- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Yes!
Crufts
- Thread starter Joy
- Start date
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
How wonderful! What a beautiful dog. Cheers to the 
!!
!!
I just watched the gundog judging and best in show and that flatcoat is absolutely gorgeous.
I find the way some of the toy/smaller dogs are styled for show pretty off-putting because it doesn't really have anything to do with the dogs. I don't know if I'm explaining that very well, but I can't imagine dogs enjoy having hours spent on haircuts and blow-drying. (I'm thinking of that toy poodle here)
I find the way some of the toy/smaller dogs are styled for show pretty off-putting because it doesn't really have anything to do with the dogs. I don't know if I'm explaining that very well, but I can't imagine dogs enjoy having hours spent on haircuts and blow-drying. (I'm thinking of that toy poodle here)
I agree, it seems so Victorian. I find myself imagining them doing the thing they were bred for dressed up in bows and with massive lengths of coat - it feels waaaay over the top. I do like seeing wagging tails on the previously docked breeds though
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
The poodle cut is functional. As a water dog, it is often shaved to help its movement through the water, except for areas that needed to be kept warm.
Yeah. I guess it's the blow-drying and accessories that put me off.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Of course, in the show ring, the styling is often over-exaggerated. But this is a beauty contest, and the same thing happens with all breeds in different ways. It's nowhere near as ridiculous as what you see on the human catwalk 
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Yes, it is. But that Poodle would have sunk if put in the water, the cut was greatly exaggerated and I didn't think it was a beauty contest but a contest of whether the dog was fit for purpose.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Why so? I'm afraid that doesn't stand up to scrutiny if you really think about it. There is nothing to suggest that the dog isn't fit for function.
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
In my holidays from nursing college , I worked at a kennels where they bred poodles and learned to trim them , all three sizes and various colours , I adored the standards . The lion cut was usually reserved for the show dogs and I must admit that I liked to see the lamb cut best of all where the coat was trimmed same short length all over, usually reserved for the pups and youngsters . I do however appreciate the skill of a Lion cut , it isnt easy to do or to keep looking so good 
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I'm not so sure - assumptions all over the shop here, but it looked thoroughly washed and blow-dried which would likely strip it of natural oils to aid buoyancy, so combined with the physical mass of fur it would be like dipping a sheep with a full fleece.
In a 'which floats best' competition, I'd bet on a completely shaved poodle any day of the week. And you can quote me on it!
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
As delightful he was, I didn't think his movement was correct. I could be wrong. I thought a jolly little chap was spoiled by exaggerated grooming.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Right. So. One of the earlier comments (and a frequently seen theme) us about how conformation people are “catty” and “bitchy”. My question is, how is this different? Casting aspersions because you don’t understand and like the accessories or cuts that you see presented? That you say they can’t be fit for function because, on this one day, they’ve been coiffed. Really? Just… really?!?!!
Question: do you ever exercise? Ever take your dogs on a hike? Do you ever go somewhere where you dress differently? I mean, I very very rarely do, but there are times that I go out for dinner or go to a wedding. Or a business meeting. Sometimes, I put on a bit of slap, even. Does getting presentable and in a frock mean that I can’t go for a 30km hike the next day? Of course it bloody doesn’t.
Question: do you ever exercise? Ever take your dogs on a hike? Do you ever go somewhere where you dress differently? I mean, I very very rarely do, but there are times that I go out for dinner or go to a wedding. Or a business meeting. Sometimes, I put on a bit of slap, even. Does getting presentable and in a frock mean that I can’t go for a 30km hike the next day? Of course it bloody doesn’t.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Yes! Also I have to object to 'catty' and 'bitchy'. I have known some lovely cats and all but one of my six dogs have been bitches and had beautiful sweet natures. A different reason for objecting, but still!
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
I think commenting on an exaggerated cut is not being catty or bitching! If you put that poodle into water, the coat would get too wet and be heavy for him to swim. The original poodle cut which was made for ease of swimming has been so exaggerated over the years.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Why would the coat get too wet to swim just because it’s been poofed up with back-combing? And why could it not swim the next day, when it’s not been coiffed the same way?
“Fit for function” is not determined by a hair cut.
“Fit for function” is not determined by a hair cut.
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
If Poodles have a specific cut to help the swimming, then this coat was not correct. The top was too long! We are both coming from opposite positions!
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Well, the judges obviously thought it was and I'd suggest they have a little more breed experience than either of us!
I think we both need to take a moment to appreciate how good life obviously is if this is worth getting one's knickers in a twist over.