the poodle
TRANSCRIPT
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