Fact File

Date of Origin = 1500s
Country of Origin = France and Germany
Average weight = 13 kg
Average height = 33cm
Talent = companion

Poodles are very responsible and intelligent; in France they were used as
circus dogs. They are very famous for their hair styles and accessories.

The oldest poodle

The oldest poodle was called Taffy Gayle. She was adopted as her owners couldn't have any children. Taffy was born in 1982 and is still living. She is 28 which is very old for a dog. Unfortunately she is blind and deaf but can still find her way around things. Taffy is not in the Guinness World Records because they did not sign up but is the oldest poodle.

Why Poodles have curly hair

Poodles have curly hair, because they bred them with two other dogs that would make them have curly hair, so that they could be used as water dogs. There are two different reasons why having curly hair would help them to be a water dog. One, when they come out of the water their hair would dry quickly. Two, when it's cold in the water there skin stays warm and dry, because the water runs through their "fro".

Poodle breeds

There are three different breeds of pedigree poodle. Standard, the biggest and most intelligent, also the oldest of the breeds -- perfect for families that go on lots of walks. The miniature poodle is the second smallest and is great if you like short walks. The toy poodle is the smallest and is the size of a toy dog (hence the name!), it's a great breed if your not very rich (because they don't need many supplies) and if your not a big fan of going on walks, but you still have to give them exercise.

Training

Poodles can learn many tricks including sit, paw, lay, other paw, roll over, jump and many more. I think with allot of training and encouragement you can slowly teach your poodle to follow your command. If it was me I would start of with sit. Start by saying sit firmly twice, then push your poodles bum down, keep repeating this until he finally understands,when he does give him a treat , (never hit your dog because it doesn't listen, as its like a baby learning its first word.) Next move on to paw, do the same thing but make it lift up his paw while it is sitting.

Appearance!

A poodle's natural colour can either be white, grey, black, or brown, some can even be two different colours. They have long or short curly hair and have many different hairstyles. They have small damp black noses, and usually have brown eyes. If a poodle likes another dog, he'll normally show off his appearance. I personally think poodles care about their appearance.