The Versatile Poodle: From Water Dog to Circus Dog to Companion

September 27th, 2009 at 9:35am

All dog breeds can lay claim to a certain purpose in life, all of which can fill in a role, helping their humans in some way. Similar to the case of many dogs, poodles have shifted and adapted to being companions, after being working dogs. And similar to the case of many dog breeds, the skills that made them a perfect fit for their occupations have been nicely applied to making them lovable and welcome house pets.

Recognized as one of the more ancient working dogs, the poodle must have been bred for hunting and retrieving in the water. Hunters would bring along the ancestors of the modern poodles, and the dog’s duty was to bring back the quarry that lands in the water. Just like many hunting breeds, the poodle had and still has a quick mind, and with his nimble feet will work in different water settings and a variety of terrains. So even centuries ago, whether taught to be duck dog, or bait for fowl, or hunting in the field with the nobility, the poodle was game for these roles. With a little poodle training, the breed was an able partner.

The dog’s patience for and attention to hunting implies that it was a very loyal companion to its humans. This further meant that the dog made a good companion in the battlefield. So we get to hear often of dogs going into battle together with their masters, saving their masters from deaths, and guarding army supplies. Aside from military and hunting ends, poodles have also served in many other occupations. Their good sense of smell has been exploited in gathering edible fungi like truffle. And many breed experts even think that closely-related dogs may have helped herd sheep and other livestock animals.

Thanks to their wide array of skills and abilities, poodles are popularly known for being dedicated and loving family companions. They are good with children, and enjoy human companionship. They are also well-adjusted to other animals being with them at home. They love and are best simulated through play and standard poodle training, and can keep their family entertained even for hours. Lastly, this is a dog that can “read” into situations and the moods of its owners in order to know how to best please them, and praise and affection is the only thing it craves for.