Poodle Facts

Poodles are descended from early German retrievers known as pudels. The word pudel means puddler or "to splash in water".

The stylized haircut seen on show dogs today originated with hunters. The ancestor of today's poodle was stockier, and had a very dense, tightly curled coat that protected the dog from retrieving game in icy water. This style of haircut was designed to allow the dog to swim freely while keeping its major organs warm.

Today's poodles are athletic, intelligent, cheerful, and have a wonderful temperament. Poodles do not shed, and therefore make excellent pets for those with allergies. They come in a variety of colors.

The Poodle Club of America designates three sizes of poodle: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The club does not recognize sizes called Teacup (very small) or Royal Standard (very large). A poodle with two or more coat colors, often called parti-colored, is not bred or advertised by reputable breeders, who are aware of breeding for good health and even temperament.

Very Young Puppy to 3 Years	Young dogs require a good deal of patience, not to mention time for housebreaking and training. Older family members can find very young dogs to be hazardous, as puppy's exhuberance and lack of training can lead to accidents from tripping over them. Coastal Poodle Rescue almost never places a very young dog with senior citizens. This is not only for the safety of the humans, but because the lifespan of the dog may outlast that of the humans, only to lead to another homeless situation for the dog.
Young to Middle-Aged 3 to 8 Years	Many people find this age to be ideal. Much of the chewing, nipping, and potty accident problems have been resolved, yet the dog still has many good years left.
Senior Poodles 8 to 18 Years	Senior dogs whose lives have been disrupted in their later years have so much love to give and like nothing better than giving it. They tend to rely heavily on their owner for companionship and therefore bond very quickly. The desire to reciprocate the companionship given to them is very strong. "Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." -- Bonnie Wilcox Old Dogs, Old Friends