December 2007 Issue
On our cover
On our Cover - the BASSET Hound
Grand Aust CH /Am/Can/Mex/FCI Int/Int/Gr Mex/Lat Am/
Caribbean Ch Morningwood Beaumont (imp USA)
Perception versus reality - the truth about Poodles
How people perceive Poodles and the reality can be at times vastly different. Some perceive Poodles as aloof fluffy dogs who eat cordon bleu meals, wear diamante collars, in between taking naps on satin pillows. While no doubt some do sleep on satin pillows, the Poodle is acknowledged as a highly intelligent companion, working dog, and valued family member. There is nothing lightweight about the breed.
One person who is qualified to comment on the working capabilities of the breed is Anne Fitzgerald who owns, trials and has in the past bred Poodles. With initial ties to breeds within the Gundog group, Anne's interest in Poodles was gradual.
I said I would never have a long coated dog. Well, that plan fell by the boards after I owned my first Standard Poodle, Rouvain Regal Sophia CDX. I went from a brood that included Weimaraner Scodan Carlo UD and German Shorthaired Pointer Wildheart Adelise UD who were more at home in all weathers at retrieving trials, to suddenly owning a Poodle in full show clip.
Sophie' was very much a show dog and not so keen on obedience work choosing to do things once and then wanting to move on but she was a great dog to live with and much loved by her friends and family."
For all her foibles Sophie proved to later be a spectacular mother and produced one of Australia's most notable obedience dogs, Hollyfield Fleur UD. Much has already been written about Anne's bond with her 'Bindi' and their partnership in the trialing ring. This 'bond' led to twelve Royal Show class wins (across Sydney Royal Easter Show, Canberra Royal, Melbourne Royal), and numerous National, Poodle Club of NSW, and NSW Spring Fair State Medallions. This was in addition to multiple wins of the Jack Goldstein Trophy (highest annual performer over seven specified trials) and the Beaurepaire UD Dog of the Year.
Anne has always said that Bindi was 'her perfect dog' - and not simply because she was successful.
"While I had experienced success with my earlier dogs my bond with Bindi was closer than that; it was an understanding. She taught me more about dog training and dogs than I could have learned anywhere else. If I verbally corrected her for something, and it was actually my fault, she would bark at me. If it was something she deserved to be reprimanded for, she would accept it and move on."
The Poodle's enjoyment of life in general tends to reflect in their work. "I like the way you can play with them in training between the exercises. It is more of a game to them matching precision with enjoyment. I have had other breeds that take it all very seriously."
The late Bob McGarvey alluded to the Poodle's love of fun in 1984 when commenting on his own experience with three Miniature Poodles; Irisville Goya AOC, La Vogue Kazito U.D, and La Vogue Veda C.D.X.
"Many people assume that because of the heavy coats and stylish clipping that Poodles are for show only. Three Miniatures were trained by my wife and me working in cooperation. We both handled them in trials and found them to be highly intelligent with a love of fun, which when channelled into obedience, made them happy workers who enjoyed working in trials", said Mr McGarvey.
Anyone considering owning a Poodle must seriously think about the effort and commitment required to maintain the necessary grooming program. Whether clipped short or in full show clip, it is essential for people to either develop skills in this area, or commit to regular visits to a dog groomer.
Anne says, "I have had many short coated breeds and there is no comparison in the weekly hours of grooming required to maintain a Poodle's coat."
One of Anne's current dogs is Australian Obedience Champion Tezer Constant Comment or Morgan as he is known. Morgan has achieved his own level of success with an Open Dog and Winner of Winners at the National Poodle Speciality 2001; Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallions at NSW State Titles; and he has been gained a reputation as a consistent high ranking worker in the ring. Placid by nature, he has a fascination for cats and takes every opportunity to listen to them purr, quietly resting his head next to them or peering into carry cases while visiting the vets.
Anne's fervour for trialing and training her dogs is a constant factor in her day-to-day life. The enjoyment she finds being with her dogs is reflected in this diary entry. "On 13 December 2001 I was operated on for Breast Cancer which set back my training, although we didn't miss a trial and competed at Manly's Obedience Trial three weeks later."
Poodles have an ability to adapt to a situation. While recovering from Breast Cancer Anne was obviously unable to hold a lead or subject her body to any further stress. This meant relinquishing daily time spent with her dogs during the recovery period. At home the dogs remained with other family members, or peered at Anne over a screen in the doorway that prevented any sudden bouts of boisterous behaviour.
The household dogs consisted of a Gordon Setter (Mac), a Border Collie (Coogie), and Standard Poodle (Morgan). The reactions of all three were never more polarised than at this time. Mac felt the events deeply, refusing to come out of his bed. Coogie the Border took immediate charge, and with his younger protégé Morgan, set about maintaining the status quo.
It was Coogie who was first allowed in quietly to see Anne and clearly showed an interest in knowing exactly what the source of problem was; once he saw the bandage and heard the explanation (who says dogs do not understand?), he was almost angelic. Morgan was much the same and showed exemplary behaviour.
The usual expectant behaviour of wanting to go down the park or out for a drive was quelled. However, as the weeks went by, the dogs upped the anty slightly each week - almost as if to encourage Anne to 'get on with things'. And so two weeks later it was back to training. Morgan adapted to the situation as if he was well aware that he could not pull on the lead. The capacity to read a situation and adapt to it is strength of dogs.
"I believe that all breeds have something to offer people. It is finding a breed or combination of breeds that suits you and your lifestyle. I don't believe that one breed is 'better' than another, and that is part of the reason why I have owned different breeds over the years. I enjoy the differences of each breed and the individuality of the dog."
However, Poodles hold a special place in Anne's heart and she is currently training a 12-month old Miniature Poodle, Coifico Piece Oth Action.
"Thomas has a strong personality all of his own. He has the attitude of a large dog but I am finding the shift in size between a Standard and Miniature an interesting aspect. We will have to wait and see what lies ahead," says Anne.
References: Bob McGarvey: National Dog Magazine, April 1984.