caniche
/ka.niʃ/masculine
The French word for poodle is caniche.
The word caniche refers specifically to the dog breed known as a poodle.
Meaning: dog breed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
caniche is a masculine noun. Because it is masculine, it is used with the masculine article le, as in le caniche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.niʃ/
Did you know?
- In France, the word caniche is sometimes used as a slang term for a person who is overly obedient or subservient to a boss, similar to the English word 'lapdog'.
- While English speakers often associate the breed with France, the 'caniche' actually has deep historical roots in Germany, where it was used as a water retriever.
- The word caniche is a diminutive form of the Latin word canicula, which means 'little dog'.
Examples in context
- Mon chien est un caniche.My dog is a poodle.This sentence is useful for identifying the breed of a dog using caniche.Tatoeba #12261934 by lbdx, translation #8889160 by LinaTamazight
- Le caniche est un chien intelligent et élégant.The poodle is an intelligent and elegant dog.
- Le pelage bouclé du caniche est caractéristique de la race.The curly coat of the poodle is characteristic of the breed.
- J'adore les toutous, en particulier les caniches !I love dogs, especially poodles!
- Mon toutou, un caniche nain, est très attachant.My dog, a toy poodle, is very endearing.
- Ce caniche est très intelligent.This poodle is very intelligent.
- Elle cherche un caniche blanc.She is looking for a white poodle.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a dog show.
- GabrielRegarde ce beau caniche.Look at that beautiful poodle.
- EmmaOui, il est magnifique.Yes, he is magnificent.
- GabrielEst-ce que c'est le tien ?Is that yours?
- EmmaNon, c'est celui de ma voisine.No, it is my neighbor's.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poodle” translations and entries caniche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caniche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
