Corded Poodle: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

Cording is such a fascinating hairstyle that it might make you wonder if it is a specific type of Poodle. You might ogle over the corded Poodle when you see it, thinking this must be one special Poodle hybrid, right? But the reality is, this is a grooming style you can get for any Poodle you wish.

Breed Overview

It might be a little bit complicated to get the ball rolling, but once you learn more about cording, you can learn more about this hairstyle for your curly best friend.

Corded Poodle Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Corded Poodle in History

The history of corded Poodles can be a little unclear. But some recorded historical documents provide us with a greater look at this. For example, there was a dog named Achilles in England during the 1800s that had a corded coat.

Since then, it has taken off, being both an aesthetically pleasing and useful hairdo. They have very fantastic coats to create a perfect corded look.

How Corded Poodle Gained Popularity

Poodles have been a prevalent breed from far back in history. Even though cording is a definite look that Poodles can have, it has very little to do with the impact of their breed historically.

Cording is famous for a variety of reasons. It has a mop-like look and texture. The even-hanging locks of the corded coat provide an exciting appeal. Some dogs cord naturally, but Poodles need the extra help of human hands.

Cording is just another grooming look that is achieved for aesthetics. So, it changes nothing about Poodle popularity—just the style you want your Poodle to sport around.

Cording the coat can protect your Poodle against frigid temperatures as it provides an added layer of insulation. Corded coats are also very water resistant as Poodles’ coats naturally are. But binding together the fur in this way creates an extra water-resistant outer coat that will also protect them from the elements. So, it is stylish as it is functional in the right environment.

However, on the flip side, it can cause your Poodle to get too hot if they live in toasty temperatures year-round.

Formal Recognition of Corded Poodle

By 1874, the Kennel Club of England Registered the first Poodle. By 1886, the mention of the corded coat was recorded in the breed standards. Unlike other dogs like the Puli or Komondor, the Poodle requires humans to achieve this coat.

Downfalls of Cording Poodle Coats

Even though the cording look is incredibly unique, it’s also challenging to maintain. Because of the general makeup of the coat, it can get a very putrid or sour smell if you don’t take care of it properly. Also, it can get debris, mildew, and even mold stuck in the hair follicles.

Because these cords are difficult to maintain, you have to be committed to keeping up with routine care. As long as the locks are properly maintained, you can curb most of this issue by ensuring they are in good shape.

Top 4 Unique Facts About Corded Poodles

Here are a few things about corded Poodles we think you’d like to know!

1. Poodles aren’t the only corded dog that exists.

Cording is a hairstyle, which means that the Poodle isn’t the only dog that sports this cool look. You can also cord the fur of a Havanese, but it isn’t a natural occurrence. And then you have other dogs with naturally occurring cording, like the Puli, Komondor, and Bergamasco.

So, if you are shopping around for this particular look but don’t want to go through the hassle of cording yourself, you can choose one of the breeds!

---

2. You can cord your Poodle yourself!

You don’t have to be a fancy dog groomer to capture the corded look. Sure, it might take some practice and research—but it’s a learnable trick. Essentially, this hairstyle is the equivalent of giving your dog dreads.

So, if you are familiar with that process, this can be a lot easier for you. But if not, there are tons of tutorials on sites like YouTube that can give you a visual guide. You can also look up many resources that teach you how to maintain these beautiful rope-like locks.

---

3. Grooming will take time.

On top of regularly recording the strands, you also have to be careful with other aspects of bathing. When you bathe your Poodle, you must be careful how you treat the fur. Coords can become very dry and brittle if natural moisture is taken out of them.

Cords can become very frizzy and even fall off if they are incorrectly managed. Bathing will take much longer, so it’s best to have a well-mannered Poodle to get the job done appropriately.

You have to massage each cord individually to remove any debris or dirt. You must also rinse and remove residue with warm soap and water.

• See Also: 11 Best Dry Dog Shampoos

---

4. Cords can be touchy.

It’s not always so easy to keep cords clean. If you are familiar with dreadlocks, you might have heard people say that you have to take special care of them, or they can get downright gross! The same goes for your Poodle.

Cords trap lots of dirt and debris, but they can be really tricky to clean properly. It’s important to retain the proper moisture so that they don’t dry out or become brittle, but it’s equally important to keep them sanitary to prevent buildup or mildew.

If you are unfamiliar with proper care for cords, it’s vital that you do the research or frequently visit the groomer to keep your pup looking fabulous.

Does a Corded Poodle Make a Good Pet?

Since the corded look is simply a hairdo, we will tell you what it’s like to own a Poodle. No matter what type of Poodle you opt for, whether it be toy, miniature, medium, or standard, these dogs are insanely intelligent and friendly.

They make terrific companions for people of all ages, from infancy to senior years. The Poodle is arguably the most intelligent dog of the canine world, picking up concepts, living eloquently, and mastering training.

They are a joy to have around, and many Poodle lovers will tell you that there is no other breed for them. The only issue when owning a Poodle is the maintenance required. Poodles do require grooming and frequent care cosmetically.

But as far as personalities, they are gentle, loyal, and friendly pets. So, we have to say that yes, in fact, Poodles make great pets whether they are corded or not.

Conclusion

Now you know a little more about this fancy hairstyle. No, it’s not natural, and yes, it’s hard to maintain. But it works well if you’re prepared for the upkeep. If you live in a very cold area, it might even work wonders to keep your Poodle’s skin protected.

If you want a fancy new look for your Poodle, this might very well be what you should try. But just know that it will require time, money, and regular upkeep.

See Also: 

• 100+ Pop Culture Dog Names: Trendy, Unique & Relevant Ideas
• Froodle (French Bulldog Poodle Mix): Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

---

Featured Image Credit: Anetha Jungerova, Shutterstock