Today will be a two-fer. I was recently “reminded” that I’ve neglected for way too long, our “Meet The Breed” series on dog breeds but worse, there was a particular and personal oversight. To today we’ll fix that and provide our regular Monday smile.
Elsa: Yoo-hoo, oh Mom…since you turned the blog over to me, and while I don’t mean to criticize now…but you do realize you hadn’t featured poodles for the ‘Meet the Breed’ series?
The Mom: You’re absolutely right. My bad. Sorry for the omission.
Elsa: It’s about doggone time you apologized! What the dog, Mom?
The Mom: I’m truly sorry; it certainly wasn’t intentional. Let’s fix that right now, okay?
Elsa: Doggone straight you’re gonna fix that. You do realize Standards are just one of three officially recognized sizes of poodles? Sometimes called Spoos, Standards are the largest of the three, being 22-27 inches at the shoulder while Miniature Poodles are 13-15 at the shoulder and Toy Poodles are 10 inches or less at the shoulder. But in my humble opinion, Standards are one of the most handsome of all of them.
The Mom: Now, now. Let’s not get too opinionated right off the bat. Everyone thinks their dog is the best dog in the world and they’d be right. But I realize I need to make it up to you and yes, it’s true, Standards are well known for their stylish looks, superb athleticism, plus that fact that they’re eager, and intelligent. The AKC places all poodles in the Non-Sporting Group.
Elsa: Carried away? You’re joking, right? I can see we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on this post.
The Mom: {Sheesh} Well on that note, we can agree. Although frequently associated as the national dog of France, Poodles actually originated in Germany.
Elsa: Mais oui, er, make that, natürlich. The name comes from the German word “pudel” or “pudelin,” which means “to splash in the water.” In France, the breed is called “Caniche,” which is French for “duck dog.” There are however, some notable exceptions to the water aspect of our heritage.
The Mom: {eyes rolling} Yes, we’ve all noticed that you avoid water like the plague which is odd since poodles have a dense curly coat of hair (instead of fur) keeping their core warm with webbed feet, allowing them to more easily swim in water when retrieving waterfowl. That coat lead to the traditional cut in non-show dogs, which is more about function than fashion. And speaking of that hypoallergenic coat, it does require regular grooming to avoid matting since their hair doesn’t shed like dogs with fur. Regular brushing is necessary, including removal of ear hair to avoid potential ear problems.
Elsa: {Pfft} I’m fashionable enough and don’t need any foo-foo puffs of hair around the joints and upper torso to protect my joints and vital organs. My fix is more pragmatic I don’t do water.
The Mom: Uh-huh, I think we understand that you’re a water wuss. But typically, Spoos are water loving dogs.
Elsa: Um, yeah, no. And you’re not going to convince me otherwise.
The Mom: It’s said that poodles of all sizes are very active and require a lot of exercise although I’ve noticed you seem to enjoy napping with the best of them. Poodles make excellent retrievers and often enjoy a good game of fetch, as well as jogging or long walks.
Elsa: Walks are one thing but you’re wrong again…I don’t fetch and {gasp} would never retrieve. You tossed it, you go get it. I have certain agendas that may or may not coincide with yours. Heh, heh.
The Mom: {Moving along…since this is clearly a losing battle} It is said that poodles are one of the smartest breeds and their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great service dogs which have been utilized as truffle hunters due to their keen noses and by having a ‘soft mouth,’ it makes them favorites with hunters in general. They like attention and with their good looks, can you blame them? Did you know that a team of Poodles competed in Alaska’s Iditarod race back in 1988.
Elsa: I heard that story about John Suter back in 1988 tried to compete in the race. It didn’t impress officials and the rule now specifies only northern breed dogs can compete. Some of his dogs were so cold and were dropped off at various checkpoints but we proved to the mushing world that we’re gamers by finishing the race in 38th place. Plain and simple…we’re versatile and have been used for hunting, hiking, search and rescue, service dogs or, as in my case, just being the best family companion.
The Mom: Standard Poodles generally have a kind and friendly personality, but having a job to do keeps them out of mischief. They tend to be ‘problem solvers and need mental stimulation and are eager to please, making them highly trainable. Poodles do well with kids but Standards may be a bit too energetic for tiny tykes who may get easily knocked down with their active ways. In fact, they have a long history as performers in the circus and on stage because of their trainability. Additionally poodles do well learning basic obedience training rather quickly and advanced training will keep them mentally stimulated and happy. Poodles grow hair in their ear canals, predisposing them to ear problems but plucking or clipping that hair can help to prevent ear infections.
Elsa: You know lots of famous people have owned poodles. Elvis was particularly fond of Standards and was known to gift them to girlfriends. Richard Nixon owned a Poodles and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy owned a Standard Poodle named Gaullie. There are oodles of poodles in Hollywood with celebs like Walt Disney, Patrick Swayze, Mike Tyson, Betty White, Katharine Hepburn, and Cary Grant among just a few who have owned poodles.
The Mom: I did not know about some those celebs and their poodles. Good research, Ninja.
Elsa: That goes without saying. My research skills are absolutely legendary, Mom.
The Mom: Now, now…no need to be cocky. We hope these factoids provide people with enough info on poodles for this episode of “Meet the Breed.” I’ve owned standards since the late 70’s and they’ve been great companions.
Elsa: Of course we’re great companions. Plus we keep you safe, don’t forget that. If I hadn’t been around, you’ve have likely been abducted by a serial killer.
The Mom: Rather than argue with you on that last comment, let’s just say I’m a big fan of Standards. One thing is certain, poodles will worm themselves into your heart and perhaps on your sofa.
Elsa: I know that you’re not just saying that idly. I’m quite fond of you as well.
The Mom: Thanks, Ninja. And because it’s Monday, we can’t start the week without sharing a smile that I found yesterday. Seems pretty timely given that a spot of moisture a few days ago combined with some low temps have started the annual leaf drop. With my Silver Maple, I’ll likely be raking until December. Three leaves at a time. Sigh.
Have a great week!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Love this ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thanks! I’ve been neglectful of this line of posts and still can’t believe I missed posting about poodles. 😱
I love them.
You’re too kind. I hope to feature another breed soon.
Give that globe a shake….. 😀
Awwwkkkkk! 🤣
Lots of fun learning about poodles! Thanks, Elsa and Monika!
Thank YOU. Still can’t believe I missed covering poodles before now. 🤦🏼♀️
Wonderful post! We had Toy Poodles when I was growing up and they were adorable and yes, very smart. You are beautiful as well Elsa and do your breed Proud! You could be a model for them. 🙂
Thank you! I still can’t believe I hadn’t featured poodles before now. 🤦🏼♀️ How embarrassing. Luckily Elsa is relentless when it comes to reminders. LOL
Haha! 🙂 Yes, no worries, she wouldn’t let you forget! She keeps you on your toes.
You have no idea!
😉
Oh you sweet girl, you made us MOL again, you’re one of the sweetest Poodles we know. Granny’s not famous furriend…MOL… always had poodles when she was young, the middle breed, and they always had that special Poodle smile, just like you Elsa😻Double Pawkisses for a Happy Day to you and your momma too🐾😽💞
Thank you Stippie and Peachy. I keep trying to tell Mom that I’m sweet, but sometimes she just laughs at the thought. But we all know the truth, don’t we? Us poodles know how to rock (and be sweet) even if our mom is forgetful.
Poodles of all sizes are such cool dogs. Angel Lexi had poodle hair legs. We think there was an interloper somewhere in her family past… You’re a gorgeous, black haired girl, Elsa.
Aww, that’s very kind of you to say. I’ve had numerous standards over the years and find she’s been the prettiest of them all. Personality could use a few adjustments but I still love her quirky ways.
Well, she was a breeder, after all. That’s got to account for some of the personality quirks.
Oh most definitely! I give her credit for progressing as much as she has. She was as close to feral as you could come and still be tame when I adopted her. 💙
Poodle Recognition Day was a long time coming.
To hear Elsa, it was very overdue. Welp!
Hahaha! I bet.
Java Bean: “Ayyy, you are no standard poodle, Elsa! You are an extraordinary poodle!”
Lulu: (whispers in Bean’s ear)
Java Bean: “Ohhhh, I get it. But you are still an extraordinary standard poodle, Elsa!”
You’re both too kind. Thank you. 😊
Well Elsa we think it’s about time you and your breed are the STARS of a post! We already knew you were gorgeous but it’s mighty nice when your Mom gives readers all the particulars about your breed of dog – we enjoyed reading it all but most of all we enjoy SEEING you on the blog!
Huggies, Teddy
Well aren’t you just as sweet as can be! Thank you. Still can’t believe Mom forgot me, I mean, it’s not like I’m forgettable. 🤣
Happy Poodle recognition day, Elsa. The snow globe was a hoot.
It was long overdue. Can’t believe I neglected the Ninja. Yeah, I cracked up out loud when I saw the leaf globe. Too funny, but it also hit a bit close to home with my 50+ year old trees. {gulp}
And wind.
Totally. Wind is not my friend. I can rake in the morning and by afternoon you’d never know. Argh. 😵💫
I have the same problem.
I guess one way to keep a poodle occupied is to let her have a blog! Otherwise who knows what trouble a smart, good looking girl would get into!
Bwahahaha! Hope springs eternal. LOL
Our doggy cousin is a Poodle mix…aka a Schnoodle! We have another doggy cousin who is also a poodle mix, not sure of the other part.
Our ‘Oma’ used to know a standard Poodle, I have a picture of her with it…I j=habve no idea whose doggy that was, though.
You are a very beautiful Poodle, Elsa!
That cartoon made us want to go and dive in some leaf pile, though we don’t have any here as yet.
Here is another caption for that cartoon: “I rake em and you shake em! Arghh!”
Thanks, guys. Poodles are used to make more hybrid breeds than any other dog. On the one hand, it’s amazing on the other, it could be quite terrifying but all their good qualities seem to make great pooches! LOL
Leaf season lasts so long here with all the silver maples who drop for several months. I don’t mind raking, but every 30 minutes, every other day seems too much. 😆
Poodles are so interesting dogs, very elegant looks and clever, make them one of the best breeds, am I right, Elsa?
Elsa agrees 100% but she’s like that. 😂
Poodless are ackshully from Germany Elsa an Miss Monika?!? Wee had NO idea! Furry kewl…..
An wee leerned so much about yore breed Elsa. An wee agree with NO foo-foo haircutss 😉
Wee like our Poodle frendss to “LOOK” like “Poodless” 😉
An mee with about water….no Thanx!
Miss Monika THE comick iss furry funny…Pleese DO NOT shake! Mew mew mew…
~~~head rubss~~~ bellaDharma an {{{huggiess}}} BellaSita Mum.
Most people think poodles are French but they are in fact, quite German. I’ve owned Standards since the mid 70’s. Such great dogs, active, smart and have hypogenic hair instead of fur. They grew up with my kids and were such special dogs. Course I’m also drawn to sheepdogs (which actually were drovers of cattle, not sheep) as well. Guess I’m just a big dog fan when they have loads of hair that needs grooming! LOL
Wee furgot to meow that THE foto of Elsa on THE couch iss two cute!! Iss sorta heelareeus! 😉
BellaSita new a Black Standard called Black Shadow or Shad fore short. Hee was hansum an smart an neglected. BellaSita wuud visit him lunch hourss when shee was inn Hi-School.
When shee reealized how neglected hee was (locked inn basemint dailee an other stuff); shee called Humane Society an meowed to them. It was tricky situation as THE place she went fore lunch was her Ma’ss BFF an so shee tooked a risk rattin THE Hu’man out. Yes Shad WAS rescued an hee was reehomed inn a propurr home. No one efurr accused BellaSita of makin THE call butt shee felt her Ma an THE BFF new….. What cuud they say? THE BFF purrson NEW she was cott out……
BellaSita did not care! Shad was her concern; not abusive Hu’manss!
An wee did not nose Sheepdoggiess were cattle droverss…..man Poochiess breed namess can bee confusin rite? 😉
**purrss** BellaDharma
Bless you for rescuing your pal for a new home. Standards need to keep their minds occupied (they’re just too smart and will get themselves into all sorts of problems if they aren’t mentally stimulated).
That photo of Elsa was the only time I’ve managed to capture her hanging like that. It cracked me up and when I laughed out loud, she work up and immediately got down. Didn’t mean to disturb her but boy it sure tickled my funny bone.
Hi Monika & Elsa~~BellaSita Mum here! Yeah I did not care if my Ma or her BFF found out & threw me out, I could not bear to see Shad mistreated & neglected. I was not even supposed to take him out in backyard when I was there for lunch?!?! At 15-16 years old; I was already rebellious; protesting Vietnam War…so saving a Beautiful Standard Poodle was right up my alley.
That neglectful woman was told to never have a dog again……And she never did. 😉
I’ve owned Standards since the mid 70’s.
Wow. [stifles comment]
I know-who’s that old? 🤣
Great summary of Standard Poodle character. Nigel is batting 100% at the moment!
Standards make wonderful companion dogsn and he looks like such a sweet guy. I’m sure you and Carol will be very happy with him being added to your family.
Mom’s aunt had a poodle years ago, but a small one. Now with our dog sports we see lots of you guys, but mostly standards. All of them seem to love water too and some are really good at dock diving. One friend has four and they all do hunt tests in the water and on land. We don’t know if it is coincidence or if standards are becoming more popular.
They are more popular now that folks have caught on to their athletic abilities. They also are the basis for all the doodle hybrids which have exploded in popularity.
I think you are particularly lovely, Elsa. I’m not crazy about the frou-four ‘dos given to standards (but that’s mostly coz I’m a low-mantenance kinda gal).
Our leaves are taking their time in changing colours. It’s been spotty at best, though I heard the Eastern Townships are particularly lovely right now. I just don’t feel like doing the hour and a half drive to go see!
Happy Monday to ya!
They’ve been slow to turn colors here. Leave dropping is mostly due to stress from record breaking temps in September. Rather makes us feel cheated but Mother Nature does what she does even if we don’t approve.
I’m not a fan of the outrageous cuts for show poodles either but then found out why they do them that way. Interesting but still ridiculous. 😈 Have a pawtastic Monday!
Yeah. I always participate in Robin’s “Walktober” and yesterday was my day for walking. Colours were minimal, at best. Bummer. Maybe I’ll try again on Sunday.
I do find they look ridiculous even while I know why they are cut in such a way.
You have a fabulous and pawtastic Monday, too!
So silly but they sure prance when they look like that. Even Elsa high steps it after a bath and puppy cut. But getting there is always a challenge.
This is so true, now that you mention it. They do that to make up for how silly they look 😉
Yeah. I hear ya. Not all dogs dig on baths!
Love the sofa picture! It’s a good representation of Elsa! Love the snow globe and I’m yell ‘NO’ too.
That snow globe funny made me laugh out loud and then I cringed as a breeze picked up in the afternoon and I was living it!
That’s the strangest pic of Elsa on the sofa. It’s like she was melting. She’s changed so much since becoming a solo dog; at this very moment she’s actually playing with a toy (and not destroying it). Who’d have thought? 😊
House dynamics changed. Maybe she’s feeling more confident.
That’s what I’ve concluded as well. This is the first time she’s been alone and seems much more at peace with life in general.
Very informative Elsa, thank you. Adding my American two cents, Jackie Kennedy had a standard poodle.
Thanks, Paulette, yes, Jackie O was an ardent Francophile and her Standard was named ‘Gaullie.’
poodles are a fabulous hunting breeds… there is a writer (katharina von der leyen) who passed hunting exam with her standard poodle…and there was goethe… his Faust… we think the poodle had the better part … more interesting… and then there was oliver thepoodle of a classmate of the mama whose name was… pff who cares… we love poodles and we always watch them when we are at a dog event….
They are exceptional hunters. Elsa must be too domesticated; the only thing she hunts for is trouble. LOL
In the British civil war of the 17th century a royalist leader- Prince Rupert – had a white poodle called Boye who followed him into battle. The parliamentarian forces thought of Boye as his familiar.
See Mom, we Standards are gorgeous, useful AND famous! Happy Monday, Helen.