Why do poodle dogs have to be shaven and shaped the way they are?

Question

How come other dogs don't get shaped like that but only poodles?

Answer 1

You have probably seen poodles that are not groomed and just didn't know they were poodles, When ungroomed they look more like dirty dust mops or small sheepdogs. :-)

Answer 2

They don't. It's just that they are often presented in dog shows looking that way. I've noticed that a recent addition are the little pom-pons on their hips. Supposedly, it makes the dogs look more elegant and classy but I think it looks silly. Poodles were originally bred to be retrievers and I've heard the name is a corruption of the German term for puddle. That's because they would often go into water to retrieve birds that had been shot by the hunters.

Answer 3

Poodles do not 'have' to be cut as they are...that is a matter for the owner and their personal tastes, or for breeders who now have to match the dog show 'ideal' for the breed.

They are not the only animals to be clipped for visual effect or help with tasks. As several have told you the poodle was bred as a hunting dog originally and the clipped pattern was to improve speed through water and field with some left to provide insulation for various bits of the poor dog. If you have a poodle, it will be far happier without the stylised clipping when left with its tight curly coat intact.

As I said, poodles are not the only animal clipped...horses, for visual prefernce of certain owners, other dogs who have their tails docked (Now that's taking personal preference a little too far, I think) and breeds such as Shih tzu and Yorkshire Terriers all are clipped to an 'ideal' style. Not, perhaps so ludicrous as the poor poodle, but nevertheless still inflicted on the poor dog.

I have a Shih-tzu, and he's been with us now for ten years. We don't 'show' him, so he has periodic clipping to keep his hair shorter and tidier as well as being much cooler for him as we now live in Spain, where it gets pretty hot. He (and the rest of the breed) don't like high temperatures and it's not his fault we decided to move here, but he's happy enough to be anywhere with us. He's got his head on my foot now, as I type, waiting for me to finish so he can go somewhere else with me. A great dog and friend...and not groomed to tedium with that long 'skirt' so favoured by breeders and kennel club members and judges.

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 4

they dont "have" to be shaved like that. It does have an original purpose tho.

Poodles were originally water sport dogs. The hair was clippered as much as possible to reduce water resistance. The "poofs" were left over joints and the chest to help provide some insulation to protect the joints and lungs/heart from cold.

Answer 5

Poodles believe or not were bred to be hunting dogs. The haircuts you see them in are meant to keep their vital organs warm in cold water.