Behind the Doodle......

Sep 28

3 min read

What Kind of Doodle Is This?

A Goldendoodle? A Labradoodle? Maybe a Cockapoo?

Nope. He's a Poodle.

And that's exactly why we wanted to talk about Poodles.

Poodles have somehow earned a reputation for being fancy, foofoo dogs. But underneath those beautiful curls is an incredibly intelligent, athletic and versatile working dog.

More Than a Pretty Face

Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, working alongside hunters to retrieve birds from the water. They're natural swimmers and retrievers, and their athletic build makes them surprisingly versatile.

Even that famous Poodle haircut has practical roots. Traditional grooming styles were designed to allow freedom of movement in the water while leaving hair around important joints and vital areas for warmth and protection.

So yes—the fancy haircut has a history.

Did it get a little "foofoo" in the showring? Yes, and it causes people to underestimate this breed. But, they are NOT Foofoo. Not Fragile. And most definitely not just a show dog!

But the dog underneath it is a kind-hearted athlete.

Poodles can swim, hike, run, retrieve and participate in activities such as agility and obedience. They're also highly trainable and have been successful as service and therapy dogs.

The Intelligence is REAL!

Poodles are exceptionally quick learners. They tend to be observant, people-focused and eager to participate. They learn routines, notice patterns and often seem to know what you're going to ask before you've asked it!

But being smart and athletic doesn't mean they need to be working every minute of the day. A well-raised Poodle can be just as happy exploring the woods or swimming in the lake as they are curling up beside their family at the end of the day.

The Family Dog You Might Not Expect

Poodles can be playful, affectionate, adventurous, cuddly and incredibly devoted to their people. They're adaptable dogs that can fit into many different lifestyles—as long as they're included as part of the family. A well-socialized Poodle can be an incredibly fun family companion.

They can be:

Playful
Affectionate
Athletic
Cuddly
Curious
Trainable
Adventurous
Very, very people-oriented.

They can be the dog who races down to the dock for a swim...

Blame it on the groomer!

And depending on how they're groomed, they can look remarkably different.

Give a Poodle a traditional show clip and you get the elegant Poodle we all recognize.

Give that same dog a teddy-bear or sporting trim and suddenly...

“Wait... that's a Poodle?”

Our Guardian Family is stopped on the sidewalk every day walking Prince Charlot asking what type of doodle he is. Their response.... "He's NOT! He is a standard poodle."

Absolutely.

The soft curls, teddy-bear face and low-shedding coat that people love about many Doodles are all characteristics that can come from the Poodle.

They have allergies, so a Poodle just works for them!

So, What About “Hypoallergenic”?

Poodles are often described as hypoallergenic because they have a low-shedding coat.

But there's an important distinction:

Hypo means less—not non.

No dog is completely allergy-free. Dog allergies are caused by proteins found in things such as dander and saliva, not simply by hair. A Poodle's low-shedding coat may spread fewer loose hairs and allergens throughout the home, making them a better option for some allergy sufferers—but everyone's allergies are different.

Hypoallergenic does not mean allergy-proof.

At Boreal Puppies, we love Poodles for everything beneath the beautiful coat—their intelligence, athleticism, affection and incredible versatility. Though, we have to admit that we LOVE their gorgeous luscious and often super colourful and unique coats too!