In another post, we shared the news flash (for some) that Poodles hunt! They are, after all, retrievers. But Poodles can do so much more. Meet “Reigner” owned and trained by Carol Pernicka. We don’t usually mention a dog’s kennel name, but in this case, it’s Exhibit A: Reigner is also known as CT Tudorose Bold Reign VCD3, RE, JH, WCX, HTAD1s). Them’s a lot of titles! Reigner was the first Poodle to have earned the HTAD from the American Herding Breeds Association, and by the way, he was also a Champion Tracker (you see him here rounding up sheep).
The Poodle is a marvelously versatile breed. “Phil” is a Certified Search & Rescue and Narcotics Detection dog, and “Bo,” was a Police Dog who was responsible for the seizure of marijuana, Methamphetamine, cocaine and more than $3 million in cash. His handler, Austin police Detective, Tom Hugonnett, believes Bo’s appearance helped in a lot of those searches. “His ability and his nose to find narcotics has gotten us into places that sometimes we wouldn’t normally have been able to, simply because people don’t expect to see a police dog being a Poodle – an undercover police dog.”
Standard Poodles have been cadaver dogs, Therapy Dogs, Tracking Dogs, competitors in weight pulling, and are one of the top 3 breeds most often used for service work.
Photo shared by Curtisy Briggs
Thanks for getting the word out, they are not just another pretty face, a sissy dog, nor a fragile do nothing dog. I am amazed at the people who say “I didn’t know poodles got that big” Indeed they ARE the breed.
My new poodle is just 8 months but I want to help him train to Service level. He is so intelligent and intuitive. He has always been gentle with our sp needs grandchild even while roughhousing with other males in our extended family.
It’s our pleasure, Marcy! Poodles are wicked smart, but they’ve gotten a false image that we’re happy to help correct.
Not just the standard poodles either. They may not be able to do some of the “work” because of size only but they can still do it!!!!!
Agreed, Teresa, and if you have pictures of the smaller Poodles at work, share!
Poodles can do almost anything except ratting. 2 of my male poodles can actually understand about 350 English words. They are amazing. One has gone blind due to cataracts but gets around fine with his sense of hearing. My dogs love me and I love them. Poodles are so highly underrated as some kind of lap dog….ha ! They are the geniuses of the dog world (and much of the human world).
No argument from us, Phillip! Poodles are truly amazing – and if you have pictures of yours, we’d love to see them!