Poodle History: Not a Simple Story to Tell

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2017 issue.

Poodle History: Not a Simple Story to Tell

You know it won’t be easy when historians all agree on one point: the Poodle has “undefinable origins.” The existence of three varieties and the acceptance of any solid color won’t make the task of defining its history any easier. As any Poodle person will tell you, the breed is “one of a kind,” and this suggests that its history will be as well.

As early as 30 AD, Poodle-like dogs appeared on Roman tomb carvings and on Greek and Roman coins. By the 15th century, references to Poodles appeared in both writing and art. The art of that time portrayed the Poodle in a facsimile of today’s traditional trims.

Russia, Germany, and France are generally believed to be the homes of the Poodle’s rootstock, but the historical record suggests considerable type variance from the start. The Russian dogs were somewhat more Greyhound-like in body type. In Germany, the Poodle was more thickset and heavy-boned. Even though the German word “pudel” means “to splash in water,” in early times, the German variety was often used as a cart dog.

In France, where the Poodle is the national dog, early evidence shows the different sizes evident in today’s U.S. Poodles. The Petite Barbet was a toy-like version found in France long ago, and many believe it included the influence of the Toy Spaniel and the Maltese. However, it is doubtful that any of that early stock survived or is found in current Toy pedigrees.

France started the notion of size variation, and the breed’s popularity with the French aristocracy began the “fancification” of the Poodle trim. While the Germans had taken all of the hair off the back half of their dogs, the French fanciers added the pompoms and coulettes. In part, this protected the dog’s joints when in the water, but without question, it made the breed more decorative.

The breed’s popularity spread to many other European countries. But it was England’s work with the breed that would prove of great significance to U.S. breeders, as much of the modern Poodle foundation came from English origins. While both the French type and the heavier stock were found in England, the more refined type was generally preferred. Early importations included dogs of both types. In the U.S., Poodle registrations were noted as early as the 1890s.

English breeder Jane Lane (Nunsoe Kennels) was an early source for U.S. fanciers. Her stock traced back to the Labory Kennels of Madame Reichenbach in Switzerland and was important on several fronts—particularly in the case of Tri Int CH Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace. This dog popularized the Poodle following his ring career, capped off by winning the Westminster Kennel Club Show in 1934.

The Standards and Miniatures maintained a separate registry with the AKC, and Toys were not part of the scene. While various dogs were imported and recorded during the 1920s and several breeding programs began, the decade is viewed by many breed historians as the “calm before the storm.” There was a spike in Poodle interest during this period, but the next decade saw the “Poodlelization of America” become a reality.

In 1931, the Poodle Club of America (PCA) was established. While there was competition among different breeder factions, it was resolved, with PCA emerging as a guiding force for the breed’s evolution. During its early years, PCA National Specialties were held in conjunction with All-Breed shows. In 1938, the first independent specialty show was held, and since then, the national show has grown into one of the most prestigious national specialties in the country.

In 1933, Whippedell Poli of Carillon won the Non-Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club – a breakthrough moment for the breed. That same year, the Duc, mentioned earlier, came to Blakeen Kennels as a gift from Mrs. Sherman Hoyt’s mother.

He did a great deal to launch this new, but rather instantly successful, breeding establishment. When he won Best in Show at the 1934 Westminster Kennel Club Show, his impact spread throughout the nation. The Duc’s Garden win and his extensive show career did much to popularize the Poodle. His career benefited Miniature Poodles, as well as the future of the Toy variety itself.

By the mid-1930s, the Miniature variety was recognized by the PCA. For several years, they and the Standard would define the breed. However, in the 1940s, there was development and acceptance of Miniatures, as well as the legalization of the Toy variety. In 1943, toy breeders and the PCA came to an agreement, and the third variety was acknowledged and opened to all colors, just as with the two larger varieties.

In fact, just one Breed Standard serves all three varieties. The size differentiation is the key element: Toys are 10 inches and under, Miniatures are over 10 inches but no more than 15 inches, and Standards are more than 15 inches. These size designations are uniquely American and different from all other countries.

Miniatures began to win in earnest at the Group and Best in Show level, and the popularity of the Poodle continued to spread. Garnering breeder attention in the Midwest and throughout the nation, their popularity grew especially fast in California. Florida, Texas, Washington, and Oregon also became hotspots.

At the 1945 Westminster show, two Standard dogs—half-brothers—drew attention by going Winners and Reserve Winners Dogs. They were Carillon Colin of Puttencove and Carillon Jester. Colin, owned by Mr. and Mrs. George Putnam of Manchester, Massachusetts, launched a substantial show career, winning many groups and Bests in Show. He also spearheaded a family of Standards and proved to be a sire of immense importance to the Standard variety.

Jester, however, finished his title but probably did more to make the general public aware of Poodles than any dog in breed history. Owned by Louise Branch, his contributions unfolded under his breeder/handler Blanche Saunders. In addition to his bench title, Jester earned a UDT title in the U.S. and an Int. CD title.

Ms. Saunders launched an aggressive career as an obedience demonstrator, showcasing Jester’s abilities in movies, television, and at National Dog Week observances held at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City each September. The dog and handler traveled thousands of miles in a car and trailer, demonstrating Jester’s abilities in the emerging field of obedience. Many obedience enthusiasts credit him with advancing interest in the sport more than any other single dog.

The Poodle breed is well-served by its parent club, the Poodle Club of America (PCA). The PCA has established an effective foundation to help solve problems related to heritable diseases. Accomplishments have been significant, and work continues. The PCA includes a structure of 48 affiliate clubs that serve the needs of breeders and exhibitors, hosting annual shows and presenting educational programs.

The PCA has also been responsive to breeder and exhibitor interests in tracking, retrieving, rally, and hunting activities, as well as the more traditional obedience and conformation competitions. Competitive events to meet those interests exist throughout the U.S., and it is not far-fetched to imagine the versatile Poodle herding sheep, livestock, or fowl in competitive events in the near future.

The Poodle, as breed fanciers have long known, is a most versatile breed. It is this versatility, along with their willingness to accompany, serve, and amuse people, that makes the Poodle such a popular breed.

Those people are not “masters.” Living with a Poodle is a unique experience. Their greatest strength lies in their role as companion dogs—devoted to those with whom they live, but never truly mastered by them.