Did you know that Poodles were participants in several wars?

Prince Rupert of the Rhine owned, “Boy” (also seen as “Boye”) in the 17th century while he was prisoner of war for three years in Lintz, Vienna. “Boy” was the constant companion of the nephew of the deposed English during the English Civil War of 1642-1651, including on the battlefield. The dog became so famous that Puritan propagandists insisted that “Boy” was “endowed” with magical powers. Sadly, a Roundhead soldier killed “Boy” during the Battle of Marston Moor making some historians maintain that “Boy” was the first official British Army Dog.

And then there was “Moustache,” a black Poodle whom French Grenadiers regarded as their mascot. The dog curried favor when he snatched the colors from a fallen French ensign and brought them back to his regiment giving the soldiers a huge morale boost. Nicknamed, “Mous,” the Poodle was more than just a cheerleader. He alerted his regiment to a surprise night attack by Austrian forces, and was said to be present at the Battle of Marengo, during which time he lost an ear.  He marched through the Alps with Napoleon Bonaparte’s army in the spring of 1800, and when the French engaged with the enemy, “Moustache” was said to be as brave as any soldier.

“Mouton” may not have snatched flags or alerted troops, but Sergeant Adrien Bourgogen cared enough the Poodle to carry the dog on his back because his paws had been frozen. “Mouton” had traveled all over Europe with his regiment, and sometimes when one is too tired to care for oneself, they’ll care for another leading to better odds of survival for both. “Mous” and Mouton” weren’t the only war Poodles.  “Barbuche,” Buff,” “Magrita,” “Moffino, “Mohiloff,” “Muchuch,””Sancho,” and “Thoutou” are the names of other Poodles who served in Napoleon’s army during the Napoleonic Wars of 1803-1815. We know their names and their stories because Napoleon recorded many of them himself.

Fast forward to the spring of 1942 when 32 official breeds were classed as war dogs by the Army. Of the breeds used by the Army, Standard Poodles were included. A year later, a cut was made to 18 breeds, and the list still included Standard Poodles. It would take another year for the Poodle to be eliminated, and then only because of coat care. The breed was described as having an unusual ability to learn and retain and keen senses. This isn’t to say the dogs weren’t used, they were simply never shipped overseas for service. There’s a good deal of documentation to show that Poodles were used at home to guard military installations, the coast line, and defense plants.

Frou Frou dog? Not.

Portrait of “Boy” attributed to Louise, Princess of Palatine