The Kennel Club registered the first Poodle in 1874

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The Poodle originated in Germany, where pudel refers to playing in the water. But it was in France where they became truly celebrated, and that is the country where the Poodle is believed to have originated from. In France, the breed is known as Canichea derivation of the words chien (dog) and canard (duck).

 

The word poodle comes from the German "pudel" meaning puddle or splash.The breed became "set" in type in the 1800s, although earlier examples of poodle-like dogs are known.  Both the French and German names for the Poodle relate to their proficiency as a hunter of waterfowl. It is believed that the ancestry is said to include the Barbet (a now-extinct French water dog).

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The French admired the Poodle's versatility, they could go from being a tried-and-true retriever by day to a stylish and dignified companion by night. For a time Poodles were also used to sniff out truffles, a culinary delicacy. It wasn't long before they became popular with the French aristocracy, and Poodles can be found in many paintings of the 15th century onward. Renowned for their quick intelligence and charm meant that Poodles found favor as a performer, and since the dawn of European circuses, Poodles have entertained as trick dogs. The exaggerated pompons were clipped to match those of the clowns.

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Although today's Poodle clips seem excessive to some, they did at one time serve a practical purpose. Hunters wanted Poodles to be able to swim more easily and faster, but they didn't want them to get cold. They shaved the neck, legs, and tail but kept hair on the chest, body, hips, and leg joints to protect the vital organs and joints from the water. 

 

There are several standardized clips that Poodles typically sport today, although they are often embellished at grooming contests, clipped to portray scenes or fashion styles. This harkens back to a time in European history when Poodles were clipped to show a family's coat of arms, an owner's monograms, the French fleurs-de-lis, or to sport elaborate mustaches and beards.

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The three varieties of Poodles constitute one of the most popular breeds in the world. Poodles shine in the glamour of the show ring, but they also work as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs. They compete in a variety of dog sports, from dancing to obedience and agility. The first proponent of obedience in the United States, Blanche Saunders, had standard poodles.

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