The poodle is one of the best known dogs around, and the breed has always been popular. Commonly seen in circuses, dog shows, and in the home, the poodle is very friendly and versatile, meaning that it can be trained to do just about anything! If you are looking for a dog that can fit nicely into your lifestyle, the poodle is the way to go—not only are they easily trained, but they come in three distinct sizes, making it easy to choose the one that works best for you and your family.

Historical Frills

Historically, the poodle was a popular dog among aristocracy and higher classes. Though it is now known that the dogs originated in France, there has always been some dispute at this fact by those who claim that they might have also originated in Germany or Russia. Today, the poodle is the national dog of France. Also known as Caniche or Barbone (both of these mean "duck dog"), it was most likely the Germans who gave the dog the name Pudel, which means "to splash in water."

Before becoming popular among the rich, the poodle was used as a hunting dog to retrieve birds. Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, poodles were frequently seen in the circus. However, both of these roles have little to do with what they are well known for today. In modern times, these dogs are very popular show dogs and are well known for their performances in dog shows. They were first brought to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century, and their popularity soared after World War II.

A Crazy Cut

One of the features that has always been the most distinguishing about the poodle is the funny haircut that seems to be a tradition. Though the poodle cut once made sense because it allowed the dog to move more easily through the water, it soon became a widespread phenomenon. Today, it is not seen as frequently as before; however, poodles still tend to have unique hair dos.

One of the things that is most convenient about this dog breed is that they come in three different sizes: toy, standard, and miniature. The miniature has traditionally been more popular than the others. Size-wise, the standard dog grows to be anywhere over 15 inches and weights about 45-70 pounds. The miniature, as the next smallest size, tends to fall into the height range between 11 and 15 inches, and it usually weight between 15 and 17 pounds. Lastly, the smallest toy version of this dog is usually no taller than 10 inches, and weighs only about 6-9 pounds.

A Tradition Of Excellence

The poodle's status as a popular dog today, but also as a dog with a history of being a revered hunting dog, a crazy circus dog, and a posh show dog, allow modern day owners to feel confident when deciding to own one for themselves. With size choices making it easy to pick a dog that will best fit your life style, there is no reason why you shouldn't consider picking up one of these excellent dogs today.