A mini pudeln makes a splash
Winnie resting after playtime with her favorite hedgehog.
The German word pudeln means “to splash in water,” and is the root origin for the word poodle. Standard poodles were first bred in Germany as water retrieving hunting dogs. Originated by standard poodles, miniature poodles were developed through selective breeding in France and throughout Europe. Miniature or mini poodles were used to sniff out valuable truffles in the woods rather than retrieving waterfowl.
Mary and Bob Griffin of The Village at Castle Pines have a pure bred and full grown 10-pound mini poodle named Winnie that loves to splash, soak and lay in her personal pool. A true pudeln dog.
Winnie makes a splash in her personal pool.
Mini poodles are one of three sizes of poodles. Standard is the largest and toy is the smallest. Mini poodles stand 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 10 to 15 pounds, giving them a sturdier build for active play.
Winnie is full of spirit and energy. She is active, playing fetch with her mini tennis balls. She is the first dog Mary has had that actually plays fetch. “She brings the ball to me and places it in my hand,” said Mary. Winnie’s favorite toy is a stuffed hedgehog that she plays with and then rests on. She enjoys walks but would prefer a ride in the car. Winnie has two seats in the car—each serves a different purpose. The back seat is for long car rides and the elevated front seat is for shorter day errands and stops at Starbucks for a pup cup.
The Griffins enjoy the playful and smart qualities of their mini poodle. Winnie is not their first one. They loved Penny, a white mini poodle, for 17 years. Unsure if children were a possibility, they decided on a dog, then were blessed with their daughter Jaydn shortly after Penny came home.
In 2020, Mary stumbled upon a Facebook post of a couple moving out of state into an apartment and could not bring along their 11-month-old mini poodle puppy. Curious and anxious to know if this puppy could be the newest addition to the Griffin family, Mary inquired, and they soon brought Winnie home.
Miniature poodles are exceptionally smart, making them easy to train, a trait the Griffins appreciate when Winnie rings a bell to go outside and paws when it is time for dinner. She brings a dose of humor to the family with her loud snores.
Known for their dense, curly and hypoallergenic coats, mini poodles bond closely with family members. Mary refers to Winnie as her shadow, as she does not like to be alone. “She has to be by me all the time. She follows me into every room.”
The Griffin family with their first miniature poodle, Penny.
Winnie and Jaydn Griffin posing for the annual Christmas card.
By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of Mary Griffin
