pqancientcoin
We are Poodle Quest, and we both deeply respect and support the Purebred Standard Poodle breed. The Standard Poodle is one of the world's most ancient breed of dog. Most cytologists (those who study the origin of the Canine species), believe that this dog originated in Eastern Germany or Russia, however, this remarkable breed of dog has roots that date much further back in history than most people realize. The ancestral Poodle, sporting  the "Lion Trim" hair-cut appeared on ancient Greek and Roman coins, for example. In the time of Emperor Augustus (approximately 30 A.D.), poodle pictures were carved on monuments, tombs and Palace walls. More recent historic evidence of Poodles is seen in Medieval manuscripts of the 15th, 16th and 17th  century. Regardless, Poodles have been known and worked as both Sporting Water Dogs, Companions and as Protectors in the European culture long before gracing the younger countries of North America.
IMGP0118
Historians have recorded evidence linking the Standard Poodle (which is the oldest of the three varieties of poodle), to the original 'Old Water Dog' (Canis Familiaris Aquaticus). These dogs were used in Europe for centuries to retrieve game from water (evident in the origins of the Poodle's name - the "Pudel", it's German name which means 'to splash in water', and  "Caniche" (French name) derived from  "Canard Chien", or "Duck Dog").

The particular 'prancing' gait that a Poodle is known for - light springing off the toes as they walk,
Hailey of the Golden Autumn
as well as the Poodle's peculiar habit of  jumping up and down like deer through tall grass so that they can see better, is characteristic of quick - reflex hunting behavior. Watching this behaviour is breathe-taking. - Christianne Klaudt, Poodle Quest.

Of interest; in 1621 writings by Gervaise Markham describe this "Water Dogge" in a book called "The Arte of Fowling by Water and Lande"; which described in detail how the poodle was to be trimmed in order to facilitate swimming and protect more vulnerable body parts (such a top of the head, chest, rump and ankles). The fact that the Standard Poodle is originally a Sporting Dog is unquestioned, and although many Standard Poodles still working as Sporting dogs today, they are better enjoyed by their gentle and intuitive nature as Companion dogs. 

Just as an 'aside' to information on Poodle trims; French influence became evident in Poodle hair styles, particularly noted during the reign of King Louis XVI (1774 - 1792). These Poodle trims sported often outlandish artwork created in and through the Poodle's hair (which included beards, mustaches, and matching hair styles to their human counterparts). Some Poodles do grow a 'corded' hair, which has been seen to grow as long as 18 inches (a famous German Show dog named "Nero" sported one at the Berlin International Dog Show in 1880). Both 'show coats' and 'life-style' coats that Poodles wear today are similar to the ones originally used by the "Water Dogge" for the purpose of facilitating  hunting and retrieving in water, and they contribute to the elegance of the Standard Poodle as we know it.

STANDARD POODLE DISEASES.
Like all living creatures, Poodles will express particular diseases, many that are manageable and non-threatening, and some that are deadly. There are diseases that are innate to the breed, others that any canine may express (distemper, rabies), and those that may be called ‘designer diseases’. For the Standard Poodle, only five diseases are considered to be common, and thereby require testing to rule out these genetic factors in the Sire and Dam being bred together. We list these here for your own research, which are also the testing that Poodle Quest subscribes to for our Standards. These five diseases are required testing by regulation of the CKC and AKC for all Registered Standard Poodles who are breeding: Von Willebrand’s disease (vWd) - a bleeding disorder; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CERF testing) - an eye disease; Hip Displasia (PennHIP testing), Sebaceous Adenitis (involving hyperkeratosis, or patches of oily scaling skin or possible hair loss); Addison’s (ACTH, hypothyroidism, which is an insufficient production of adrenal hormones);as well as complete blood panel work that includes testing for Thyroidism (T3/T4). All of these diseases are ruled out of the Sire and Dam by such testing, supporting genetically healthy puppies.
pqmontanarunning
There are other potential diseases that include ‘bloat’ (Volvulus), where in the stomach distends and then twists, sealing off the esophagus and entrance to the small intestine. However, there are no medical tests available to determine probability within a specific breed, though it is accepted that this condition is more prevalent in the deep chested canines such as the Doberman and Great Dane. One good ‘rule of thumb’ in addressing this condition would be to have the dog avoid exercise after eating, much like humans do, with awareness that a distended stomach (bloat) may or will lead to Torsion, (twisting of the stomach and affecting the spleen). Certain foods can cause a predisposition to bloat with gas, such as soybean, onions, beans, peas, or beet pulp”. Further Information on Bloat, Torsion and prevention is found on our “Eat et al” page, section 13 “Diseases”.

Testing for Thyroidism is considered inconclusive; tests may show positive if taken too close to a Dam’s cycle, or if she is suffering allergies. On this note, dogs suffer from environmental challenges just like humans will, both in allergies and by reactions to pesticides, herbicides, foods, ect. Living near a golf course (where greens are treated regularily), or an orchard (spraying), or weed control can and will affect Poodles, potentially adversely. Many new ‘designer’ diseases, in both animal and humans have risen from how we manage the environment. Dogs are, after all, closer to the earth than are we, and more ‘nose-on’ to toxins that we leave behind.

‘Standard Poodles are an Exquisite and Noble breed of dog; Highly Intelligent, Gentle and Loyal companions’. We live along side of our Standard Poodles in our home, and treat them with the same respect and love we hope to receive; we have never been disappointed. - Christianne Klaudt, Poodle Quest.

Standard Poodles are certainly elegant, definitely eye-catching and beautiful, and best yet, there is (in our humble opinion) simply no more adoring eye than that of a Standard Poodle toward it's owner. 

We invite you to read our ‘ Synopsis of the Standard Poodle’ on the page“About Us”, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs.

pqwaterdog
Best!
-Poodle Quest.


"Fae that thou shouldst accuse me of harboring addictions!
 Lest, of course, it be for the loyal love of my Poodle...."
- Christianne Klaudt, Poodle Quest