Poodle

The poodle is thought to have originated in Germany and has been around for centuries. It is believed that the breed was used by hunters to help retrieve waterfowl, as it can swim quickly and easily. The name “poodle” comes from the German word “pudel” which means “to splash in water”.  Poodles were brought to France during the 1500s, where they became popular with French royalty. They were then bred selectively for their intelligence, agility and excellent swimming ability.  Poodles first arrived in the United States in the 1800s where they quickly gained popularity among dog fanciers due to their elegant appearance, intelligence and trainability. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized them as a breed in 1887. Today, poodles are one of the most popular breeds of dog worldwide due to their friendly personalities and wide range of sizes available, from toy poodles all the way up to standard-sized ones.