WITH THOMAS CARNEAL, BRAD ODAGIRI, KAY PEISER & JACQUELINE RUSBY
Poodle Q&A
1. Describe the breed in three words. TC: Elegant, breathtaking, loyal. BO: Elegant, dignified, spectacular. KP: Smart, beautiful and misunderstood. JR: Intelligent, beautiful, pliant.
BO: The show clips. There are three required show clips and “a dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat should be disqualified”. The Puppy clip is only allowed on puppies under a year old. There are other must haves on these clips and if anyone is not clear, please consult with a breed mentor. 5. Does show grooming style detract from the athletic prowess of the breed? TC: The grooming is beautiful but it does distract from the proper breed presentation—so many judges think the bigger the top knot or height of the coat is all there is to judging and they really never try to examine the dog— just look at it going around the ring and all too often who is on the end of the lead. BO: Show grooming on a Poodle should not detract the athletic prowess of the breed. The breed origin is a sport- ing breed that was used to retrieve wild games. A judge should not be intimidated by the grooming and big coat and should go right in and feel and see for the sound structure of the Poodle. 6. What about the Poodle makes it such an outstand- ing showdog? TC: They are and have been bred to be sturdy, elegant and show no sign of shyness. Annie Clark always said they would work all day—lay by the fire while you had supper and then be ready for a good card game. BO: For me, the Poodle makes an outstanding show dog because it is a breed that is easy to live with. As a long- time breeder/exhibitor, the temperament is outstanding, very intelligent and makes an excellent companion. The unique sculptured clip presentation of the breed gives it an edge to capture the judge’s eye at the dog shows. 7. What makes a Sporting dog the ideal companion in the 21st century? KP: Not only are they fantastic house pets but Poodles are also hypoallergenic which makes them ideal for people with allergies. 8. What about the breed makes it a great show dog? KP: People tend to forget, the Poodle is a retriever, even though it is in the non-sporting group, so they have a natural athletic ability in the show ring, not to mention the haircuts they are required to be in for showing. Most Poodles when groomed tend to “show off” as well. JR: Poodles enjoy company and love to show.
2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? TC: They must have carriage, proper tail set, proper move- ment and be sound. BO: The “must have” traits are: a pretty “Poodlely” expres- sion and exceptional show temperament. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? TC: Most standards in the show ring would drown if they jumped in the water—the toys are always a challenge on size and the grooming on all three varieties is out of hand—maybe we should go back to three rubber band and no hair spray. BO: In the breed standard in General Appearance, it states “the Poodle has about him an air of distinction...”. This “air of distinction” should not be interpreted as a throw back of the head and forward carriage of the tail that gives an “A” frame profile in the movement. An exhibit that moves like that most likely has an ewe neck and a very poor front assembly. 4. What about the Poodle do you feel is most misun- derstood by new judges? TC: New judges do not know how to examine the back skull-shoulder placement and are ignoring the proper gait—they think running is proper and flat feet are ignored.
“THEY ARE AND HAVE BEEN BRED TO BE STURDY, ELEGANT AND SHOW NO SIGN OF SHYNESS.”
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2017 • 267
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