Café Au Lait Poodle: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

A Café Au Lait Poodle is a shiny light tan color that some people might confuse with the silver beige variation of Poodle. To differentiate between the two, you need to know what color your Poodle was when it was born. Silver beige Poodles are born brown, which eventually fades to silver beige. On the other hand, Café Au Lait Poodles are born tan.

To delve into the Café Au Lait Poodle, we need to look at the Poodle as a whole. Unfortunately, there aren't many records of a specific variation of color, but we do have some information on Poodles, and some of it might surprise you. Poodles have the reputation of being aloof show dogs, but they are much more than that.

The Earliest Records of Café Au Lait Poodles in History

The Poodle has been around for a long time; we don't have exact dates, but the first images can be dated back to Ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts. Pictures of animals very similar to Poodles have been found in tombs in Rome and depicted on old coins.

Then, in the 12^th century, images of Poodles were found adorning castles and cathedrals in France. In the 16^th century, the breed became very popular in European countries and worldwide.

Some believe Toy and Miniature Poodles emerged shortly after the Standard, but it’s also believed that breeders didn't begin producing the variations until the 1400s to delight the French bourgeoise. The larger Standard Poodle was used by the French for duck hunting, while the Miniature Poodles were used to sniff out truffles in the woods. The Toy Poodle’s main job was to be a companion to the wealthy and nobility. Toy Poodles were nicknamed “sleeve dogs” because Renaissance owners carried their dogs in their large sleeves.

How Café Au Lait Poodles Gained Popularity

The role of Café Au Lait Poodle has changed over time. They are an intelligent, affectionate dog that makes a wonderful addition to any family. Since 2012, the Poodle has become the world's third most popular FCI-registered breed, after the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd.

Poodles are excellent companions for children; if they are socialized young, they will get along with other pets in your household. Despite their reputation for being aloof, they also have an endearing, goofy side, and they love to play. Poodles are loyal to their families and wary of strangers, and they’ve been described as having human-like intelligence. It isn't a surprise people started to welcome the Café Au Lait Poodle into their homes and families.

Formal Recognition of Café Au Lait Poodles

In 1874, the Poodle was recognized by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom, and in 1886 the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit. In 1935, the Poodle was quite unpopular, which changed when the Poodle Champion Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace won “Best Show” at Westminster. Soon after, the Poodle rapidly gained prominence, and from 1960 to 1982, it became the most popular breed.

This 22-year stint as America’s number one dog is the longest reign of any other dog breed, which is quite impressive. Since then, they’ve maintained their position in America’s top 10 most popular breeds. The color Café Au Lait is also recognized by the AKC.

Top 3 Unique Facts About Café Au Lait Poodles

1. Fancy Hairstyle Is Practical

Café Au Lait Poodles spent a lot of time in the water, and the fancy haircuts that are so familiar with Poodles are actually practical. The hindquarters are cut short to make the Poodle more streamlined, and groomers cut pompoms on the joints, tip of the tail, and where their vital organs are protected from the cold.

2. Circus Performer

The miniature Poodles were popular circus performers in France, and thanks to their intelligence, they could pick up tricks quickly.

3. Poodles Have Hair, Not Fur

Poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic. That means, like humans, their hair continues to grow until it’s cut, unlike other dogs that shed. So, not only are the dogs excellent for allergy sufferers, but they also won't leave fur on your furniture!

Do Café Au Lait Poodles Make Good Pets?

Poodles are lively and affectionate and make loving, loyal family pets. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, which makes them easy to train and adaptable. It also means they can be stubborn and easily bored, and as their pet parent it will be your job to ensure they are physically and mentally stimulated. Poodles thrive on being the center of activity and love nothing more than spending time with their humans. They don’t enjoy being alone, and you’ll need to factor that in if you’re thinking of getting one.

Café Au Lait Poodles have thick, curly fur that feels like lamb’s wool and requires a lot of grooming. It’s recommended that you get them professionally groomed every 6 weeks to keep their coats free from mats or tangles.

Conclusion

The Café Au Lait Poodle started as a working dog and has been part of human history for so long that their activities are carved into walls and coins. They are a loving, active breed that enjoys nothing more than spending time with their family or splashing around in the water! They make lovely pets, but they are pretty high-maintenance, and first-time pet parents should be aware of their care needs before they decide to adopt.

See also:

• German Shorthaired Pointerpoodle (German Shorthaired Pointer & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, and Traits

• Teacup Poodle: Breed Info, Pictures, Puppies, Size, Health, & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay