Mmmmmmm I do have my heart set on a Puli, however, I can't seem to find any at the moment:( That is not to say I want instant-gratification and have to have one now and a breeder has invited me to visit and she is planning to have a litter beginning the process in the next couple of months (nature permitting:) ) But having read the sad news posts I'm not sure I can cope with this. Also I am a bit worried about my current dogs fitness (I may post about this Mattie would probably able to help I just need to face up to it). Anyway does anyone have any experience of Minature Poodles I have read the breed guide here (and others) and yes the 'new addition' post has influenced me (not Crufts I might add), I'd like to hear some living with a poodle kind of stuff............

Here's another breed for you, Irish Water Spaniel! The ones I have met are real clowns, not as difficult coats as the Puli's and Poodles?

My first dog was a poodle and contrary to popular belief that they are namby pamby dogs, she was a little tough nut! She was easy to house train and apart from the usual puppy chewing she was the least destructive dog I've ever had, thats got to be a bonus in anyones book!
I learnt to trim her myself and kept her in a puppy cut, nothing like that bare arsed delight that won Crufts!:D I also started to do agilty with her as I worked with horses at the time and we used to take her to the jump paddock and run around the jumps like a couple of loonys, was great fun as in the beginning she was small enough to run under the pole even on the lowest cup. She was fun and smart and I'd have one again tomorrow if my hubby would let me, sadly he's one of those people who think they're silly dogs, not that he's ever met one.

I have a soft spot for a poodle myself . never got around to having one but I think they are super, and as you say tough as a little terrier. The standard poodle is a big strong working dog . never understood the need for all the pom poms They are stunning without

I agre, and smart, only a few years ago a brown standard bitch in sensible coat won the Bitch Obedience Championships at Crufts!

I still like the Irish Water though!! :D Another very lieable breed, that doesn't have to have its back end shaved as in the show ring, and is a nice size, is the Portugese Water Dog!

I too like the IWS (you seem to have cottoned on to the 'look' I like) but he is a little large this time round, and probably just as hard to find:). I also like the Spanish Water Dog, which I know someone here has, but again another challenge - never let it be said I like 'common dogs' :D

The Standard Poodle is possibly a bit big for this time too, which is why I liked the minature version.

I too have the same problem with the husband thinking poodles are a bit 'girly'....which is why I posed the question, might like to try some pom-poms in strange places just once though....then show the dog a mirror:D

Reefer, With appologies to those owning the heavily exploited breeds, who are trying their hardest against the other sort of breeder! I have always liked the numerically less common breeds, as it is easier to find out about the breeders from their breed club, and they are more likely to be knowledgeable (crazy) about their breed and usually they are not into exploitation (unless there is a current fashion, like Shar Pei a couple of years ago, and Douge De Bordeux at the mo).

If you have met members of the breed and liked them you are more than likely to be a ble to buy similar, wheras in the popular breeds type and temeperament can vary so widely, as to almost be different breeds, I am talking the pet end of the market here.

I think I have been doing this 'subconciously'. I have looked on Adtrader, Loot etc and I have to say the adverts unerve me deeply (and NO I have NEVER considered purchasing this way). Things that are paramount to me are temperament and health and is so scarey the amount of 'breeders' there are are in the 'numerically common' breeds......so yep I can definately see where you are coming from.....

I saw the Spanish water dog at discover dogs at crufts and I think that is one really great dog, I will be seriously considering one of those in the future. Does anyone know a breeder?
Ted

I too am watching this space.....

I actually meant the Portugese Water Dog, which is different to the Spanish, it looks to me at any rate, a little like an Irish Water spaniel, but with looser curls, and in the showring it has its rear end shaved, reminiscent, and for similar reasons to the poodle. It is I beleive in the Working Group, as its use was for retrieving of nets and fishing equipment I think?

I just do not like shose shaved rears, it just looks stupid to me. I know there is supposed to be a reason for it but I would feel a fool walking along with one of those. Just my opinion, I would feel the same if I had a Shih Tzu, A yorki with a bow or one of those bald Chinese crested specimens.
BUT I do appreciate some of you like them SORRY, its just as well we don't all like the same thing !!(I think I may be trying to get out of a hole I just dug
Ted

My husband feels the same as you but I do love poodles but he wont hear of it. He doesnt mind walking Barney though who looks like a small old eng. sheepdog at the moment. Wonder what would happen if I put a bow in his hair though. LOL Gina :o

Re Portugese Water Dogs;
I was informed that most pet ones just kept their coats trimmed a bit same length all over, I don't like bare bums either, honest I don't :D

I might know a breeder of Spanish Water Dogs !!! I don't if she's any good. She only has a litter once every 2 years or so!! She's tall, slim, beautiful and oh so nice.

Oh well, that's enough about me. But seriously if you ever want any details you can always e-mail me. Terri will also advise you about the breed as she has one from my last litter.

I hope this invitation was extended to me too:D I will be sending you an email.......................

Unfortunately husband has veetoed the poodle.....something about 'men and walking a poodle if I can't........' however have discussed SWD and he is on the very short-list...!

who'll be wearing the pom poms? you or the poodle?! :D

:D LOL, now that would be telling.......go to maintain some kind of mystery you know........

it's the shaving the other bits that worries me!:D god don't we go down hill at this time of night.

I must admit to rather liking the look of the Barbet although I doubt I shall be changing my Labradors at the moment!

Regards, John

May be I'll stick to dredlocks then......

John at the risk of sounding stupid, what is a Barbet........you have permission to laugh at me

reefer its a dog :D

:o Although I kind of thought it might be (and did check on the list on here but didn't see it ) I will invesitage further.......

I always knew it as a bird lol didn't realise they came with four legs n fur!

Skip, some have four legs but some only have two! I was thinking more in terms of the four legged variety

So my working poodle is going to have competition. Damn!

I dont know how many there is in the country, if indeed there's any but a friend is thinking of bringing one in very soon. My shoot is wet enough for a water dog to do well on it!!!!!

Regards John

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/gp.site/album/gal12_gb.htm

French Barbet

Aha thanks Admin it's the French bit that fooled me will take a look:)

Very handsome (the dog that is!) Julie - this one has to be shaved completely when a youngster to make the coat grow thicker:D

Spanish Water Dogs also have to clipped off completely at 4 months to help the coat

The Barbet is similar in looks to a Spanish Water Dog. It is the godfather of nearly all water dogs.