Everyone knows what a French Poodle looks like. They are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. We see them frequently in dog parks, walking with their owners, but also in various movies or TV shows. But many will get confused if you call this dog a “French Poodle” instead of simply Poodle. They will assume that you got your pup from France, which definitely most commonly isn’t the case. Let’s freshen up our knowledge about French Poodles, with an in depth look at this breed and find out why they are called that way.
As we already explained, some refer to them simply as Poodles, while others refer to them as “French Poodles.” Many canine historians disagree, claiming that the latter name isn’t correct. In a way it’s similar to the way we call German Shepards, they don’t necessarily have to come from Germany for us to call them that way. However, which name is the correct way to call these adorable pups?
Continue reading this guide to find out why just saying “Poodle” is or isn’t the correct way. And we will also answer the puzzling question — is this breed French?
French Poodle Histories: Are they really from France?
The phrase “French Poodle” is frequently used to refer to all types of Poodles, including standard, miniature, and toy Poodles. Using a geographical identifier in this name, however, is incredibly deceptive because the funny thing is: Poodles actually originated in Germany, and not France at all. Their name is even of German origins, and comes from the German word for this breed: ‘Pudel’. The sole reason some breeders and pet owners persist in referring to this breed as French is because it is France’s national dog.
In their more recent history, Poodle was brought to France, and this breed’s use was to be circus performers and duck retrievers. They became increasingly popular and soon every French man and woman wanted a Poodle of their own. As a result, the French Poodle was born. However, Poodles aren’t even known by that name in France. The “Caniche,” which means “duck dog,” is their most well-known name.
The name “French Poodle” became more popular after this breed was brought to the United States. In light of all of this, I’d like to point out that some breeders believe the French Poodle is a distinct breed. This is simply not the case. There is only one breed of Poodle, and no matter what we label them, their genetic material and overall demeanor will remain constant. They are just different sizes variations of this breed, standard, miniature and toy Poodle, but we will talk more about that later.
What Were French Poodles Bred For?
Despite the fact that they are referred to as “French” Poodles, this intelligent and active breed did not originate in France. They were created in Germany to hunt ducks, and their original name was “Pudelin,” which means “to splash in the water.”
The curly French Poodle’s origins can be traced back more than 400 years. Their gorgeous curly coat is not an accident; it was carefully produced to keep them warm in the winter. While in recent years many different hairstyles can be seen on Poodles, back then the hair on their necks, legs, and tails was frequently shaved to allow them move freely in the water.
They were also developed to have great swimming abilities and above-average canine intelligence, allowing them to be the best water retrievers. In addition to that, their nose has great prowess trucking smells down, so they also made great truffle hunters. They are also natural entertainers, which is why they were used as circus performers.
As they became favored pets of European royals, they went from the seas to the laps of the aristocrats. Miniature French Poodles were also created to make them better companions. The toy Poodle variants were bred in America at the turn of the twentieth century. They have the same qualities as standard Poodles, with the exception of their size.
Are There Any Other Poodle Breeds?
Poodles, unlike Dobermans, Great Danes, and Rottweilers, do not have an American or European breed type. Again, the term “French Poodle” is a misnomer for the breed and should not be used to describe a specific kind. There aren’t really different types of Poodles, there are just different sizes.
The various varieties of Poodles are distinguished by their size differences. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies dogs into three categories: standard Poodle, miniature Poodle, and toy Poodle. However, these are not a separate breed, just different size variations of our beloved Pet Poodles.
So to answer the burning question, there are no French Poodles, there are just Poodles. Don’t be fooled by people who claim that the French Poodle look likes a different kind of dog. The only thing that could potentially be different are the hairstyles that may be popular in different parts of the world.
What are the French Poodle Temperaments? Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
The temperament of Poodles varies slightly depending on the size of the dog. They are, however, intelligent, lively, trainable, and loyal dogs. The standard French Poodle is a high-energy dog. When compared to the other sizes, though, they are still more reserved.
Unlike the standard-sized dogs, who prefer to just chill with their favorite human, the smaller ones are frequently seen following their owners and engaging in various activities. They are a true companion and will stay by your side no matter what. These dogs enjoy all types of different adventures.
When it comes to children, the medium and miniature sizes are preferable to the toy and teacup because they are significantly larger. They are also more energetic and mischievous, allowing them to readily adjust to the high energy levels of children. However, that doesn’t mean that you should ever leave your small children unsupervised with your dog. All kind of accidents could possibly happen.
Poodles are also very kind to visitors. Even though they could be a bit reserved at first, they won’t ever be aggressive and most people will get along with them just fine. Even though these dogs have a protective nature, they love people, and their high intelligence allows them to determine which behaviors could be a threat and which ones could not.
Poodles are, without a doubt, one of the best dog breeds in the world. They’re not just smart, but they also have a special allure that makes you want to spend all day with them, playing or cuddling.
Health issues & French Poodle lifespans
The Poodle is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, just like any other dog breed, they can be prone to certain health problems. Many hereditary health problems like hip dysplasia or diabetes could be avoided if you make sure you are buying your dog from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders make sure to do all of the needed health screenings and vaccinations that a dog requires.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills don’t have your dog’s best interests at heart and all they are looking for is a quick and easy cash grab. In addition to getting your dog from a reputable breeder, also make sure that you are feeding your dog a diet that is rich in nutrients and proteins, and also that he is getting the exercise he needs. Just like with humans, the lifestyle your dog leads will have a huge impact on the length and quality of your life.
Most common health issues a French Poodle gets
Hip dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Larger dog breeds, such as the Standard Poodle size are very often prone to this health condition. In this disease, the thigh bone of your dog does not meet the pelvic bone, which is causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be incredibly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping. It will be more and more difficult for your dog to walk normally, and his mobility will decrease. It’s important to diagnose hip dysplasia early on, to prevent such serious outcomes.
Diabetes
The Poodle carries a gene that puts him at risk for developing diabetes mellitus. This is exacerbated by being overweight and when females are not neutered. Make sure to keep your French Poodle weights at a healthy level. The diet of your Poodle should be protein-based, and you should avoid feeding him carbs as much as possible. Carbohydrates such as corn are mostly fillers in dog food, and a high-quality kibble shouldn’t avoid much of it at all.
Sebaceous adenitis
Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune-mediated dermatosis that causes a crusting cornification anomaly, which can lead to alopecia developing with tightly adhering scales and crusts. The cause is unknown, but the inflammatory focus is on the sebaceous glands and ducts, which impede the ability of the hair follicle to renew hair. The texture and quality of the pet’s coat and exterior are frequently affected by SA. After being damaged, the hair coat in affected areas frequently changes in consistency and color.
Young adult to middle-aged dogs are more likely to develop sebaceous adenitis. The disease has two types: one that affects short-haired breeds and another that affects long-haired breeds. The Standard Poodle, Akita, Samoyed, and Vizsla are breeds that are most commonly affected by this disease.
Allergies
While Pollen, mold, and dust allergies cause people to sneeze, allergies in dogs cause itching rather than sneezing. Atopy is the name given to a frequent skin allergy found in these puppies. The most typically affected areas are the feet, belly, skin wrinkles, and ears. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of one and three, and they might progressively worsen over time. The most common allergy symptoms are licking the paws, rubbing the face, and recurrent ear infections. The good news is that these illnesses are treatable in a variety of ways.
Puppy prices of French Poodles
When buying a Poodle from a reputable breeder, they might cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500. The breed looks also play a huge role in their overall price. A white coat or a solid black one are the most common. But if you want to buy one with a rare or unusual coloration, like an apricot Poodle, the price may increase. In addition to that, if the parents of your pup took part in conformation shows, and he comes from a champion bloodline, the price will be even higher. These puppies range in price from $2,000 to $4,000.
Aside from the initial cost of adopting a puppy, you will also need to purchase some necessary supplies to ensure that your pet thrives in your home. Dog food, crate, bed, food and water bowl, leash and collar, brush, chew toys, training rewards, shampoo, urine cleaning products, and poop scooper are all included. The total cost of all of these goods might be $300 to $600. And you will also have to maintain your French Poodle appearances, regular grooming and haircuts will be a must for this breed.
Final thoughts
Now that you learned so much about this breed, you know that “French Poodles” are in fact not from France. These dogs originated from Germany, and their name is actually of German origins too. So why bother and call Poodles “French Poodles” if they aren’t even French at all? Yes, we know, they are the national dog of France, however, we would still advise to not call these pups by a geographical designation.
In addition to that, if you are currently looking for a Poodle to adopt, we would highly suggest not buying from a breeder who advertises his puppies as being “French Poodles”. This could just be a desperate try from uneducated breeders to get some additional cash from you. Breeders who do not take the time to discover the origins and proper names of the dogs they sell are clearly only interested in making a profit.
But besides that, the Poodle makes an amazing family dog. These pups are highly intelligent, full of love and affection, and due to the fact that they have hair instead of fur, they are well suited for most people with allergies. The one decision you will have to make is which size to go for. But that is up to your personal preference, and how much space you have in your home.
We have a number of other articles related to the Poodle, and all of the different Poodle mixes, so make sure you take a look at them as well if you are currently on the fence if you should or shouldn’t get one of these adorable puppy dogs. And if you are the lucky pet owner of one of these dogs yourself, leave us a comment describing your experience.
FAQ about the French Poodle
Do French Poodles have a strong odor?
Poodles generally speaking do not have a strong odor. They are, in fact, one of the cleanest breeds there is, and they also shed significantly less than other dog breeds, which is why many consider them to be hypoallergenic. They don’t have the typical dog stench that needs to be removed with cleaning. So if you are looking for a dog that is clean, doesn’t leave a lot of hair on your clothes and furniture, and is suitable if you have allergies, then the Poodle might be the breed for you.
Do French Poodles have a special relationship with one person?
French Poodles are likely to be devoted to one single person in their family, especially if that person has been particularly kind and attentive to them. When it comes to being fair to everyone, you can’t count on this breed because they have favorites. However, that doesn’t mean that they won’t appreciate the love and affection of others as well.
Where does the name ‘Poodle’ come from?
The word “pudel” comes from an Old German phrase that means “to splash around.” The Poodle was originally bred to retrieve wildlife as a gun dog or water dog. The caniche is the French name for this breed. While he is now France’s national dog, the origins of the French Poodle are actually from Germany.
What sizes does the Poodle come in?
The breed ranges in size from the little Toy Poodle to the mid-sized Miniature Poodle to the gorgeous Standard Poodle. All of the sizes belong to the same breed and must follow the same breed standard. It is up to your own preference which size you are going to pick. Do you want a tiny lap dog, or maybe a bigger pup that you can run around with?
Are Poodles hypoallergenic?
While Poodles are less shedding than other dog breeds, this is entirely dependent on the individual and their level of dog allergy. Their thick curly coat does not produce a lot of hair loss. However, it’s not always the coat that triggers allergies; sometimes it’s the dog’s saliva. The French Poodle is an excellent pet since its coat rarely irritates the skin or causes allergies. Keep in mind, however, that a filthy, neglected Poodle coat can trigger allergies.
What is the rarest Poodle color?
The apricot color is the rarest of all the French Poodle colors. This is a diluted red that is also the breed’s last color to be recognized. Some apricot French Poodles have such a light coloring that they appear to be cream.
Male vs. Female, which one should I get?
Whether you want your Poodle to squat or lift his leg when relieving is a personal preference. The distinctions in male and female personalities are insignificant when neutered at a young age. Females tend to be a little more assertive than males.
Which famous people owned a French Poodle?
Poodles were a favorite of Elvis Presley’s. He kept them as pets and gave them to girlfriends on a regular basis. Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Katharine Hepburn, and Walt Disney are among the renowned owners of the intelligent Poodle.
Useful articles on Poodles:
- Red Poodle: Are they really crazy?
- Poodle haircuts that you will fall in love with!
- Brown Poodle: The Real Life Teddy Bear
- Parti Poodle: Complete Breed Info
- Black Poodle: The Mystical Beauty