If someone asked you to name the most glamorous dog breed, chances are, you’d say: “Poodle!” But there’s more to these fancy fluffballs than meets the eye. Those who aren’t familiar with these curly-haired cuties may think of them as stuck-up, prissy pooches–but that’s not true! As any Poodle lover will tell you, these dogs are smart, athletic, friendly, and always eager to please.
Think you knew all about Poodles? Think again! Here are 9 fun facts about this beautiful breed that you may not have known before!
1. Poodle means “puddle.”
Poodles originated in Germany, their name hailing from the German word pudel or pudelin, meaning “to splash in the water,” according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). (Animal Planet also likens pudel to the English word “puddle.”) This is because these beautiful pooches were actually bred to be water retrievers!
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2. Although they’re from Germany, Poodles are the national dog of France.
If you associate Poodles with France (do you picture them with a beret, or in front of the Eiffel Tower, maybe?), you’re not the only one! As this country’s national pooch, they’re hailed for their retrieving and duck hunting abilities by the French, according to Pet 360.
3. Poodles’ trendy tresses originally served a practical purpose.
The traditional poof-ball haircuts were created to help them be more proficient hunters. The hair was shaved in some places to lighten the weight of wet fur in the water, but kept thick around the joins and the vital areas that needed to be protected and kept warm, says the AKC.
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4. Their coats are unique from most dogs.
Most people know that Poodles have hair instead of fur, making them nearly hypoallergenic. While most dogs’ fur grows to a certain length, then falls out (which is why they shed), Poodle hair continues to grow, making grooming a necessity…
5. And they need regular grooming.
Animal Planet explains that Poodles are relatively high-maintenance, in terms of grooming. They need regular haircuts (although, the “fancy styles” are optional), and they also need bathing every couple of weeks.
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6. Their special hair makes them popular subjects for creating cross-breeds.
Love Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, or Cocker Spaniels–but hate the shedding? Try a Goldendoodle, Aussiepoo, or Cockapoo. When bred with Poodles, dogs often inherit the signature, hypoallergenic coat! (There are a ton of other Poodle hybrids, too.)
7. Poodles may look stuck-up, but they can’t wait to please you!
These dogs are known for being once of the smartest breeds, and luckily, they’re eager to please! This combination makes them highly trainable, explains Animal Planet. However, because of their intelligence, they need to be kept busy and well-exercised to stay out of trouble! In general, they also make great family pets.
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8. And with 3 versions, they can “fit” any-sized lifestyle.
No matter what your lifestyle and living space, there’s a Poodle that will fit! They come in at least 3 sizes: Toy (6-9 pounds), Miniature (15-17 pounds), and Standard, (45-70 pounds). Some say there’s even more!
9. They’re ranked within the AKC’s 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds.
After learning all these cool facts, is it any wonder why? In 2015, these adaptable, family-friendly pooches were listed as the 8th most popular dog breed in America.
Which fact did you find the most interesting? Tell us in the comments!
And if you’re crazy about Poodles, then you’ll love these Poodle-inspired shirts! All shirts available in a variety of sizes as well as color options.
