Pudel “splash in water”

Ch. Puttencove PromiseBIS WESTMINSTER 1958

VarietiesStandard ( the original size)

Germany Heavier boned Spaniel type with wooly coat

Some say in Russia Greyhound build

Most reference to Francais Mixture of the two National dog

Varieties

ToysAmerican product of the twentieth century

Petit Barbet Combo of Toy Spaniel and Maltese

Miniature Early 1800’s Questionably bred down from Standards

The Originals

Caniche French word for Poodle, most often used to describe a large Miniature or small Standard in France in the 1600s

Pudel or Water DogA member of the Spaniel family and may well be the Original Water Spaniel in 16th century Europe and England

Characteristics Original Water dog

developed for retrieving under difficult weather and water conditions

Must be nimble Light on it’s feet and strong Shorter in body Higher on leg

to get through swamp lands and heavy mud with ease

Chest Deep NOT broad (like a prow of a ship)

Moderate spring of rib All were effective for work

in or out of water

Characteristics Hindquarters very well developed, to swim in water and

climb in mud Webbed feet (toes) spread for swimming & effective for

balance in thick mud On dry ground, feet were well padded with well arched

muscular toes Neck and Shoulders like any good hunting dog Shoulders sloped and well laid back Neck long and flexible for high head carriage for carrying

the bird on both land and water

Head Oval shaped Moderate and definite occiput (bird bump) Moderate and definite stop Extremely flat cheeks Head streamlined for sharp marsh grass and

water diving Enough room for calm, excitable brain

Muzzle

Long, strong and tight lipped. No open flews or pendulous lips… WHY????? They’d choke or drown delivering a

struggling bird through the water

Eyes

Almond shaped and far apart Large protruding or prominent eyes

could be damaged while working in marsh grasses and rough water

Ears

Spaniel Ears but smaller The low set, eye level ears were an

important feature, more so than length

High set ears would be in the way in thick, rough ground coverage and did not protect the ear orifice

Coat and Trim

Coat of water dog was dense and curly Long enough to freeze on top in cold

weather and remain warm and dry near the skin

Cold conditions cause coat to grow too long Owners shaved hindquarters and feet to

facilitate swimming & retrieving Shaved body parts were done for utilitarian

purposes giving a look of a more fragile, elegant, and slender structure

Disposition and Temperament

Cooperative Loyal Courageous to work in trying conditions Intelligent/spirited Totally obliging These characteristics have kept the Poodle a

popular household companion long after his practicality as a water dog had languished

the BIG picture… Fairly short body Long, strong legs Well arched but flexible foot (shaved) Light, springy action High head carriage Oval/wide set eyes Long/hung ears Giving a wise, noble, elegant appearance

the BIG picture…

Dense, curly, shorn coat, giving the powerful water dog an appearance of a more fragile or refined canine

Intelligent, loyal, courageous, spirited temperament…

“Type is the Standard, the description of a breed based entirely on the purpose that particular kind of dog had to fulfill.”

--Hayes Blake Hoyt

THE POODLE TODAY

“ That of a very active, intelligent, and elegant appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.”

AKC Poodle Breed Standard under

General Appearance, Carriage and Condition