Poodle

Breed Type: Non-Sporting
Weight: 45 to 65 lbs
Height: 15 to 21 inches
Coat type: Fine, wooly and frizzy coat. Some rare Poodles have a corded coat.
Color: Poodles come in many solid colors such as apricot, black, brown, gray and white.

Poodle is a breed of dog which is regarded to be one of the most intelligent dogs. It is found in all sizes- small, medium and large and also in various coat colors. It is basically a breed of water dog and it is extremely agile, obedient and skillful. This dog breed can be easily identified due to their woolly coats and long muzzles and luxuriously big, floppy ears. The average life expectancy of a poodle is 12-15 years. As the coat of Poodle hardly ever sheds, it is the best pet for those who are very prone to allergies.

History
Poodles have always been used as retrievers or gun dogs. Even today, they can be observed in the same role. Though there is a little doubt over its origin, many people claim Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont to be its place of origin, France has been officially accepted to be the origin place of this popular dog breed. It is claimed that the Poodles have descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog breed, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. However, the name of the breed 'Poodle' has German origins, in German; Poodle means 'One who plays in water'.

Poodle in France is known as Caniche which means 'Duck Dog'. It was here used as a Circus performer. They are also depicted on the 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. It is said that Toy Poodles became royal favorites in the 18th century. These Toy or Miniature poodles were bred down from their larger counterparts. The breed was first recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 1887. Today, the Poodle is used as a pet as well as show dog.

Appearance
The poodle dog is a square shaped dog with a stylish and distinct appearance. It is available in three sizes-the toy, the miniature and the standard. The breed is standard for all other features except for their size. It has an upright held head with light and springy gait. It has a high set tail that is docked to about half of original length. It has small dark black or brown eyes and its ears are flat and floppy lying close to their head. Their coat is thick; the texture of the coat can either be curly or corded depending upon the parent of the poodle. Colors of the coat include black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, or cafe-au-lait.

Personality
Poodles are the easiest dog breed to train; they may bark a lot or may be shy of strangers but are very bright, alert, lively, and responsively devoted to the family. They are playful, sensitive, intelligent and eager to learn and please. Closely bonded to their families, Poodles live well with other pets and dogs in the family and tolerates children well. They are friendly to known visitors and eager to announce them. They quickly learn things and remember them for long time.