BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE STANDARD,
MINIATURE & TOY POODLE
Standard
Poodle
The
Standard Poodle is the original Poodle from which
the Miniature and Toy varieties were developed.
Historians believe the breed, which belongs to
the water dogs family, originated in Russia or
Germany, and it has been known there since the
16th Century. The dog had superior waterfowl
retrieving abilities and the characteristic trim
seen on modern dogs was originally developed to
protect the dog's joints and vital organs from
frigid waters. The breed was first exhibited in
England in 1880 and has gained world-wide
recognition since then.
Miniature
Poodle
The
Miniature Poodle originates from the Standard
Poodle and is the same in all respects except for
his size. Due to demand for a smaller version of
the popular Poodle, a process of miniaturisation
began in the late 1800's. The in-between size
Miniature Poodle was officially recognised in
1910 by the British Kennel Club. He, like his
forefathers, loves the water and makes an
excellent swimmer and retriever of waterfowl.
This variety of poodle is the most popular and
numerous, and because of his size, makes an
excellent companion for city-dwellers.
Toy
Poodle
The
Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three sizes of
Poodles. The breed shares the same ancestry as
the Standard and Miniature Poodles whose
relatives have been known in Europe as capable
water dogs since the 16th Century. The modern Toy
Poodle was primarily developed this century by
breeders who recognised the international success
of the Miniature Poodle and saw that an even
smaller dog would be just as popular. Smaller
Miniatures were mated, and it is also suggested
that a cross with the Bichon Frise or the Maltese
helped speed up the miniaturisation process. By
the late 40's and early 50's, the Toy Poodle was
well established and was officially granted a
separate breed status. This breed makes a good
companion for the less active set and fits easily
in smaller living quarters.
