Poodle

<p>Poodles are highly intelligent, active water dogs originally bred in Germany (as Pudel, meaning "splash") and later popularized in France (as Caniche, or "duck dog") for retrieving waterfowl. &nbsp;They are officially recognized in three main sizes: Standard (over 15 inches, 45&ndash;70 lbs), Miniature (10&ndash;15 inches, 10&ndash;15 lbs), and Toy (under 10 inches, 4&ndash;6 lbs), with a fourth Medium size recognized in Europe but not by the AKC.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Key characteristics include:</p>
<p>Intelligence &amp; Trainability: Ranked #2 in canine intelligence, Poodles are exceptionally easy to train and excel in dog sports, obedience, and service work.&nbsp;<br>Coat &amp; Grooming: They have a hypoallergenic, curly, low-shedding coat that requires professional grooming every 4&ndash;8 weeks to prevent matting; their distinctive clips originally served to protect joints and vital organs during water retrieval.&nbsp;<br>Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and social, Poodles thrive on human companionship and mental stimulation; they are generally good with children and other pets but can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long.&nbsp;<br>Health &amp; Lifespan: They are generally healthy with a lifespan of 12&ndash;15 years for Standards and up to 18&ndash;20 years for Toys. &nbsp;Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and luxating patellas in smaller varieties.&nbsp;</p>