WITH THOMAS CARNEAL, BRAD ODAGIRI, KAY PEISER & JACQUELINE RUSBY
Poodle Q&A
9. What about the breed is most misunderstood by the general public? KP: The “general public” tends to look at Poodles as simply a “fluffy foo foo” dog and they are so much more. People are often surprised by what great watchdogs they can be whether in the home or the car. A lot of people also do not realize that the continental trim is designed specifi-
12. While judging, do you see any trends you’d like to see continued? JR: Camaraderie amongst exhibitors is enjoyable to see. Everyone should work hard for harmony amongst breed- ers for the common good. There is much to learn from each other. 13. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? TC: It has become of up most importance that proper health testing should be done on all breeding stock or we will lose the breed; as we almost did because of blindness in Miniatures. 14. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? TC: Seeing a handler stacking a Great Dane on the grooming table because a new inexperienced judge patted the table and said stack him here. BO: Many years ago, we entered a weekend of shows on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a weekend of two shows at two different sites and about 50 miles apart. We flew into Hilo town, which was the site of the second show and had to drive over to the other side of the island. We arrived there early at six in the morning and the Poodles were scheduled later that morning. I had the great idea of taking the longer scenic volcano route, which is about a two hour drive. Since I had not done this route for a long time, I did the typical tourist stops. This backfired on me and I needed to make up time to be at the show on time. Boy, I panicked but made it with just enough time to put the leashes on my dogs and showed with what I had on; tank top, shorts and flip flops. My friends had a good laugh when they saw me running to the ring and my wife behind me. For the group judging, I had enough time to properly groom my winner and changed into my usual show attire of a jacket, dress shirt with a tie and a pair of shoes. KP: It was the Ocala dog show and Bill and I were just get- ting together. It was a Sunday and we had to break down and drive home. Bill wanted to help and he was great help with the heavy stuff. Then, it came time to empty the buckets, you know, the ones we use when we scoop up after the dogs? Well, let’s just say that was his true introduction to every aspect of dog shows. I’m happy to say it did not scare him off as we have been married now for over 13 years.
cally for the Poodle when they are retrieving. JR: The reason for the traditional, stylized clip.
10. What advice would you give a newcomer? KP: Best advice? Find a reputable breeder known for the health, temperament and overall quality in their dogs and use that as a starting point. If you are going to show and/or groom yourself, then choose someone to follow as a mentor who will help you learn things as you go and make the experience positive. JR: Get advice from top breeders. Read as much as possible. Follow the standard rigorously.
11. Has the breed improved from when you started judging?
JR: The Poodle has certainly improved over the years. The Standard Poodle conforms well but still great effort is required for many fronts, as in the smaller Poodles. Toy Poodles have improved greatly over the last 50 years or so when North America had the height limit down 1'' from the UK limit of 11''. Correct proportions were lost to get the toys within 10''. I am happy to say they became more diminutive and breeders worked very hard and we now have very beautiful toys within this size with desired structure. “PROPER HEALTH TESTING SHOULD BE DONE ON ALL BREEDING STOCK OR WE WILL LOSE THE BREED.”
270 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2017
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