Dogs: Poodle

Its early days in the dog world were extremely low-key, in France as well as in England and Germany. Attention was focused on hunting dogs, while other working breeds, such as shepherd dogs, also attracted a certain amount of interest. As for companion breeds, often associated with sleeve dogs and ladies' dogs, they were treated with condescending contempt. This is a situation that has not disappeared, with the ninth group still having to endure a certain degree of ostracism.

In France, the Poodle appears to have been a very popular type of dog in the 19th century, judging by numerous accounts from the period. The official figures are less revealing. Although the first registration in the French Stud Book dates from 1885, three years after the creation of the LOF, which was mainly devoted to British hunting breeds, it is worth noting that among the first thousand registrations, only nine concerned Poodles!

The breed was not fundamentally better treated at first in Great Britain, although a Poodle Club was established as early as 1876: six registrations in the second volume of the 1874 Kennel Club studbook (there had been none in the year it was founded, 1873). But English breeders quickly took the initiative. Thus, in the 1920s, when French breeding became organized, it did so using dogs imported from England!

However, in 1936, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale finally considered the case of the Poodle and decided to assign it French nationality, much to the dismay of German breeders who had established a standard (traces of it can also be found in old French works, such as that of veterinarian Dr. Heuillet).

In fact, it must be acknowledged that there is a very ancient curly-coated dog type that is the origin not only of the Poodle and the Barbet, but also of other breeds that have recently been grouped under the designation of water dogs. This type appears to have originated in North Africa and is thought to have reached Europe mainly via the Iberian Peninsula.

This African dog spread both as a herding and water dog, helping fishermen as well as hunters. But as a small companion dog? In the 15th century, there were paintings showing small dogs groomed like lions. The emergence of the modern Poodle dates rather to the 18th century, although its family tree cannot be reconstructed with certainty.

Today, it can be seen that the Moyen Poodle, the link between the Standard and the smaller varieties, which was and remains a French specialty, has become marginalized. This is true both among the general public and in English and American breeding, where the Standard and Moyen have been grouped into a “standard” category that favors larger dogs. Thus, the Standard Poodle, formerly very rare, is now notable in France for its size (officially up to 62 cm) and its long strides. This great athlete could rekindle interest in the breed, although the public tends to prefer a dog that is not bulky and does not require demanding maintenance. The Poodle probably needs to renew its image. The revival will come from elsewhere, as it has since the beginnings of the dog fancy: recognition of gray in 1960, apricot in 1977, English grooming in 1981, and the Toy in 1984. The official arrival of the Toy and apricot varieties enabled LOF breeding to prosper until 1990. The Poodle is subject to fashion and cannot remain in the spotlight by relying exclusively on classic styling, in black, Moyen, and continental grooming.

Patellar luxation and other joint problems: like other widespread small breeds, this malformation occurs in Poodles, somewhat like hip dysplasia in large breeds. Some dogs may also be affected by ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments. Cases of herniated discs have also been reported. Dental problems: good oral hygiene is essential to prevent tartar and dental abscesses. Cryptorchidism: this condition primarily affects Toy Poodles. Progressive retinal atrophy: across the Channel, cases of progressive retinal atrophy have been reported in certain bloodlines; this problem also exists in France.