Breed Priorities – Poodles

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280 – October, 2025

By Nikki Riggsbee

Poodles were developed centuries ago as water dogs and water retri-evers–claimed by both Germany and France. In Germany, they are called Pudel from the German word meaning “to splash”. In France, they are named Caniche or “duck dog” and are thought to be descending from the Barbet. The coat trim was originated by sportsman who shaved the legs, neck, and tail to improve freedom of movement, but left the coat on the chest, hips, and joints for protection from the cold.

The standard-sized Poodle was the original. They were bred down to smaller Miniatures, and often used as circus performers. The Miniatures were later bred down to Toy sized beginning in the early twentieth century.

AKC allows the Poodle to be shown in Puppy, Continental, English Saddle, or Sporting clips. Most Poodles are shown with the coat brushed through, but the coat will cord and Poodles can be shown corded.

Fifty-three Poodle breeder-judges were invited to take a survey on their breed’s priorities in conformation. Thirty-six agreed to do so. Twenty of the group returned surveys. The contributors had nearly thirty-six years in the breed, and almost fourteen years judging them, on average. All have judged specialties and several have judged their national specialty.

Poodle Virtues

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280 – October, 2025

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Posted by AnthonyA on Oct 27 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.