BS: How do we improve on the poodle?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 12:33 PM

In addition to their high level of intelligence, poodles definitely have the best sense of balance of all dog breeds. If you see a circus act featuring dogs dancing, riding horses, climbing ladders and such it'll probably be poodles doing it.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 12:21 PM

And what'd you get?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 12:21 PM

Thanks, Little Hawk. They are an addition to the household after a burglary last year at this time. I decided I'd rather have dogs, as labor-intensive as they are, than a burglar alarm.

I didn't run out and buy a dog, but pondered it a while, and Karma came into it in May when Cinnamon limped up the driveway. I walked outside to look at her, called her, she licked my hand, I patted her head, and she made the decision to stay. I didn't do anything the rest of the day, just left her to curl up in the sun in the corner where you see her in that first photo. I was watching the Dog Whisperer just yesterday talk about how to not overwhelm a rescued stray or feral dog with attention because it just confuses them and reinforces their retiring behavior, so I guess I innately got that part right. About six in the evening, when I was finishing in the flower bed I'd been working on all day in the front yard, she wandered over and nudged my shoulder companionably, and we walked to the back yard together. She saw my cats through the window and wagged and woofed up to the glass and ended up staying. I gave her food and water, which are good news to a stray. When I put the photo and an ad in the paper I put up a section of and old gate across the one gap in the backyard fence so she'd be there if anyone claimed her. Milan says that a dog's past is past, they live in the present and pampering them because of a difficult past is silly. I see signs occasionally of Cinnamon's past in things she is shy about (she was hit by a car, she is at times shy near roads that make certain noises, like tires over a bridge) so we respond with a task. Both dogs sit beside the curb whenever anyone drives past us in the street, so this is the response now, not fear. It just works that way and is pretty amazing, actually.

She was so desperate to mix with other dogs that I could hardly control her on the leash if we met other dogs out walking. After Katrina the Humane Society did a half-price sale to move the local dogs to make room, so I took Cinnamon down the the shelter to meet the dog I'd selected. They were instantly chest-to-chest licking each other's faces after a flurry of typical dog-language moves (rolling over, etc.)

These dogs are dog-shaped and dog-sized, which I think helps them stay healthier during their lifetimes. Fewer ailments based upon inbreeding and ratcheting too tightly the look of the breed (narrow hips, head shape, coat color, etc.)

Standard poodles are at least a normal size for a dog, and the ones I've encountered over the years are very smart and friendly. But some of those haircuts--you have to scratch your head and wonder what people were thinking.

I might take them to the feed store with me today when I go buy their food, because there aren't animals there very often. I'd never take them to the pet store (PetsMart) because I can't control them well enough around other animals yet and there are people down there who are idiots and can't control their dogs at all.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 10:41 AM

I crossed a pit bull with a canary...

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 09:03 AM

cockapoodledoo -    smelly stuff.


cross a medium Poodle with a Borzoi for increased speed, sweet temperment and the gracefullness of a Cheetah.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 08:24 AM

I don't understand why anyone would want one of those neurotic little yapping fuzzy blobs anyway. What good are they? I'd rather have a cat any day.
My daughter got a Pug. Small and useless...lookes like a door stop with Downes syndrome.

Now, given my druthers, I'd rather have my dog Seamus, a well regulated Labrador retriever. He knows more than some whole families.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 04:00 AM

psssst, Ostara, by 'the other door' I'm referring to the music section above the line. (This is the BS section.)

But do go up there- we'd love to talk with you about your D18!

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 12:16 AM

Those look like very happy dogs, Stilly.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Cluin
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 11:35 PM

Well, I knew Afghans were the bimbos of the dog world, but I would've thought Jack Russells would have made the top 10.

Dr. Stanley Coren... that's that tubby fruit with the Aussie cowboy hat and the ascot. He's got a good show on TV though.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 11:25 PM

Regarding dog intelligence, this will give you something to sink your teeth into.

Or into which to sink your teeth.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: GUEST,Ostara
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 10:23 PM

Thanks Ebbie. I thought that you were going to tell me that I have to find it within myself before I find it elsewhere! The other door. I'll go there now if I can find it. Thanks. I hope I get connected tonite, I'm looking at a big purchase tomorrow and I need all the information that I can get before signing off on this Martin D18. Have to keep something in the larder if you know what I mean!

Blessings!

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:30 PM

Guest/Ostara, try the other door (north of here) Here we are just sitting around having a drink and jawing.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 07:51 PM

Here in Aus. the Guide Dog Association uses Labra-doodles for people who are allergic to dog hair. Poodles don't shed hair. At times Poodles have been used as guide dogs along with German Shepherds. It seems Labradors won out because they have just the right balance of common sense and trainability. (that's a silly-looking word but it's the one I want). Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: GUEST,ostara
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 07:25 PM

Well, what is anything worth if it does not give you emotional, intellectual, spiritual or energy??? If a poodle factors into this equation, so it be . I thought this was a music site. Am I interrupting something special? Where are you cats coming from??? I just want to get connected with some folks that can advise me on buying my first big bucks guitar.Someone told me that this site is a forum for that.

Any ideas other than poodles?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 06:48 PM

Dogs bred for decoration...ugh! That's like children bred for decoration...double ugh!

I've met both. Give me dogs and kids who are allowed to be dogs and kids.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 06:44 PM

I dunno about how smart they are, I haven't met too many that seemed to be any too bright. But the Standards are great dogs, as long as they get treated like dogs and not topiary. I used to nanny for a family that had a huge standard named Jake. He didn't have a clue that he was a pure-bred (actually, I don't think he had a clue at all). He was well-behaved, calm and always game for a romp, not to mention good with the baby.

What I find funny is all the designer mutts out there, like labradoodles, pekapoos, cockapoos, etc. My dog is a mutt, I don't care what his parentage was. He's a great dog and still healthy and active at 15 years of age.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 03:50 PM

Two of the best dogs we ever owned were Irish Setters, mother and daughter. Beautiful, intelligent, and were (literally) the best of breed in the region. Yeah, they had their moments, like the mother going into a perfect point (remember, they were originally hunting dogs), two steps, point -- and dashed behind me to hide when a robin flushed from the hedge. She would also point (and eat) flies.

I'd go on, but I won't. They were great dogs, and the breed has suffered from the demands of the dog show.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: gnu
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 02:47 PM

Severn asked, "As for beautiful dogs that have become too high strung to be bearable to be around, may I submit The Irish Setter?"

You can submit them crazy SOB's at least thrice!! Over the past thirty years, I have never seen an Irish Setter under four years old that had any calm at all. Unless you can afford to pay over a grand, ya had better think twice about getting one.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: open mike
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 02:15 PM

why did Tony Blair come up when i googled Poodle?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: MMario
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:46 PM

Guest - you obviously haven't known many STANDARD poodles - they could not be further from "whiney little neurotics". And many of the smaller ones are not either.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: ard mhacha
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:41 PM

Ditto up the line McKenzie, I also thought this thread was about Tony Blair.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:36 PM

Toss the whiney little neurotics in the micro-wave. And you can probably do the same with their wacked out owners.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: open mike
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:23 PM

http://www.poodlehistory.org/PSHOW.HTM
here is a page with some poodle improvements
including a Labradoodle...
and Lagotto Romagnolo--an Italian Water dog
or Truffle Hound, or Romagna Water Dog
http://www.lagotto.net/lagrom2.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lagottoromagnolo.htm
http://www.canadogs.com/BreedLagotto.htm
http://lagottoromagnoloclubofgb.co.uk/
yes, improved, and handy if you like truffles, too!

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: frogprince
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 12:39 PM

There are people who like the companionship of a good dog, and there are people who like owning a status symbol bred to some stupid, arbitrary, and often detrimental precise standards. I guess some of you have already said the same thing in effect.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 11:33 AM

What Cluin, Gnu and Metchosin said--twice!

Our poodle, Woof, was a wonderful companion for all his 17 years. He was indeed smarter than the average bear, sweet-tempered until age got to him, and one of the best friends anyone could have had. He loved to travel, and was always up for a ride, even if it was just to the grocery store. Walks with him were a joy because he had so much fun on them.

We did not, however, "clip" him--just "clippered" him when he needed it. He would stand very patiently while Dad took the hair clippers to him, and loved to show off his new haircut when it was done.

We miss him a lot.

Lin

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 11:26 AM

Hear, hear! As Metch and others have said, the poodle can be one of the smartest dogs around. I had one for almost 14 years that I still miss. My mother, who sidn't care for many dogs and never had an 'indoor' one, loved and admired this dog.

At one point I had a border collie - the easist to train that I ever had - who herded horses and cattle. My poodle watched then went to work. The two of them made a fine working pair.

The only serious disagreement we had was one night when I booted her out in the rain. She was old by then and could no longer go all night without having to be let out. So I always made sure that she relieved herself before I went to bed.

This night the weather was miserable- the ground was muddy and laced with coursing water and torrents more were coming down from the sky.

She resisted. I insisted. I caught her up and put her out. She disappeared.

A few minutes later my sister in law called from over the hill a good third of a mile away. Hey, she said, just now your dog scratched at the door and asked if she could come in. I told her, No! Go on home! Is she OK?

A few minutes after that my dog showed up at our door, penitent and peaceful. I had to wash the mud off her at the tub and dry her off before we could go to bed.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 10:56 AM

You will have a difficult time improving on a poodle. The poodle is a very fine dog, especially the standards and miniatures. Generally, as a breed, they are only surpassed in intelligence by the border collie. A good kennel clip will keep them from looking ridiculous.

If you want some improvement, work on owners who tend to treat them more as spoiled children, than the very smart dogs that they are. Same goes for a lot of small breeds, less so for the larger ones, as bad behavior in a large dog doesn't tend to be viewed as cute.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improv on the poodle?
From: Severn
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 10:06 AM

My ex-wife told me of a friend of hers back when she lived in NYC whose duties included jerking off poodles for artificial insemination, because they've become too high strung to mate by themselves. I'm told that it's not the only "breed" (if one can still use the word) that has fallen on such limp times.


"What does your daddy do for a living?".....


As for beautiful dogs that have become too high strung to be bearable to be around, may I submit The Irish Setter?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: MMario
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:47 AM

thirty five years ago my in-laws had "standard" pomaranians - about 12 lbs - they were a small dog, but not ridiculously so -

MAXIMUM weight for the breed according to the standard is now SEVEN lbs - which is so tiny as to be beyond ridiculous! They can easily break a leg jumping down from a lap.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:39 AM

It's more than shows that damage breeds. Popularity through the media with the resulting puppy mills and backyard breeders is far more at fault. So many breeds have suffered in the past 25 years that the list is almost too long to seem real.

Most of the damage also occurs from the United States. Europe and Australia each do a better job at controlling what goes on than we do.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:23 AM

St. Bernards are going the way of the poodle, too. They're being bred for show, and the head configuration is suffering. This is putting too much brain in too little skull, and the breed is suffering for it.

I'd like to see all the dog shows either closed down or the rules changed.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:22 AM

Nope, they'd look like this .
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:13 AM

How to improve a poodle:

1) Replace that ever-growing curly hair with a smooth coat.

2) Do not dock its tail.

3) Reduce the length of its legs by half.

The result would look a lot like this.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: David C. Carter
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 04:49 AM

He's been clipped down to size.
David

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 04:43 AM

I thought this was going to be about George W Shrub's poodle, AKA Tony Blair!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: David C. Carter
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 04:21 AM

John Steinbeck's poodle,name of-Charlie,came from Bercy,France.Didn't seem to do Steinbeck any harm.On the contrary,Charlie was pretty good at making friends,wandering over to where other people were maybe camped,and intoducing himself, leaving Steinbeck to wander over a little later to "retrieve" his dog,and then find to his "surprise" that he would be invited to pass the evening with these people.Might just reread that book.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: open mike
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 04:06 AM

the poodle-like Bichon Frise
has curly hair like a poodle,
but it is better for people
with alergies --it does not shed.

I think it has fur instead of hair or something..
they are quite calm.

i knew someone once who had a standard poodle
that was so uptight that it was prescribed
barbituates so it would not be so nervous.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 03:35 AM

You could improve any dog by breeding them without arseholes. Judging by some of the footpaths round here, another improvement would be to sterilize dogowners' parents at birth.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 02:51 AM

What Peace said. Cross them with real dogs, along with chihuahau's and all those other nasty little doglets. They should be dipped in buckets of soapy water and used to clean cars with. Anything that can't chase rabbits or go for a proper walk isn't a real dog. So there!

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: NH Dave
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:35 AM

Sorcha, how happy would you be if you'd been bred down to the point where you could live in a small waste basket?

As a couple of previous posters noted, they were a good sporting breed until folks started "improving" them. Same goes for the Cocker Spaniel. They've been "improved" to the point where most are neurotic fuzz balls, and those are the good ones.

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:06 AM

Ok, ok...there was originally a reason for the clip....it was to protect the joints while hunting or ratting,but I agree, it has gone too far.

I don't agree that poodles are 'smart'....at least, I've never met a smart one. The damn 'tea cups' are the worst...nasty yapper biters they are. A standard 'can' be OK....

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 12:57 AM

The poodle specimens usually seen around are poorspecimens of the original breed. They were--and still are, diven a chance---an excellent hunting breed. Even today, after all the years of
" modification" many of these dogs can match the greyhound for sheer pace.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Bert
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 11:30 PM

LMAO. Bee-dubya-ell. that poor bloody moggy, no wonder it looks so pissed.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Scoville
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:53 PM

They were a respectable sporting dog at one point, the poor things. I like them best when they're just shaved all over. I, personally, would never own a dog that needed that much grooming, but I can think of other breeds I like much less.

I don't know many Standards, but the little ones are smart as whips and great dogs if you don't spoil them rotten.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:47 PM

MRRZY----The dog you saw was more that likely a Portugese Water Dog with a "Lion Clip." This one is a little hard to see since its black............But you can see it even so.

There are two clips for these dogs as well as two acceptable coats. The curly coat is usually just done in the "Retriever Clip" where onlt the tail is shorn(except for a tuft on the end). The wavy coat is more often groomed in the "Lion Clip."

Nice dogs though!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: bobad
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:31 PM

How about this ?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:29 PM

Definitely NOT like this.

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: Bert
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:04 PM

It's easy, like this

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: bobad
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:04 PM

Better hair stylists ?

Subject: RE: BS: How do we improve on the poodle?
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 09:55 PM

SPLASH!!!

Oops - I stepped in a poodle.....