Origins: The poodle was originally bred to retrieve game from the water. It probably originated in France or Germany over 500 years ago; it was probably bred from the French Barbet (a gun dog).

Anatomy: The solid-color coat is wiry; it is white, apricot, black, or shades of brown. The standard poodle is over 15 inches (38 cm) tall at the shoulders, and weighs from 45 to 70 pounds (20-32 kg). The miniature poodle is from 10 to 15 inches (25-38 cm) tall at the shoulders. The toy poodle, a companion dog, is under 10 inches (25 cm) tall at the shoulders.