Poodle breeders love their Poodles. Though the intricately clipped and coiffed appearance of the Poodle may bring ridicule from other breeders, most Poodle breeders support this interesting and unique-looking breed. Poodles are thought to have originated in Eastern Europe or France. They are the official dog of France and are often called French Poodles, though their French roots are still debated today. The French are ultimately given credit for the Poodle having bred the dog into its three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard.

Poodles are gun or water dogs. They were used historically to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from water. The breed enjoys playing in water and the name Poodle is related to both the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water and the English word puddle, which is a pool of water. The intricate fur clip seen on competition Poodles today has a utilitarian origin. Poodles were clipped to make them more mobile in water. Some of their heavy fur was shaved to lighten them and fur was left around joints to keep the Poodles warm in water.

Poodle breeders understand Poodle breed standard characteristics. They follow the American Kennel Club's standards when preparing Poodles for AKC competitions. For example, dogs under twelve months of age can be groomed in a puppy cut, which is an all-over trim with fur of the same length. Adult dogs must be groomed in either the Continental or English Saddle styles which involve shaving the dog's back half while leaving pom-poms of fur on the hips, legs, and tail as well as styling the head fur in an intricate pompadour.

The AKC defines breed standard traits for all breeds registered in its competitions. For all three sizes of Poodle (Miniature, Toy and Standard) the following traits must be evident: an energetic appearance, alert expression, elegant walk, intelligence, corded or curly fur, dark eyes, oval-shaped feet, straight muzzle and a deep, wide chest. These are just a few of the stated requirements. Poodle breeders will breed for these characteristics and breed out any irregularities in appearance, behavior and health.

Before considering a purebred Poodle for a pet, potential buyers should research the breed and find out all the Poodle information and history they can. After viewing common Poodle health problems and the requirements of caring for a Poodle, buyers can decide if their home is a good match for a Poodle. Buyers can then begin contacting local Poodle breeders and rescue centers. Buyers should look for AKC certified breeders or breeders with references, and should interview Poodle breeders before purchasing a purebred Poodle. By doing this, buyers can ask specific questions to weed out any illegitimate Poodle breeders.

Purebred Poodles should come with a documented pedigree or ancestry showing evidence of past champions in the genetic line. Poodle breeders should make documentation of ancestry and medical records available to buyers. They should educate buyers on common health problems, historical facts, and proper care and grooming of Poodles. Breeders should be willing to allow buyers to visit their kennels and to meet Poodle puppy parents. A good breeder will never sell a Poodle to a pet store. No good breeder is in the business just to make a profit. Good Poodle breeders want Poodle puppies to go to loving, permanent homes.