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. Poodles are gun or water dogs. They were used historically to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from water. The breed enjoys playing in water and the name Poodle is related to both the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water and the English word puddle, which is a pool of water. The intricate fur clip seen on competition Poodles today has a utilitarian origin. Poodles were clipped to make them more mobile in water. Some of their heavy fur was shaved to lighten them and fur was left around joints to keep the Poodles warm in water. 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. Poodle breeders may specialize in Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodles. Each Poodle has requirements in height and weight. Toy Poodles must be six to nine pounds and a maximum of ten inches in height, miniature Poodles must fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height and standard Poodles must be forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches in height at the shoulder. Buyers can then begin contacting local Poodle breeders and rescue centers. Buyers should look for AKC certified breeders or breeders with references, and should interview Poodle breeders before purchasing a purebred Poodle. By doing this, buyers can ask specific questions to weed out any illegitimate Poodle breeders. Purebred Poodles should come with a documented pedigree or ancestry showing evidence of past champions in the genetic line. Poodle breeders should make documentation of ancestry and medical records available to buyers. They should educate buyers on common health problems, historical facts, and proper care and grooming of Poodles. Buyers can avoid bad breeders by asking to visit the kennel where puppies are born and raised, requesting documentation of Poodle pedigree and medical records, and by asking breeders if they broker or sell puppies to pet stores. Good Poodle breeders will never treat a puppy as merchandise to be shipped and sold to anyone.