ABOUT THE BREED
Champion Dancing Line Naomi
Global History
The Poodle is a dog breed that is currently considered as a decorative dog or a companion dog. Through a study conducted by Professor Stanley Coren which aimed to rank breeds in intelligence, poodles came out as the second smartest breed on the scale, following the border collies. They are capable of adapting to a variety of climates due to their extensive origins and broad history. .

It is believed that poodles originated in France, but some people name Germany as their country of origin due to the word "poodle" having German etymology, as in the German word the name meaning "splash in water."
It should be noted, however, that in France this breed holds its own meaning called caniche from "cane" – a duck, which validates their origin from French water dogs. In the reconstruction of the breed's history, specialists relied on etymological analysis, written documents, and images of dogs resembling poodles. In German, "pudel" or "pudelin" means "puddle", "swamp", or "splashing in water." English word "poodle" also comes from "puddle." The French word for the breed is "caniche." It comes from "chien canard" which means "a dog for hunting ducks."

Originally, poodles were bred as working dogs in order to hunt small game centuries ago. As time passed, European poodles began transitioning from a life of duck hunting to luxurious royal family pets, forming the beginning of their popularity. In Europe, poodles have been known since 15-16th centuries, and for the longest time they were a breed that was only available to the royals. That is how it got its name – "Royal" Poodle, – not because of its size, as some believe.

The breeds history can date back to ancient Roman and Greek times, as dogs that resemble poodles were founded on ancient Roman and Greek coins along with reliefs in masoleums. Poodle-like dogs are depicted on medieval murals in the Benedictine monastery of Monreale, Sicily and Saint-Remi Abbey in France. Dogs with a lion hair style that is typical for poodles can be found in the works of Flemish and Dutch artists. First written descriptions of poodles are found in European chronicles dating back to the 16th century. They mention different varieties of these dogs, with different sizes and hair colors.

By 18th century poodles had become incredibly popular among French nobility. At the time, the art of hairdressing was booming in Europe. The first grooming salons emerged in France during the reign of Louis XVI. Having mastered the new craft, court coiffeurs started giving the thick-coated pets of their high-born masters cuts in various styles. The king was trying to please his spouse Marie Antoinette who adored poodles and he declared the miniature poodles as the official court breed.

The aesthetics and good temperament of poodles also appealed to creative, artistic, and extravagant side of the public. Great people like George Sand, Thomas Mann, Schopenhauer, and Ludwig van Beethoven owned poodles as pets. They also became the favorite choice of circus artists as their outstanding ability to be trained allows them to perform the most mind- blowing tricks. However, poodles weren't entertaining just the elites/bohemians. Their courage, loyalty and smarts were in demand in the army. These dogs helped to search for the wounded and delivered secret messages.
First standard for poodles was established and published in Great Britain in 1886. Later the standards were created in Germany, France and the selection of the breed went in its own way within each of these countries. This resulted the creation of different types of poodles. The English preferred a lighter, more elegant body structure. In Imperial Germany they were striving for a heavy, massive conformation. It is well known that since the 19th century massive royal poodles were guarding the archives of the Reich Chancellery of the German Empire.

For a long time, breeders in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Hungary followed the German standards while in other countries they preferred poodles from the English "dynasty." In the United States at the year of 1911, there were more than 170 standards and miniature champions.
What about the Toy?
At first, there were 2 poodle varieties in America- the Standard and the Miniature type. The two varieties were considered as the true poodle, originating from England and following the English anatomy principles. Overtime, breeders began to cross one another, gaining a more beautiful offspring in close sized dogs and creating a distinct purity within the breed. The Toy, however, was in the beginning considered as a separate breed that did not belong to the "poodle" at all. They were all small white dogs with curly hair, short legs, rather narrow muzzles, and round eyes. We owe the appearance of the toy poodle to the breeders who began to cross American toys with small-miniature English poodles. As a result, we received dogs of a modern type- long legged with a beautiful elegant head, graceful, dancing "poodle" movements, with a variety of colors, and being small in stature. They were also smart and had a good temperament. Finally, after a long journey of registering the standard and accepting this variation as part of the breed, the Poodle Club of America announced the first show with the variation on May 17, 1947.
Breeding goals
I established my breeding program with meticulous care, selecting top-producing dogs from my own lines and leading kennels across the United States and Europe. By thoroughly studying each dog’s pedigree, I became highly selective in planning breeding routes to achieve the best possible offspring. Drawing from exceptional representatives of the breed from European countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Denmark, and Portugal, and combining them with dogs from renowned American kennels, I created a unique blend of pedigrees enriched with World Champion lineage.
One of the cornerstones of my breeding program is an unwavering focus on anatomy, health, genetics, temperament, and personality. I believe that a healthy dog with a sound temperament is the foundation for a successful and sustainable breeding program. All my dogs undergo official health testing, with results certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). I meticulously screen all breeding dogs for hereditary conditions to ensure that only the healthiest and most balanced individuals contribute to the next generation. This commitment helps minimize the risk of passing on genetic disorders, ensuring that my puppies grow up strong, healthy, and happy.

Equally important in my breeding approach is the careful selection of dogs based on their anatomical type. I prioritize structure, balance, and personality, as I believe these qualities are essential in producing the next generation of worthy breed representatives. My goal is to work exclusively within the breed standard, striving to achieve dogs that are harmonious in every aspect. By focusing on both physical type and character, I ensure that each generation not only embodies the elegance and charm of the Toy Poodle but also displays the ideal temperament—intelligent, lively, and adaptable.
In my opinion, Europe is home to some of the most stunning toy poodles. Within the FCI system, toys are allowed slightly more height, and interbreeding with very small miniatures is permitted. This practice enhances anatomical proportions and produces dogs with beautiful movement and balanced structure. European toy poodles are known for maintaining the correct head shape according to breed standards, resulting in a striking and expressive appearance. Additionally, European breeders place significant emphasis on dental health, ensuring proper bites and the presence of all teeth. This focus not only contributes to better overall health but also correlates with improved head structure and robust genetics. European toy poodles are often more resilient, with stronger joints that reduce the risk of injuries. Moreover, their excellent temperament and intelligence make them ideal companions, fostering deep connections and effortless adaptability in various situations.

As for the American type, I admire their temperament, the elegance of their toplines, and the ideal tail sets. American breeders have dedicated immense time and expertise to refining the smaller size while maintaining correct body proportions, perfectly aligning with the toy breed standard. By combining the best traits of European and American lines, I have been able to achieve a balance of health, anatomical correctness, lively temperament, and ideal height in my poodles.

After nine years of dedicated work, I can confidently say that my journey has been a success. By blending the strengths of both types, prioritizing health, and focusing on anatomy, I have created toy poodles that excel in beauty, temperament, and soundness. My breeding program is a testament to the belief that true excellence comes from a commitment to health, harmony, and the highest standards of the breed.
Grooming info for owners