One of the most beloved dog breeds is the Poodle. Standard, Miniature and Toy sized Poodles are regularly champions in dog competitions. Poodles are widely remarked upon for their elaborate fur clips, especially when primping for show. The American Kennel Club requires that Poodles be clipped in either the Continental or English Saddle styles (for adult Poodles) or the puppy clip (for Poodles under twelve months of age).
Poodles are thought to have originated in the 15th century. Though it is debated whether the breed comes from Russia, Germany or France, the French are given credit for the breed. French Poodle breeders effectively bred Poodles into their three sizes. The word Poodle comes from the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water. The elaborate fur clip seen in competition began as a functional way to lighten the weight of the curly, dense coat while insulating the joints from cold water. Poodles were used as retrievers and duck hunters and the breed still adores water.
Competition Poodles can be any solid color; however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow Poodles with multi or parti-colored fur to compete. All three sizes of Poodle can compete if they meet size requirements. The three sizes of Poodle, Miniature, Toy and Standard, have similar overall traits but differ in height and weight.
Miniature Poodles are fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height at the shoulder, Toy Poodles are six to nine pounds and up to ten inches at the shoulder, and Standard Poodles are forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches at the shoulder. Poodle breeders must make sure that competition Poodles reflects all of the AKC breed standard characteristics. Examples of traits required in purebred Poodles are: high activity level, intelligence, elegant bearing, straight, delicate muzzle, alert, dark eyes, oval feet, tail that is half-docked and curly, dense fur. Poodle fur is either curly or corded and is hypoallergenic to most humans.
Before buying from Poodle breeders. buyers should ask many questions to distinguish the bad breeders from the reputable breeders. Buyers must come armed with knowledge of Poodle information and history so that breeders cannot mislead them. A few good questions to ask to help buyers determine whether Poodle breeders are reputable include whether or not you can visit the kennel in person and meet not only the puppies put the parents as well.
Documentation such as medical records, immunization records and pedigree registrations should be provided upon purchase. Inquire about any warranty or guarantee, including any return policies. Ask is the breeder is associated with any breeder registries (such as the AKC) or rescue and animal shelter groups. A good Poodle breeder should also be able to supply you with information about the history of the breed and be helpful with information about the care, grooming and training of your new pet.

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Lisa Collins has an interest in all dog breeds and enjoyed writing about Poodles and Poodle breeders. Locating reputable Poodle breeders begins with asking the right questions. This article will provide Poodle information and information on what questions to ask Poodle breeders.