Poodles????

[Minnesota1]

Hey Guys!

I just have a few questions.  I've noticed on some threads that some recommend poodles for hunting!  I understand that they were once a great hunting dog but that had to of been bread out or diluted out of them by now.  Correct?  My wife has allergies to dogs/cats that shed.  I know it would look stupid to hunt with them but are there places you can get poodles bread for hunting?  Are they used for duck hunting or what types of hunting?  I would assume it's a standard size poodle.  Any real information on the subject would be appreciated.  Try not to mock me too bad about this thread.

Thanks,

Bob

[Ahab]

Nothing to mock you about. I've had three standards now (one passed away) and they are a hoot. Some say they have better noses than a blood hound. They are naturals for retrieving and pointing and can easily be trained. Several years ago I saw a demonstration of hunting Poodles at the Milwaukee Sports Show and Expo. Needless to say, they stole the show. I believe the trainer was from your area. You might want to do a Google search for "Poodle hunting dogs" and by all means also search out, "The Poodle History Project". My girls never make me look stupid and quite the contrary, bring grudging respect from all who see them work. Is there a negative? Yes, since they don't shed you need to have them clipped every couple of months or so. You can do this yourself but make sure you get a Pro set of clippers and bath them before clipping or you will wear out the heads. Don't get suckered with the Labradoodle.

[myronman3]

you know what the small ones are good for?  bait.   
  even if the standard poodles are the best hunting dogs ever,  because of the negative association i have with the small ones,  i would be way too tempted to shoot the dog instead of the game.  lol.   

[Mikey]

Minnesota1:  If you search for Standard Poodles Hunting, or something like that you will get information about a breeder in Montana who breeds hunting Poodles.  There are also two breeders in my neck of the woods who breed large Standards.  I have had four large dominant male Standards from that breeder over the past 25 years and they were incredible dogs.  Big and tough.  I never had anyone 'dis' my 95 lb brown male or his 92 lb white brother.  Smart, too (smart'rn me, dang it..) and good hunters. 

I never had them clipped to 'show cuts', just kept the hair short so as not to collect too many burdocks and burrs, etc., but these dogs are naturals when it comes to scaring up game.  Still the same with my 13 y/o - this one is only 85 lbs, half blind and selectively deaf but yet he is the first in line when a new girl comes around (lolol and good for him) or if he thinks he sees something moving in the woods.  I take mine to the 'cleaners' about once every other month. 

They are natural retreivers but hair gets wet and heavy faster than fur, which is one reason to keep them cut short.  Those cuts with the hair left on the chest and hips are for warmth.

myronman3 - hey, the little guys get nervous, yap a lot and bite.  There are more people bitten every year by miniature Poodles than by Rottewilers, Dobermans or Pit Bulls, but if you were that small you would probably be nervous too. 

If you ever get the chance to watch the National Geographic Channels 'The Dog Whisperer' on Friday nights you will see how a very insightful dog handler/trainer/rehabilitator deals with small nervous dogs and it does not include the concept of using them for bait.  For shame. 

Mikey.