The Poodle is exceptionally smart, active, and excels in obedience training. It is also the only breed that comes in three size varieties, which may partly explain their wide popularity. The terms Standard, Miniature, and Toy are used to describe size only, as all the Poodles are one breed, governed by the same standard.

Although many people think of them as French Poodles, the breed originated in Germany as a water retriever, and its name is derived from the German word “pfudel,” meaning “puddle” or “ to splash.” The Standard variety is the oldest of the three types. The Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle, often used in performances and circuses, became very popular in France and was known worldwide as a “trick dog.”  The Poodle also served as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, and wagon puller for performers.

Cheri eagerly waits
for a child to read to her.

Some children are very timid and may not really want to read to Cherie; however, once they see someone else reading to Cherie, they are often ready to have a turn also.

The Cheerios series of books are favorites
with both Cheri and the children.

Children especially like the Cheerios books. The children are not only learning to read but also to count and how to interact with Cheri by giving her a command to wait and then tell her when it's okay for her to eat the Cheerios. Sometimes so many children read these books, she actually gets full by the time the last page is read!