors and Coat Type
Standard Poodles come in a large variety of colors, some recognized by breed clubs and some not. Most Poodles are either solid in color or are of the "parti" variety, which stands for "partially colored." Parti poodles have white spots among their solid colored coat.
The Standard Poodle coat is
Personality and Temperament
"The [Poodle] is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children." -The United Kennel Club
We select our Poodles for health and temperament. Like most highly popular purebred dogs, Poodles can suffer from a plethora of health problems if breeding pairs are not carefully chosen based on health testing and structure.
Recommended Health Testing
We strive to health test our adult breeding dogs to match or exceed the AKC's CHIC Program standards. Some of our dogs will have less testing depending on their lineage testing. Some dogs will exceed CHIC standards, such as our stud dogs who are offered to outside females with unknown lineage testing.
