One glance at a Poodle, especially show Poodles in competitive events, and many people get the impression that Poodles were merely bred to be the pampered, spoiled, high maintenance brats of the dog world. The extravagant hairstyles that Poodles are known for, are one of the main factors lending to the idea that Poodles can be bratty divas. Is it true? Are they a dog breed that loves to lounge around in the lap of extreme luxury? The question actually has no clear-cut answer.
Lets for a moment, take a look at the haircut. The Poodle hairstyle just screams out to be looked at and it is hard not to think of the dog being a bratty diva when you see a Poodle with pompoms around its ankles and at the tip of its tail, not to mention the dainty little ribbon fastened to its head. But was the hair of a Poodle cut this way to merely make the Poodle stand out? No. The original Poodle haircut had the purpose of protecting the dog from cold water while at the same time allowing for ease of movement in the water; as they were originally bred to be water dogs.
If you take a closer look at a water dog, specifically the Portuguese Water Dog, you will notice this breed has a shaved posterior area, with a bit more hair left at the tip of the tail. Water dogs use their back legs to propel through the water by kicking; excessive fur on the back legs and hip area weighs the dog down and makes the act of kicking harder. The "pompom" on the tip of the tail allows a handler to more easily keep track of the dog, especially if the dog dives under water. Some of the hair is left on the joints (the Poodle leg pompoms for example) to protect them from the cold water and lowers the risk of arthritis developing.
While the Portuguese Water Dog might look like a Poodle, it does not have the extravagant haircut that a Poodle has. This is because Poodles did become popular stars in their history and made quite a bit of money for performing their tricks. In France and through parts of Europe, gypsies and circus performers took advantage of a Poodles intelligent and desire to please, and trained them to perform amazing acts for circuses and street fairs. They began to exaggerate a Poodles hairstyle giving them elaborate makeovers, much to the delight of the crowds. Poodles that were gifted performers were bred together to create a new generation of actors and actresses. The history of theatrical arts has remained at the heart of the Poodle breed; many walk through the show ring or stroll through their neighborhood with an air of self-importance, they seem to be under the distinct impression that they are the center of the whole universe.
Though Poodles were not born and bred to be spoiled, bratty, diva dogs, they do take on the role with great enthusiasm. Poodles are very intelligent and loving; they are emotionally needy, clingy and demand constant and undivided attention. Some Poodles have a tendency to be high-strung. Historically speaking though, Poodles have illustrated themselves to be amazing working dogs and companions that are loving, loyal, and hard-working, especially when they have a wonderful home. Ultimately, there is much more to a Poodle than ravishing good looks and a haughty demeanor.
Poodles ... they are emotionally needy, clingy and demand constant and undivided attention. Some Poodles have a tendency to be high-strung.
Where did you get your information? Poodles are just dogs. Most ARE intelligent but some are not. There is no breed characteristic of emotionally needy, nor requiring constant and undivided attention. As a breed, they are not high-strung either. This is the author's somewhat biased and undocumented opinion.
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