Poodle, << POO duhl, >> is a breed of curly-coated dog once bred for use as a water retriever. Water retrievers enter the water to recover game killed by hunters. Today, people classify poodles as either nonsporting or toy dogs, depending on their size. The breed is thought to have originated in Germany during the 1500’s.
Poodles come in three size varieties and are classified by their height at the shoulder. The toy poodle is 10 inches (25 centimeters) or under and weighs 3 to 9 pounds (1.4 to 4.1 kilograms). The miniature poodle is between 10 and 15 inches (25 to 38 centimeters) and weighs 15 to 17 pounds (6.8 to 7.7 kilograms). The standard poodle is over 15 inches and weighs 45 to 60 pounds (20.4 to 27.2 kilograms). Poodles may be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, gray, blue, brown, cream, or apricot. Their coat is curly and can be clipped in a variety of cuts.
Poodles extremely intelligent, active, and proud. They are elegant, yet they are also excellent swimmers.
