Poodle Day

Poodle Day is an annual event in Carmel, California, that unites poodle owners and lovers for a fun-filled day.

The Poodle may rank sixth on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds, but the stylish dogs will always hold the number one spot in the hearts of the breed’s devotees–especially on the annual Poodle Day. (There’s also a National Standard Poodle Day on January 6!)

The classic canine is so beloved by fans that Poodle Day is celebrated each year in Carmel, California with a poodle parade, off-leash play on the beach, and an evening party for pooches and their pet parents.

Poodle Facts

In honor of Poodle Day, we’ve fetched a few fun facts about our fluffy four-legged friends:

Did you know that the Poodle is the national dog of France, even though the breed originated in Germany?

A Standard Poodle named Sailor holds several Guinness Book of World Records! In 2016 the talented tail-wagger took the title of Fastest 10 Metres on A Walking Globe by a dog–a feat accomplished in 33.22 seconds! The clever canine also tackled the task of fastest climb by a dog on their hind legs, climbing 20 stair steps in 18 seconds as viewers of The Today Show looked on!

Sailor isn’t the only Poodle whose mad skills have earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. A toy Poodle named Chanda-Leah garnered her place in 1999 by performing the most (469!) tricks.

The name Poodle is derived from “pudel,” the German word for puddle.

The Poodle coat comes in many colors including: apricot, black, blue, cafe-au-lait, chocolate, cream, silver and white.

The “pom pom” fur seen on some Poodles is not just a fashion statement. During the breed’s days as a hunting dog, the puffs helped to protect the dog’s joints when they splashed into the water to retrieve game.

A perfect match for a pet parent who suffers with allergies, the Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog.

Visitors to the Place d’Armes square in Montreal might spot a pair of bronze sculptures created by Montreal-born artist Marc-Andre J. Fortier. One of the statues, which together are meant to depict cultural disparity in the country, features a couture-clad woman cradling a fluffy French Poodle who looks down her nose at the English- Bank of Montreal. Nearby a stylishly-suited man with an English Pug gives a haughty gaze to a building revered by French Canadians, the Notre Dame Basilica.

Since the title made is Westminster debut in 1907, a Poodle from either the Non-Sporting Group or Toy Group has won Best in Show honors many times: Pitter Patter of Piperscroft, a miniature Poodle, garnered the award in 1943, a toy Poodle called Wilber White Swan in 1956, a Standard Poodle known as Puttencove Promise won in 1958, followed the next year by a miniature Poodle with the name Fontclair Festoon. Cappoquin Little Sister, a toy Poodle, earned the title in 1961, as did Standard Poodle Acadia Command Performance in 1973 and Standard Poodle Whisperwind On A Carousel in 1991. After miniature Poodle Surrey Spice Girl’s win in 2002 a Poodle would not reign supreme again until 2020, when Standard Poodle Stone Run Afternoon Tea (better known as “Siba”) took home the title.

Poodles in Movies

• Best In Show — Even though the pooch pageant was fictional, all Poodle lovers gave a cheer for Rhapsody in White whenever the dog appeared on screen!
• Beverly Hills Chihuahua II — A conceited, award-winning canine with a faux french accent, the character of Appoline was brought to life on screen thanks in part to the voice of actress Bridgit Mendler.
• Elvira: Mistress of The Dark — In this 1988 tongue in cheek fright flick the queen bee of all things B movie inherits her late great aunt’s estate, which includes a Poodle called Algonquin. The dog’s name might have been chosen as an homage to The Algonquin Hotel, the famous haunt of Dorothy Parker and other celebrated members of The Vicious Circle.
• Look Who’s Talking Now! — Academy Award winner Diane Keaton (an animal advocate who is on the board of the Helen Woodward Animal Center!) provided the voice of pampered Poodle Daphne in the 1993 John Travolta/Kirstie Alley comedy.
• Oliver & Company — The Divine Miss M herself, Bette Midler lent her voice to the vain Poodle in the Disney flick Oliver & Company.
• Sabrina — In this classic romantic tale the title character, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, named her canine companion David, after the man she thought she loved.
• The Secret Life of Pets — A seemingly sophisticated Poodle when he was with his human, when left to his own devices Leonard transformed into a real party animal who liked his music loud.
• Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? — In this 1957 spoof of Hollywood, the Standard Poodle pal of Jayne Mansfield’s character was named Shamroy as an homage to cinematographer Leon Shamroy.
• Zoolander — A 10-year-old Poodle named Kiva portrayed the couture-conscious canine companion of designer Mugatu.

Famous Pet Parents of Poodles

• Lucille Ball — Fond of both Toy Poodles and the name Tinker, she gave all of her four-legged friends of the same breed the same name.
• Sir Winston Churchill — The former British Prime Minister had a four-legged friend in a Poodle named Rufus.
• Walt Disney — The creator of The House of Mouse shared his home with a brown Poodle named Duchess Disney (or Dee Dee).
• Grace Kelly — A Poodle dubbed Oliver was Cary Grant’s engagement present to the actress who became known as Princess Grace of Monaco.
• Jacqueline Kennedy — The former First Lady’s French Poodle was named De Gaulle after French President Charles de Gaulle.
• Elvis Presley — A fan of Poodles, The King’s Poodle pal was named Champagne. The music icon also presented two Poodles named Sweet Pea and Duke to his mother.
• Priscilla Presley — A Poodle named Honey was given to Priscilla by Elvis during their courtship. (Did you know that Priscilla Presley has gone on to become an animal rights champion?)
• Jaclyn Smith — The TV star’s Poodle Albert had the chance to share the spotlight with his famous human in a few episodes of Charlie’s Angels! In more recent years the actress has shared her home with a Standard Poodle named Elizabeth and a mini poodle dubbed Honeybun, who was her mother’s canine companion.
• Foo Foo — Miss Piggy’s pampered toy Poodle on The Muppet Show.
• Natalie Wood — The four-time Golden Globe winner was a proud pet parent to a white Poodle named Fifi and a silver Poodle she named Morningstar after her character in the movie Marjorie Morningstar.

Adopting a Poodle

Does Poodle Day have you pondering the prospect of welcoming a Poodle or Poodle mix into your heart and home?

Look for a Poodle rescue in your area, as well as other area animal rescues and shelters. You can search for adoptable Poodles online at:

• AdoptAPet.com
• Petango.com
• PetFinder.com
• PetHarbor.com