No matter their size, Poodles consistently rank among the most popular breeds of dogs. Although they come in a variety of colors and sizes, they all have the same curly coat. Poodles are regarded as high-maintenance canines and are frequently connected with their iconic Poodle haircut, which includes balls on the ankles, ears, and tail. This haircut may be considered somewhat silly by some, while others will stand by it until the end.
Nevertheless, a lot of people don’t realize how energetic and entertaining Poodles can be. Additionally, a lot of people are perplexed whenever the subject of Poodles as hunting dogs is raised. They might be even more shocked to learn that the Poodle has a hunting heritage.
Although many people still use this breed for hunting today, poodles were historically used as water dogs. But since the standard Poodle is the most common variety, this primarily refers to it.
In addition to being younger versions of the breed, toy and miniature poodles are also less likely to be successful hunters because of their small size. At least since the Middle Ages, though it may be older, the poodle breed has been around. Due to its appeal to European nobility, the breed has been preserved and improved over time.
The name of the breed, which refers to its use as water dogs, is derived from the German word “pudeling,” which means “splashing in water.” This breed was primarily employed for retrieving downed game in wet environments rather than for tracking, chasing, or engaging in combat with prey.
The Poodle’s original purpose was comparable to that of today’s Labrador and Golden Retrievers. People who still use this breed as hunting partners frequently claim that they can hunt just as well as retrievers.
Poodles are easy to train
Poodles are highly intelligent dogs. Additionally, they excel at obedience and training above all others. The second-smartest dog breed for work and obedience IQ, according to pHD and canine psychologist Stanley Coren, is the poodle.
Only the Border Collie, out of 138 dog breeds, performed better than the Poodle. This indicated that a Poodle could pick up a new command after just four or five repetitions. Plus, Poodles have a success rate of over 95% when given a known command!
These fluffy dogs are easier to train to become the ideal hunting partner because they have such high intelligence and obedience levels. And as a result, they pretty much were. Since many of them work merely for the sake of working, hunters face fewer obstacles.
Poodles are active and energetic dogs
Despite popular belief, Poodles are active dogs. These dogs were bred to be this way, which is also why they were standout hunting companions. And according to the AKC, Poodles are one of the 15 most active dog breeds!
Needless to say, active dogs make the best hunters. In fact, water retrievers require activeness even more than other breeds. Because they had to swim through marshes where waterfowl hunters frequently hunted, swimming can be exhausting.
Essentially a wetland, the marshlands are dominated by reeds, rushes, and wild grasses. All of which, can be big obstacles while swimming. Because of this, energetic dogs like Poodles are frequently the ones that do best in these swamp-like conditions.
Sending a Great Pyrenees or other low-energy breed of dog in could turn out badly for the dog. While every dog is unique, most Poodles have the ability to turn up their energy with the push of a button.
While Poodles dominated Europe during the glory days of hunting, this really isn’t the case anymore. Even so, the Standard Poodles have somewhat returned in recent decades to their hunting roots with some breeders.
As a matter of fact, some establishments in the USA and Canada are now specifically breeding these dogs to be hunting companions and retrievers, once again. This meant a bigger focus on a hunting dog’s temperament, as opposed to a companion dog’s.
Poodle owners attest that their dogs are unparalleled when it comes to hunting and retrieving once they develop a serious hunting relationship with them. That’s a bold claim given the variety of excellent water retrievers.
Poodles had the temperament of a true hunter. For example, Poodles are some of the smartest breeds around. In fact, they are excellent water retrievers on par with the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever.
However, due to their high level of intelligence, Poodles are excellent at more than just hunting. They typically excel in a variety of dog sports, including disc dog, dock diving, fly ball, dog agility, and dog surfing. They’re always winning shows, events and competitions!.
On the other hand, there is a misconception that Poodles are pampered sissies. But the truth is, they possess the instincts and temperament of top retriever gun dogs. You’ll find very few dogs as active, outgoing and hard-working as a Poodle.
They are also quite devoted and will quickly form bonds with family members. However, Poodles may be a bit shy around strangers. In other words, they make good watchdogs because it takes them some time to get used to meeting new people.
Poodles are so obedient on their hunting expeditions because of their owner’s strong faith in them. They’ll continue to strive to please others out of loyalty by giving their “jobs” their all.
Plus, Poodles will protect their owners or at least attempt to. Don’t believe me? Just check out the story this article illustrates. For the most part, Standards are shyer than Mini and Toy dogs. Surprisingly, Mini Poodles are the most active of the three.
How to Train Poodles to Hunt
Poodle hunting training is similar to Poodle general training. These highly intelligent dogs can learn commands quickly and with few repetitions.
In addition, to ensure the Poodles don’t get bored by their training regimen, you’d need to mix things up and keep the training interesting. If you are planning on taking your dog on hunting trips, they need to be acclimatized to wooded areas.
FAQ
Is a Poodle in the sporting group?
Why is the Poodle not in the sporting group?
Due to the AKC’s preference to merely acknowledge the breed’s history as a coldwater retriever rather than honoring it and placing them in the sporting group with the other water spaniels where they belong.
What class of dog is a Poodle?
They were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their responsibility was to return their masters’ ducks and other birds. They haven’t lost their skills over the years. Some waterfowl hunters still use Poodles in the field today.