Poodle History

The Poodle As A Working Retriever

by Cathy McGinnis

These dogs are splendid examples of the Poodle doing what the Poodle was bred to do.  The black dog at right is not identified.  The white dog defies anyone to call him "just a show dog."  He is a superb specimen as evidenced by his many titles, Am/Brazil/FCI International, Pan-American Ch. Ridgewood Starry Starry Nite, CD, TT, CGC.  "Vincent" is the all-around dog which so typifies the breed.

Poodles are the National Dog of France and in French, they are called "Caniche" - a variation of the French word for duck - to reflect what Poodles were bred to retrieve.  The "splashing" dog at left is Tudorose Annabella Stuart JH, CGC, aptly called "Cheers".

The word "Poodle" comes from the German name for the breed, "Pudel".  It is believed this is a very old word which meant "to splash or splashing through water" describing what Poodles do when retrieving.

As with much of history, it is difficult to pinpoint the poodle's exact origins, however several versions have the dog originating in Germany and later becoming the national dog of France.  The Poodle, in any size, is known for its intelligence and versatility, traits that have made it one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world.

The photo at right represents a true "working retriever" doing his job in full show clip.  This shows how functional the most common show clip can be.  The traditional poodle trim comes from their water retrieving days.  Hair was kept on the ankle and hip joints as well as the chest cavity to help protect them from the cold water, while the rest of the hair was trimmed off, perhaps to limit how much mud and brambles the dogs would pick up while working.

A good example of a working clip or puppy clip is beautifully represented by the white dog Am/Brazil/FCI International, Pan-American Ch. Ridgewood Starry Starry Nite, CD, TT, CGC

Going back to history and Poodle lore, it is said that German soldiers would take poodles with them into battle, and it is there that the French first saw this magnificent breed.  Lore also states that the French saw a bit of a lion look to the Poodle, and with a little bit of stylization to the trim and a pom on the end of the tail, they had a dog with which they could mock the English Monarchy.

Over the years, Poodles have been used as hunting dogs, tracking dogs, circus dogs, and service dogs for the disabled, including but not limited to: Seeing Eye dogs, hearing ear dogs, seizure alert dogs.

In addition to their many versatile skills as working dogs, poodles are also incredible companions.  Quick to learn, eager to please and highly adaptable to any environment are just some of the many reasons Poodles have been so popular for centuries.

More information at Ridgewood Standard Poodles