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Appearance: The Poodle is a gun dog noted for its ability in the water and bird hunting skills. The English name comes from the German Pudel , or Pudelhund – from Old German puddeln , meaning "to splash about". In France , Portugal and Spain , the Poodle is known as a caniche . The breed comes in three sizes (as described by most breed registries): Standard, Miniature and Toy. The American Kennel Club has a slightly different standard from other registries, with the maximum for Toys and the minimum for Miniatures at 25cm (10 in). The FCI standards divide Poodles into four groups: Large (45 to 60 cm), Medium (35 cm to 45 cm), Miniature (28 cm to 35 cm) and Toy (less than 28 cm with an ideal size of 25 cm). The hair on the animal's body is naturally curly, often in small tight clumps of small curly ringlets. Hair on the ears can be straight or slightly curly. With brushing, the dog's hair will still retain wavy or curly properties, but will soften and straighten somewhat. The coat can be clipped in various styles. For show purposes, only three clips—the puppy clip (only for dogs one year old or younger), the Continental or Lion clip (with the instantly-recognisable 'mane'), and the English Saddle clip (with leg bracelets)—are acceptable. The traditional show-cut 'bracelets' of long fur covering the dog's leg joints are said to date back to winter hunts, where most of the fur was clipped short to facilitate swimming but the joints, lungs, heart, and kidneys needed protection from the cold. The pom-pom on the end of the tail served as a "flag" when the Poodle dove under the water's surface. Clip styles for pets include the Kennel clip (fur same length all over) and other styles, generally variants of the Continental. Left alone, Poodle fur will become corded in the manner of a Puli or Komondor. Working Poodles are often clipped closely to avoid tangles and to reduce the amount of water a wet dog brings into a duck boat. Most national registries recognize two coat types for Poodles: curly and corded. These types are sometimes also, confusingly, called curly and wavy see the external link below. A curly coat is distinctly wooly if brushed while a wavy coat more readily cords if not brushed out. Wavy Poodles have coats which will more or less naturally cord but virtually all Poodles are capable of having corded hair once their adult hair has been established. Puppies can be born with either type of coat, even in the same litter. Once cords have been established, they cannot be brushed out, but must be clipped away. Breed historians seem to agree that the corded or wavy coat is the older of the two varieties. If left to cord, wavy coats are more difficult to take care of, and intentionally corded dogs have fallen out of fashion, in favor of those with brushed wooly coats or brushed wavy coats.

History: The Poodle is often thought of as a typically French breed (it is frequently referred to as the "French Poodle"). However, it is an old breed and its region of origin is a matter of contention. Most experts believe the Poodle originated in Central Europe or Russia. However, it may also have come from Iberia. Related breeds are the Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel . They originated as hunting dogs to retrieve waterfowl for hunters.

Temperament: Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably the most intelligent breed (according to a recent Yale University study) , their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is this breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, the Standard variety is quite independent and has a noticeable hunting drive. Even Toys will point birds. Because they are so intelligent, they can become bored easily, and can get quite creative about finding mischief. Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. When they are from good bloodlines, all three varieties are fairly mellow dogs. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. They don't require as much exercise as other hunting or working breeds (even the Standards), but being agile and athletic, they appreciate lots of exercise.

Height: Standard: 38cm or over (15in), Miniature: 28 - 38cm (11-15in), Toy: 25 - 28cm (10-11in)

Weight: Standard: 20,5 - 32kg (45-70lb), Miniature: 12 - 14kg (26-30lb), Toy: 7kg (15lb)

Health issues: With proper care and nutrition, many enjoy life well into their teens. This Toy Poodle just turned 16, and with arthritis medication still has a very active life. As with any purebred dog, there are many health concerns for the Poodle owner to be aware of. Though the Poodle is usually a healthy, long-lived canine (it's not unheard of to see a 15-year-old Toy or Miniature Poodle or a 12-year-old Standard Poodle), owners should be aware of the health problems that this breed is predisposed to. Always consult with a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with before diagnosing or treating any disease on your own.

The health concerns that people owning Toy Poodles must be aware of include: cataracts , entropion , epilepsy , intervertebral disc degeneration, lacrimal duct atresia (deformed or absent tear ducts that cause tears to run down the face), Legg-Perthes , patellar luxation , PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), trichiasis , and urolithiasis .

For the Miniature Poodle, owners must watch for: cataracts , congenital heart disease , distichiasis , entropion , epilepsy , glaucoma , intervertebral disc degeneration, lacrimal duct atresia, Legg-Perthes , PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) , patellar luxation , trichiasis , and urolithiasis .

For the Standard Poodle, owners must watch for: Addison's Disease , cataracts , CHD ( Canine Hip Dysplasia ), distichiasis , entropion , epilepsy , gastric torsion , PDA ( patent ductus arteriosus ), sebaceous adenitis, and vWD ( Von Willebrand's disease ).

All three breeds are predisposed towards certain types of mammary tumors , so if the Poodle owner doesn't plan on breeding their female, then they should consider spaying her before her first heat cycle . This dramatically cuts down the Poodle's chances of developing quite a few different types of mammary tumors later in life.