MIMI & FRANZ

Fancy facts about us, poodles.

There’s a lot you might not know about France’s national dog.

1. We are actually from Germany.

Despite their French reputation, poodles hail from Germany, where they were called pudel, which is German for “puddle.”

2. Were are historically great at our jobs.

What do poodles have to do with puddles? While poodles today have connotations of wealth and luxury, they were bred to work. The athletic dogs are excellent swimmers and were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other birds from the water. They even have a “soft mouth,” so they can gently pick up wounded or dead game. In France, the dogs were called caniche, or “duck dog.”

3. The fancy ‘do has a purpose.

Since these dogs were jumping into freezing cold water, they needed protection. Too much wet fur would weigh them down, so hunters would strategically shear their hair. The pattern was meant to protect vital areas from cold waters.

4. Poodles come in three varieties.

The poodle is the only dog that comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. These terms only describe the dogs’ size, and the American Kennel Club considers them all the same breed.

5. The Iditarod Dog Sled Race once had a standard poodle team.

In 1988, a musher named John Suter entered the race with an all-poodle sled team. They didn't do so well: Thanks to matted fur and cold paws, many of the dogs had to be dropped off at checkpoints. This struggle led to a new rule that dictated only northern breeds like Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes are allowed to race. This measure ensures the safety of breeds that aren’t cut out for the extreme cold.

6. Poodle fur never stops growing.

Unlike dogs that shed, the poodle will grow fur continuously. As a result, they need regular grooming. If left ungroomed, their fur will become matted and dreadlock-like. On the upside, they’re hypoallergenic and generally odorless.

7. This special fur has led to some crossbreeds.

The poodle has been bred with other popular dogs like Labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels, and wheaten terriers to make more hypoallergenic breeds.

8. Elvis loved us.

The King loved dogs and had quite a collection at Graceland. When he was stationed in Germany, he had a poodle named Champagne. He also gave away many poodles to the women he loved: A toy poodle named "Little Bit" went to a girlfriend, and he gave a poodle named "Honey" to his wife Priscilla.

9. We are super smart.

Poodles are one of the smartest breeds, second only to the border collie in rankings of canine intelligence. Their smarts make them extremely easy to train and a favorite of circuses. In the 1800s, they were often dressed in miniature human clothing and trained to act out elaborate scenes.

10. Not Fur, We Have HAIR that keeps on growing

Let’s get this right. Poodles have hair, not fur. That’s right, a Poodle’s coat is not considered fur. While most dog breeds will shed their fur coat depending on the season, Poodles, who were used for hunting year-round, do not have this luxury and must be groomed regularly.