The Pre-1600 Poodle,
   Origins 

Basics:

The pudle developed in the region of Germany
It's name in German is Pudel Hund which translates to `puddle dog' or `splashing dog' a name which was derived from its original use as a retriever of water fowl.

Only in the 19th century was the pudel adopted by the French as the national dog. Giving rise to the misnomer of - `French Poodle'

Other words to use when looking for information on Poodles
French - Caniche or Barbet
German - Pudel
Swedish - Pudel
Dutch - Poedel Hond
English - Shough, Shock dog, water dog*

*Great care must be used to verify that the author is referring to a "water dog" and not a "water spaniel". Dogs brought into England from the continent (France and Germany) were pudels/barbets, and called water dogs. Land spaniels and the water spaniels were brought to England from Spain and Portugal.

Both then and now -

One of the most distinguishing features of the pudle is the continually growing coat of thick curly hair. The hair may range in color from white to black, through all the shades of brown and grey. Prior to 1600 pudles could have multi or parti-coloured coats. Without brushing the coat appears irregular and curly, it may even form into long whips or cords. With brushing the poodle's coat is soft and fine, and may take on a silken sheen. But it will not lie flat, instead it will stand out from the body.

To see the other features of a pudle look beneath the coat. Pudles were sporting dogs, and carry many of the characteristics of that class. They have long muzzles and long ears to help them scent out their game. The ears are placed low and forward on the head and additionally fall forward. The ends of the ears are rounded. Long legs and a deep chest were required for swimming. Their toes are webbed to aid them in swimming. Other traits which are looked for in a pudle include: a high tail set and erect tail carriage, high head carriage and a naturally springy gait.

Differences between the modern and the pre - 1600 poodle.
Traits of the modern poodle A cropped tail.    1/2 to 1/3 of the length at birth A solid colored coat		Traits of the pre - 1600 poodle An uncropped tail Solid and Parti colored coats

On to Uses