The Poodle is thought to be a highly intelligent dog, possibly the most intelligent of all the breeds. There are several varieties today but they all stem originally from an ancient breed called the "Pudel" in Germany, although this may not have been the actual country of origin. The original purpose of the breed was a water retriever. The Standard Poodle is the largest, then graduating in size, there is the Miniature, and finally the Toy, all three of these dogs are shown separately in the show ring in the American dog shows.

The adult Poodle in all three varieties wears a special trim which came about because of the breed's original work as a retriever in the water. The coat was kept long around the front over the chest and front part of the body to protect the vital organs from the cold waters, also left long over the joints of the legs and the kidneys. If left in a natural state the poodle's coat will "cord" in much the same way as the Puli.

The Poodle will excel at any thing it has a mind to. It of course responds to obedience training, being easy to train, and it thrives on learning. This is a dog that is highly responsive to the desires of its owners and almost intuitively responds to almost any circumstance. They have proven themselves useful as Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs, and Therapy Dogs, also excelling in the sports of Agility and Rally Obedience, and are statesmen in the show ring....the Poodle is the "dog of all trades" and aptly so named. The Miniature and the Toy also think they are much bigger than they are, and are usually equally as versatile as their larger cousin, the Standard.

I have been present in the grooming area of the Poodles at dog shows in the United States and have marveled at the patience of the Poodles. They are seldom harnessed to the grooming arm. They will sit upon their assigned grooming table without restraints of any sort, waiting their turn for the scissoring of the handler. Sometimes they will be left in the grooming area on their table for several hours, sitting quietly and never making a stir. When they are ready to have their "topknots" done, I have seen the groomers place a large rolled up blanket under the poodle's chin, and the dog will place his head just so on the "blanket roll" while his topknot is being scissored, without even so much as moving a whisker, remaining that way for a long period of time. They are curious and will watch the crowd, but will never dream of leaving their table or making a fuss while being groomed.

The handlers have told me that when training is begun at an early age, the Poodle accepts the grooming, (which can go on for many hours) as a natural part of his existence and enjoys it tremendously. And yet they are exceedingly active in other respects. One can only conclude that they are indeed highly intelligent and very adaptable.

These dogs have a special place in the hearts of their owners, everyone who has ever had a Poodle in his life will seldom switch to another breed. Most "Poodle people" will tell you that they feel that is has been a special privilege to have shared their lives with a Poodle.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Animals