(06w49) Public Relations for the breed

[Michael]

OK, this week the topic will be "Public Relations for the breed". Since we all have had various experiences in talking with others about Poodles, this could be a good thread to discuss some of those things. Many of us have had to explain that no...they aren't just show dogs, and that they indeed do have a very long and prestigious history, among many other things. Usually it depends on how responsive the other person(s) is in talking with them, but sometimes we can share a good bit of information about the breed, and other times it seems like it goes over their heads. What types of approaches have seemed to work best for you in discussing the breed with others? Do you find it good to get into historical detail, personality traits, or just basic info? Many members are just pet owners, but we also have some breeders here as well. So, we hope that we can get a real spread on types of discussions and what information you share about the breed with others. Let us know here in this thread. Anything related to discussing the breed and its welfare in public respects is welcome.

[Helen]

I may be just a pet owner.. but I've been a dedicated Standard Poodle owner and fan for the past 14 years.  Since we both work at home and are with our pookids 24 hours a day while having people come to our home 5-6 days a week, we have a lot of opportunity to share our love of poodles with people who have very little exposure to the breed.  Now and then we get someone in who already loves poodles and of course the Standard lovers just go crazy when they meet the kids.

But most people have never met a Standard Poodle.  Usually Chula is the first one they meet, since she hangs out in the living room during work hours.  The first thing they ask is "What kind of dog is THAT?"  When I tell them she's a Standard Poodle, they are amazed and invariably they say, "Really!  I've only ever seen the little ones!"

At this point, I explain that there are three sizes of Poodles and that SPs are the original size.  I explain that they are actually hunting dogs and were used for retrieving birds.  They get all wide-eyed at this.  I go on to explain how the "silly looking" show haircuts have a very distinguished and sensible history.  I explain each part of the cut, and how it worked historically to protect the dog from the cold water, etc.  My audience seems to be fascinated with this. 

Then I tell them about how wonderful poodles are!  I tell them about how neither my husband nor I EVER wanted a poodle, but once we got our first, we won't have any other kind.  I tell them how smart they are, and how funny they are.  The piece de resistance is usually when I point to our dark green velour couch, perfectly clean, and tell them about how Chula LOVES that couch.  But you'd never know it, because... drumroll.. poodles don't shed!     And then we talk about how poodles have hair instead of fur and are fantastic for allergies.   I explain that I had dogs ALL my life, but was always allergic to them.  It wasn't until I had poodles that I finally was able to snuggle and kiss my dogs to my hearts content.

I've really had a great deal of opportunity to share of the wonders of poodles with a lot of people.  I'm so proud of our kids.

[zpoodle]

Good topic.................I have found that most people that contact me do not want to "talk show dogs", they want to disscuss the wonderful family pet that the majority of my puppies become

So with that in mind whether it be Standards or Toys they are asking about we talk really basic info and as most are repeat Poodle owners they know the temperament/personality of the breed, I also like to address various health issues in which ever Variety and always try to get them in some sort of obedience classes.

With all inquiries, each is answered on individual basis, whether it be a pet/companion or show hopeful inquiry.

Lets hear from some others here

Mindy
Zorcon Poodles
Toys and Standards
Visit us at:
http://members.tripod.com/zpoodle/index.html

[zefi]

I love talking about poodles. (no surprise there!). I recently got a call from a man wanting a poodle cause he'd looked after one for a friend once years ago and it stuck in his mind. Now he and his partner are building a house and looking for a dog he immediately thought of a standard poodle. Unfortunately for him I'd already sold my pups but I put him onto a couple of breeders who had litters advertised and he's called me all the way through his search for his puppy. He wants to bring his boy to meet me and my kids when he gets him and wants me to be his groomer. He obviously enjoys talking about poodles too! LOL

I always get a good laugh when I'm talking about the pros and cons of poodle ownership. I always say, 'yeah, they do need grooming... but the time you save from vacuuming is worth it!' LOL More brushing, less vacuuming! A lot of people are actually amazed when they meet sps that they are REAL dogs, with all the instincts of a real dog - they can hunt, they have a prey drive, they are guard dogs, etc. Anyone who might 'poo-poo' the idea of a poodle being a real dog soon changes his/her mind when they meet a standard.

Wow. I just looked outside. There's been a lot of wind today and there are fires burning in the valley and the smoke is blowing all the way up here... there's a haze over the landscape and the smell of smoke in the air. Its meant to be 33 degrees C tomorrow which isnt as hot as on the mainland, but hot enough for me thanks! And with this wind.... I dont like the look of it.

[Helen]

The time you save on vacuuming is worth it!

ooo.. that's a good one!  I'll have to remember that.

Yikes, I hope the fires stay far away from you! 

[Michael]

We'll get a new topic going here shortly, and then get these back to a sunday-sunday routine probably by early Jan. But thought I'd add my thoughts on this topic as well.

A few things I can bring up when talking poodles is from my experience (working and owning) other dogs. I've dealt with most breeds out there, so over the years, could well have chosen *any* breed to own....and yet I own an eskie and a poodle! Go figure. But I usually bring up the personality and wonderful demeanor that poodles tend to have. As someone said in another thread recently, poodles all have their own personalities....no two are really clones of each other. I mention how intelligent they are, available in all the sizes, colours, etc. And that though there is the grooming, they aren't the shedders like lots of people are used to....which also brings up the issue that lots of people with allergies to dogs can easily own poodles. And yes, poodles are *real* dogs....I've seen sissies in lots of breeds, and known lots of really incredible poodles. They really grow on you. Once you get to know poodles, they change your life forever. Anyway...I just talk about different aspects of whatever the discussion seems to cover with whom I'd be talking at the time. There is so much to poodles and so much wonderful, that it's easy to talk about all the great things about them. So, even if I don't "sell" someone on poodles, I can sure give them some good points to keep in mind down the road.

Also...I often bring up that I never thought I'd own a poodle, but after working with toys and minis and getting to a know a number, I knew better. They are truly a wonderful breed, and there's a reason they are so popular. Far from being froo-froo dogs, they have a long and distinguished history, and are wonderful family pets as well as so much more!

Anyway, I mainly just go wherever the conversion goes with someone, but have lots of good things to say about poodles, so make sure I do so!