These proud, fluffy pups were originally hunting dogs in northern Europe. Poodles are extremely intelligent and easily trained dogs, and are fun to be around. They are often used in service and therapy work because of their devoted and pleasant personalities. Poodles are the only breed that come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature and Toy), and they do very well with children and other pets. They are fairly active; they enjoy swimming, running, and retrieving. Although nobody can make guarantees about allergies, Poodles are frequently known as hypoallergenic because they have human-like hair instead of fur.
Though their fluffy fur never stops growing, Poodles have a special coat that is virtually hypoallergenic and odorless.
While there is some debate around the origins of this old breed, most historians agree that the Poodle first arose in Germany before becoming its own distinct breed in France. The breed transitioned from being a hard-working water dog to a pampered pooch of the upper class with the advent of the miniature and toy varieties during the 1400's.