10 week-old standard poodle retrieving a duck
2009 October 28
The logic behind having a young puppy work ducks is that they are still in their critical period for socialization and may not have yet developed a distaste for an oily bird.
Check out the breeder’s website to find out more.
As I’ve said before the poodle-type dog is the oldest retriever. Gervase Markham in 1621 described how to use a poodle-type dog (called a water rug or an English rough water dog) as a retriever (including how to clip them!)
Poodles were repurposed by fanciers.
They participate in Hunt Tests.
Fluff looks good wet.
Poodles are generally very good dogs.
I’ve yet to meet a dumb one.
I can’t say the same about golden retrievers.
Yes – standard poodles really can do the jobs they’re asked to do at very young ages. They are natural, but not usually obsessive, retrievers. In spite of what passes for competition in the breed ring (hair, real or not, that hides structural problems including, but not limited to, really rotten fronts), in spite of the lack of diversity in the gene pool which has given rise to an ever growing number of immune problems, in spite of the very wrong-headed perception that poodles are “frou-frou” dogs, the standard poodle’s temperament remains fairly true to its original purpose as a versatile working dog (hunting is just one of its historical jobs). Not surprisingly this means it is a highly active (but not hyper active) dog – and not for the faint of heart. (Standard poodle adolescence can be hell.)
The puppy in this video is fantastic – thanks for posting it.
I could see myself with a red standard poodle. I think they are rustic looking and smart.
There is a standard poodle competing in the Master National this week. His name is
BIBELOT’S TOLKA HANDS UP MH
Here are a couple of links to photos of the dog
http://www.jeremykezerphotography.com/tests/2009/20090815-YGRC/20090815/MH1/source/20090815-mh1-0769.htm (love the modified clip.)
http://www.bibelotpoodles.ca/ (scroll down)
I like the breed a lot.
Correction — Her name is BIBELOT’S TOLKA HANDS UP MH. She earned her Master Hunter title at two years of age, and made it through the first series of the Master National. The second series should be completed today, and results for that series will be posted at http://www.masternational.com/event/callbacks.asp?div=B (also check out division A.