The Poodle Papers

The Poodle Papers 

Official Quarterly Newsletter of The Poodle Club of America 

Fall 2009 

Congratulations to the First Poodle ever to Qualify 

AT the AKC Master National! 

Bibelot’s Tolka Hands Up MH (Ten), 

co-owned by Jack Combs and 

Mia DiBenedetto and handled by Jack. 

(Bibelot’s Cherod Tinsmith ex Kalchan’s Maggie Of Sforsilken) 

Breeders : Susan Radley Fraser and Debra J Drake. 


Photo by Robert Emerson

Coming Specialties 

P.C.A. AFFILIATE CLUB SHOWS 

* Note this listing comes from Helen Lee James 

December 4, 2009 Poodle Club of Massachuetts 

Designated Classes Ladies Dog Club 

December 4, 2009 Hub Poodle Club 

Breed- Helen Lee (supported Entry) 

December 5, 2009 Hub Poodle Club of Orange County 

Judges- Scott Wolfe 


Judges- Kent Delaney(supported Entry) 


Judges- Bill Cunningham(supported Entry) 

December 11 & 12 09 Poodle Club of Lehigh Valley 

Carol Reisman 

Obed 12/12/09 John D Landis 

Dec 9th Poodle Club of America-Lee Canalizo(SE) 

Dec 10th Poodle Club of America -Sue Ellen Rempel (SE) 

Dec 11th Poodle Club of America- Lydia Coleman 

Hutchinson(SE) 

Dec 12th Poodle Club of America - John Shoemaker(Toys) 

Frank Sabella(M/S) 

2010 

January 8, 2010 San Bernardino Riverside Poodle Club 

William Shelton 

January 21, 2010 Columbia Poodle Club 

Joe Walton 

Chris Primmes Obedience/Rally, 

Sweeps Christie Smith 

February 12, 2010 Poodle Club of Central Indiana 

Rick Weyrich 

Designated classes at Hoosier Kennel Club 

February 21, 2010 Poodle Club of Hawaii 

Andrew Mills 

Obed. Betty Brask 

March 10, 2010. Poodle Club of San Antonio 

Eugene Blake 

Obedience Michael Chestee 

Rally Elizabeth McCarthy 

March 17, 2010, Heart of America Poodle Club, 

Thomas Carneal 

April 2, 2010. Key to the Sea Poodle Club - 

conformation only Dennis Kniola 

April 3, 2010 Key to the Sea Poodle Club 

Sharon Redmer, Breed, Obedience & Rally 

April 10, 2010. Poodle Obedience Training Club of Greater New 

York 

Obed. Betsy Baird and Kathleen Walker 

Rally, Dawn L Martin 

* Note: If your show is not listed, please contact Helen Lee 

James at horselesscarriage8@earthlink.net I list only the 

shows that she sends me the information on. If the listing is 

not complete, please contact Helen Lee. 

Leslie 

Page 2 


May 7, 2010. Panorama Poodle Club of Mt Spokane 

Norman Patton 

Obed Larry Tanner 

May 14, 2010 Enchanted Poodle Club 

AM Show Dr Robert Smith 

PM Show Mrs. Polly Smith 

May 21, 2010 Poodle Club of Central Indiana 

Judges TBA 

May 21, 2010 Mid Michigan Poodle Club 

AM Show Scott Wolfe 

May 21, 2010 Mid Michigan Poodle Club 

PM Show Nancy Hafner 

May 27, 2010 Greater Cincinnati Poodle Club 

AM Show Mrs. M. Aizcorbe 

Obed Mrs DL Allen 

PM Show Luis Aizcorbe (no obedience) 

July 8, 2010 Poodle Club of Southern California 

A.M. show, Clay Williams 

July 8, 2010 Poodle Club of Southern California 

P.M. show, Karen Graham, New Zealand 

Does your Affiliate Club 

take pride in mentoring 

new people to the Breed? 

Let us mentor someone 

new to the Breed today! 

PCA Yahoo Group for Affiliate Clubs: 

Presidents of Affiliate Clubs and Affiliate 

Club Secretaries are asked to sign up for the pcaaffiliateclub 

list o n line on the Yahoo Groups. 

Please take the time to sign on to get fast and 

accurate information about PCA and PCA events for your 

clubs. 

Go to: 

http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=pcaaffiliateclub 

FMI - Contact Helen Lee James 

horselesscarriage8@earthlink.net

Page 3 



Fall 2009 

2008-2010 

Officers & Committees 

President:Jack MacGillivray 

1 st Vice Pres.: Glenna Carlson 

2 nd Vice Pres.Helen Lee James 

Corres. Sec.: Peggy McDill 

poodleclubsecy@aol.com 

Record. Sec.: Joan Scott 

Treasurer: Scott Olund 

Variety Representatives 

Toy:Nancy Hafner 

Mini: Luis Aizcorbe 

Standard.: Michael Wahlig 

Publicity: Joan McFadden 

AKC Delegate: Mary Ellen Fishler 

Show Committee 

Chairperson: Glenna Carlson 

Assistant Chairperson: Arthur Foran 

Performance Events 

Obedience Chairperson-Ann Mandlebaum 

Performance Events Agility Chairperson- 

Debbie West 

WC/WCX Working Certificate Chairperson- 

Joyce Carelli 

Public Education Coordinator 

Nancy Hafner 

Judges Education 

Nancy Hafner 

Affiliate Club Council: 

Hlen Lee James 

PCA Foundation: 

Exec. Director Tom Carneal 

PCA Foundation: 

Coordinator_ Mike Wahlig 

PCA Poodle Rescue Central: 

Sally Poindexter 

poodelclubofamerica@yahoo.com 

Poodles in America: 

Editor:Betsey Leedy 

Breeder Referral: 

Poodleclubofamerica.org 

Connie Green-314-997-2711 

PCA Home Page 

Lisa Wolfe 

pcaupdateinfo@yahoo.com 

www.poodleclubofamerica.org 

PCA Information 

Hal Kinne 

infopoodleclubofamerica@yahoo.com 


Layout & Graphic design 

Editor: Leslie Newing 

Email: lnewing@earthlink.net 

PCA Email list 

pca_on_line@yahoo.com 

President’s Message: 

Hello Friends: 

As this year comes to a close, what a relief to have finished the bylaw amendments and 

have them out for a vote. It was quite a job taking the ideas of many, consolidating the 

most appropriate into proper form, and most tedious of all, getting AKC’s approval before 

submission to the members. Hurrah….done! By the time you read this, the results of the 

vote will probably be known. 

That said, the Club finds itself as busy as ever, ramping up the work level in preparation 

of many upcoming events and projects. 

The 2009 PCA Regional is well into the final stages of readiness thanks to Mary Olund 

and her many volunteers. What a pleasure to delegate an assignment to a volunteer who 

can be counted on to take responsibility and get the job done. We hope you all take a break 

and come to warm Long beach in December! 

Lisa Wolfe continues to make improvements to our Website, and is planning some significant 

design changes in the coming months. We anticipate expanding the use of the Online 

Store to include PIA books, Rescue Donations, Foundation donations and just about all 

other items PCA sells. 

The 2010 National is well under way under the experienced hands of Glenna Carson, her 

assistant Art Foran, and many other volunteers. Now is the time when planning is at its 

peak, and everything is under control and in capable, dedicated hands. 

PIA volume XI has been a stumbling block, due in no fault to its experienced editor, Betsey 

Leedy. We had an unfortunate experience with one of the volunteers which resulted in 

the loss of several of the Standard ads. We have several new recruits to assist in gathering 

missing information and to help bring the volume to completion. The Club appreciates 

your patience and understanding in this unfortunate situation. On the brighter side, accolades 

go to Deb Parisi, who has completely computerized the pedigree section of the book. 

Her program should result in the elimination of misspellings and incorrect names in the 

pedigrees. Volume XI will be out in hard copy no later than the April 2010 show. 

No time is more appropriate than now to again thank the MANY volunteers who keep our 

Club moving and alive. All that we have accomplished, and all we are now, is due to the 

imagination and hard work of dedicated volunteers who donate their limited personal time 

for the betterment of PCA. 

Sincerely, 

Jack MacGillivray 

The Poodle Papers

Page 4 

Roster Update Form 

First Name ______________MI ___Last Name___________________ 

Home Address: 

__________________________City_______________State___ZIP___Work Address: 

__________________________City_______________State___ZIP___ 

Phone: 

H: (__) ___-_______ W: (__) ____-________C: (__)___-_________ 

Fax: (___) _______Email:___________________________________ 

Kennel Name: _________________________________________________________ 

Affiliate Club ______________________ Variety(s) S T M 

Other ____________________________________________________ 

“I prefer to conduct Poodle Club of America, Inc., business by electronic Mail.” 

Signed: ________________________________________________________ 

Return to: 

Peggy A. McDill 

24922 Las Marias Lane 

Mission Viejo, California 92691-5119 


What’s Where 

Page 5 



Fall 2009 

National Specialty 6 

Affiliate Club News 8 

Camp Gone to the Dogs , Joyce Miller 17 

Legg Calve Perthes Disease at Clemson University. 19 

Working Poodle 22 

Choosing an Agility Prospect , Joann Neal 25 

Vaccine for Canine Influenza Virus Expected to Help Prevent Outbreaks, Purina Pro care 27 

P.C.A. Rescue 31 

Meet the Breeds ,Cindy Crawley 32 

P.C.A. Foundation News 34 

In Memoriam 42 

A.K.C. Delegates Corner 46 

New Hope for SA Poodles, Joyce Miller 50 

The AKC Master National, Mia DiBenedetto 54 

PCA is not responsible for any statements or claims 

made by its contributors. PCA reserves the rights 

to edit all copy and make editorial comments where 

necessary and deemed appropriate by the editor. 

PCA reserves the right to refuse items submitted for 

publication. Written permission must be received and 

granted by PCA in order to reprint any editorial material. 

Contributors reserve all rights to their articles 

and permissions must be granted by them for reprint 

purposes. © 2007 Poodle Club of America 

Poodle Papers! 

Deadline for the next newsletter is Feb 15 th. Please 

get your articles to me by that date. Anyone who 

has an interesting topic that they would like to see 

in the newsletter, please feel free to email me at 

lnewing@earthlink.net 

Leslie 

Editor of The Poodle Papers 


Page 6 

National Specialty 

Obedience/Rally at PCA 

in April 

We are making some pretty big changes to our Obedience 

Trial offerings for 2010! Those of you who follow such matters 

have seen a huge drop-off of entries in Obedience Trials 

at all-breed, specialty and stand alone events across the 

country. AKC has begun to respond by broadening its list of 

non-regular classes, some of them now leading to titles, to 

appeal to a wider exhibitor audience. 

PCA plans to take advantage of these changes by offering all 

of the Obedience classes available in the AKC Rule Book 

and encouraging you, the exhibitor, to enter more classes by 

drastically reducing the entry fees for non-regular classes. 

While entry fees for all titling classes remain the same ($35 

first entry/$26 additional entries of the same dog), entries in 

all other offered classes are just $15. In Brace and Team the 

$15 rate is for the entry in its entirety – not for each individual 

dog. This fee also applies to Rally Novice Brace where 

the fee will also be $15 for the Brace, not each dog. 

It is my hope that those of you who have not considered 

making an Obedience or Rally entry will look at the offerings, 

think about your Poodle’s capabilities, enter a class or 

more on Tuesday and start working toward the goal of having 

some fun together at our National Specialty Obedience 

or Rally Trial. 

For those who already plan to enter, think about adding 

one or two of the non-regular classes to your more “serious” 

goals of competing in Novice, Graduate Novice, Open 

Graduate Open, Utility and Versatility or, if you are currently 

working toward Rally titles, how about taking a fling in the 

Obedience rings? – you may find that your training in Rally 

has, indeed, prepared you and your Poodle for Obedience. 

Our judging panel for 2010 is: Susie Osburn and Bernie 

Brown judging Obedience and Marilou McKloskey judging 

Rally 

See you in April, 

Agility News for 2010 

I hope you all have wonderful Holidays full of family, friends 

and of course poodles. They certainly have a way of adding 

something extra special to any occasion. 

For those of us who are unlucky enough to live where it 

will snow soon if not already, we should be thinking of little 

games to play in our homes to add focus and fun to our training. 

Our poodles really get a kick out of new tricks and 

games and even something as simple as a hand touch can be 

turned into a focus game, and then lots of playing. 

Our judge for this upcoming new year is Carol Mount from 

New Jersey. We are also hoping to offer FAST this year as 

and extra class with a special price to help you all come out 

and play. 

Again Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and a safe winter 

season. 

Debbie West 

Theme for 2010 

IT’S MAGIC 

ALBERT EINSTEIN: 

Only a life lived for others is a life 

worthwhile. 

Ann Mandelbaum, Obedience/Rally Chairwoman 


Notes from Glenna: 

It is almost time for the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 

We have many things to be thankful for - our friends, our 

Poodles, our country. Lets all remember how fortunate we 

are and say a special blessing for those who cannot celebrate 

with us. 

NEWS FOR PCA NATIONAL: 

PCA - IT’S MAGIC has been selected as the theme for 

2010. We are as excited about this theme as any we have 

had - think of the decorating ideas - think of the magicians 

- think of a white Toy Poodle being pulled out of a black top 

hat! I can hardly wait! 

Our judges panel is complete! Jack MacGillivray has 

agreed to judge Junior Showmanship. Having PCA’s president 

preside over this event is very special to me and I 

hope is a memory that will be cherished by the participants. 

Thank you, Jack, for joining the judging panel! 

And a name from the past of many of us - David Lewis, Seattle, 

WA,- has agreed to judge Veterans Sweepstakes. David 

successfully handled his own Ch. Oakgrove Heavenly 

Days and other Oakgrove Standards in the 1970’s as well as 

dogs for Frank Fretwell and Susan North. He is currently 

having fun and success with Corgis and Shepherds. It will 

be such fun to see David again and do a bit of reminiscing. 

A wonderful addition for 2010 will be the non-regular 

classes offered in Obedience and Rally - these at a reduced 

entry fee which, hopefully, will be very attractive to exhibitors. 

Ann Mandelbaum, our Obedience Chairman, has her 

own article telling all about the new classes in Obedience 

and Rally. 

Not to be outdone, Agility will offer classes in FAST - these 

are events that are especially fun to watch. 

We continue to be enthused about our new host hotel, the 

Hampton Inn and Suites. It is so nicely appointed and the 

staff is most cooperative. Many other hotels in Salisbury 

are generously giving PCA monitors rooms, and here is one 

of the issues you can help us solve. I cannot have hard 

working PCA members in these monitors rooms if I do 

not know where they are staying. So, please, if you are a 

PCA member with a position during National, please let me 

know where you will be staying so I can have monitors in 

all of the hotels. Thanks so much. 

Page 7 

Please remember: You have received a copy of the by-laws. 

Carefully read the document and have your vote in by the 

required date - December 1, 2009. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Long Beach - and 

Salisbury in April. Hugs to all. 

Glenna Carlson 

1st Vice-President 

National Show Chairman 

•New E mail address for Alice Wolaniuk 

akuinalow@gmail.com 

2010 AKC Canine Health Foundation 

Charity Golf Tournament 

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 

Southern Hills Plantation Club 

4200 Summit View Drive 

Brooksville, Florida 

Beverage Cart Sponsor: 

Wayne and Jean Boyd, Hoover Grove Great Pyrenees 

Hole Sponsors: 

Greater Gainesville Dog Fancier’s Association, Inc. 

Jupiter-Tequesta Dog Club, Inc. 

Scottish Terrier Club of Tampa Bay 

Tampa Bay Chihuahua Club 

Round of Golf and Party: $150 Contribution 

Don’t miss this opportunity to play the only Pete Dye 

Championship course in the Tampa Bay area. 

Party Only: $30 Contribution 

Party includes a buffet dinner. 

2010 Florida Classic Cluster Judges Receive Complimentary 

Party Admission!!! (Judges must RSVP by December 

15, 2009) 

1:00 Shotgun Tournament Start 

5:30 pm After Party Begins 


Notes from Helen Lee James: 

Page 8 

Affiliate Club News 

It has been a full and very busy year. Many of our specialty 

clubs have been hard-pressed to hold quality events and 

carry on the desirable and badly needed programs for their 

members. 

One bit of advice to all of the show chairmen: Monitor your 

contract and relationship with the manager of your show 

site. There have been several instances of clubs believing 

that they had their show site and date cast in stone only to 

find out that there have been changes in management with 

corresponding changes in dates and services. 

Previously I requested ideas from affiliate clubs for moneymaking 

projects to help fund the club’s activities. One of the 

best I received came from Great Lakes Poodle Club sent to 

me. It is printed below. 

We hold an all breed obedience correction match once a year. 

If we can get the training center to rent we may try to do it 

more often.Saturday mornings work best. 

It takes 10 people to run. 

Match Chair/Secretary (handles pre-entries, the entry table 

and money) a Club Member, 3 Judges (Novice, Open & Utility) 

(members & friends),9 Stewards (members & friends) 

(judges and workers run their dogs for free),1 training center 

with equipment to rent (highest cost item),3 rings (Novice, 

Open & Utility) ,Sandwich platter from Subway to feed the 

workers (about $50) Some address size adhesive labels for 

ring numbers Entry forms and pens, 

Small white boards or paper to use as an entry tracking medium 

for the table stewards 

Flyer with entry blank is updated and emailed to a core group 

of exhibitors and distributed at training center 

Judging Begins at 11:30 a.m. (takes about 3.5-4 hours) 

No Walk-Ins after 1:00 p.m. 

Fees: Pre-Entry $7 ($6 for second entry of same dog); Gate 

Entry $8 ($7 for second entry of same dog) 

Classes offered: Novice; Open; Utility 

Enter Early! -- All classes are limited to 30 entries 

Pre-entries are acknowledged and emailed an approximate 

ring time so people come in, run their dogs and leave. 

This helps keep the parking lot and crate area clear 

This is amazingly simple and we would be willing to share 

details and “instructions”. We are always surprised at how 

easy it is and how few of us it takes to earn extra money. 


Our members are required to provide volunteer services 

to the club to qualify for inclusion of the Breeder Referral 

list, annual award plaques and discounts at our annual 

Health Clinic. (info on the Health Clinic to follow in another 

email) 

Profit runs about $300-$400. Entries were down a tiny bit 

this year, but the temperature and humidity were sky high on 

our match date. 

Karen Korab 

Recording Secretary 

Great Lakes Poodle Club of Chicago 

A similar service could be used for a grooming clinic depending 

upon space and the number of instructors available. 

To be successful, all dog clubs should have a budget and be 

run like a business if the needs of our sport and our breeds 

are to be met. 

Please, share your ideas with us and tell us how you have 

solved the problems. 

If you need an overview of the approved future Poodle Specialties, 

go to the PCA website and click on “Affiliate Clubs” 

You can then navigate to a calendar which will list all of the 

approved specialty shows and, where the information has 

been provided, the names of the judges. 

I do my best to keep the current information supplied to Lisa 

Wolfe who has done such a wonderful job updating the calendar 

for us. 

Helen Lee James 

From Great Lakes Poodle Club 

2009-2010 

Officers 

President - Betty Zaraza 

VP - Sharon Freund 

Corresponding Secretary - Carol Cargle 

Recording Secretary - Karen Korab 

Treasurer - Charisse Bruno 

Board of Directors 

Carlos Santos 

Kathy Stefanski 

Jean Eremo 

Larry Page 

Submitted by:Karen Korab 

Great Lakes Poodle Club 

Recording Secretary 

847-671-6499

Page 9 

From : Poodle Club of Tulsa 

Hi Leslie, 

Thought you’d like to see The Poodle Club of Tulsa’s booth at “Woofstock” in Tulsa, OK. “Woofstock” is a celebration 

and showcase for all the rescue clubs in Tulsa where current rescues can be seen and adoption processes started. We’ve 

done rescue now for about 20 years, and average about 50+ poodles a year. 

We’re also taking our “Send In The Clowns” booth idea to AKC’s Canine Experience Day on September 20 in Enid, OK-- 

with a different slant--breed specific education. 

You may use any of these pictures you’d care to--several of them show the other participants’ booths, and the size of the 

gathering. 

Best, 

Mary Yeakey, President, Poodle Club of Tulsa 


Page 10 

Poodle Club of Massachusetts 

Working Certificate/Working Certificate 

Excellent event, 

By Mia DiBenedetto 

provided by our hosts the Kilmartins. Poodle people sure 

know how to eat, there was chicken salad for the non-fish 

eaters, and one of the PCM members made the most amazing 

Poodle-Decorated cup cakes I have ever seen! Lunch 

over, it was on to the Water Series for more. 

The Poodle Club of Massachusetts held its WC/WCX event 

on Saturday September 12, at the home of David and Betsey 

Kilmartin, in Glocester, R.I. 

Rain was the order of the day but the poodles didn’t seem 

to mind the showery weather, and the rain certainly didn’t 

dampen the spirits of the handlers. The weather probably 

kept some of the spectators from coming by but we are in 

New England and have proved over again, we are a hearty 

lot! Competitors came from as far as Ohio and upstate New 

York to run their dogs in an excellent set of tests. 

Land Series 

Water Series 

The Working Certificate water series was very straight forward. 

The first mark was thrown from the shore right to left 

into the corner of the pond. The second mark was thrown left 

to right into open water. 

The Working Certificate Excellent marks were similar with 

greater swimming distance into the water with angle back 

throws. 

Nineteen poodles were entered into the WC/WCX event. Six 

out of 10 poodles passed the WC test and in the WCX, two of 

nine poodles earned Working Certificate Excellent awards. 

Test judges Paul and Mary Rose Brin of Smithfield, R.I. set 

up four very nice series for the poodles. The land series 

for the Working Certificate event was two singles set on the 

side of a hill, with the first mark coming left to right over a 

stone wall, and falling just in the corner of the field along a 

small brook into a change of cover. The second land mark 

came right to left over another stone wall, falling just inside 

the corner of the field into light cover. Dogs ran diagonally 

down the hill to the marks with great enthusiasm. 

There is no question that the award for the “biggest heart,” 

had to go Ready, Watch Me, Pamina, call name Mina, a toy 

poodle owned and handled by Betsey Kilmartin. Weighing 

just 4 pounds, this little dynamo marked both birds easily, 

and put her entire self into her retrieves. Mina managed to 

get the duck (which was twice her size and weight) up the 

hill from the first mark, but came up just short on the second. 

What a gal—she really tried with all her might, but the 

weight and size of the bird proved too much. The applause 

from the gallery was outstanding and well deserved! 

The land series for the Working Certificate Excellent moved 

to a second field, which offered different challenges for the 

more experienced dogs. The first mark was launched from 

the woods over a stone wall. The launcher was completely 

hidden from view offering a very realistic hunting scenario. 

The bird was launched from left to right over a stone wall 

into cover. The second bird came right to left, again over a 

stone wall into cover. The dogs again ran from the top of the 

hill, down into the field below. Each mark had three changes 

of cover to challenge the dogs. 

Land series over, everyone moved to the barn for some much 

welcomed New England Clam Chowder and Clam Cakes 


Qualifiers for the 2009 Poodle Club of Massachusetts WC/WCX 

event. From left to right: 

Handler Pat Rose with Harper & Olivia; Handler Richard A. Callahan 

with Sky; Handler Danielle Rouleau with Wigeon and Ruger; 

Judges Mary Rose & Paul Brin; Handler Jack Combs with 

Ten and Handler Denise Herman with Lucy. 

Entries represented Ohio, New York, Massachusetts and 

Rhode Island.Despite the weather, the enthusiasm supporting 

the poodle as a working retriever was perfect! Many in 

the gallery were first-time viewers to hunting poodles and I 

heard lots of cheering and admiration from all. 

Cont. on page 12

Page 11 

Photos by Luchi Gay & Mia DiBenedetto 

Poodle Club of Massachusetts 2009 


cont. from page 10 

I would like to thank the Poodle Club of Massachusetts, especially 

President Mary Lebet and WC/WCX Show Chairman 

Judy Schwerdt for their continued support of working 

poodles. Our hosts Betsey and David Kilmartin created a 

paradise for us as the test grounds were magnificent! Thanks 

also should be awarded to those participants and guests who 

helped with the set-up and take down of the test. 

WC/WCX Judges Paul and Mary Rose Brin, of New England 

Retrievers, worked tirelessly setting up and preparing 

for the tests. They put the handlers at ease, and worked to 

explain each scenario, giving everyone the benefit of their 

experience with training retrievers. 

Both judges expressed excitement at being a part of the poodles 

‘early’ field work and Hunt Testing in the U.S. and say 

they were thrilled to see so many smiles on so many faces. 

This event showed the diversity of the poodle. The test 

shows the retrieving abilities of the dog and the versatility 

of the breed. 

Thank you to all handlers and their poodles! We hope you 

enjoyed the day. 

Congratulations to the Working Certificate winners: 

JO Whirlwinds Majormajormajor UDX2,OMI, SH, WCX, 

Call Name: Harper, M, Standard 02/02/04, Breeder: Patricia 

Rose, Owner: Patricia Rose , Wadsworth,OH 44281 

CH Poo’Pla’s Lagavulin Sky, Call Name: Sky, M, Standard, 

12/12/2005 , Breeder: Claudia A. Straitiff , Owner: Richard 

A. Callahan, Holden, MA 01520 

When the Gunsmoke Clears, CGC RN, JH, WC,WCX, Call 

Name: Ruger, M, Standard , 2/19/04 Breeder Arlene Mills, 

Owner: Danielle Rouleau & Ross LeBlanc, Athol, MA 

0133 

Napoli Oneacmepoodlekit UDX, WC, Call Name: Olivia, F, 

Standard 02/05/01, Breeder: Judy Burgoyne, Owner: Patricia 

Rose, Wadsworth, OH 44281 

Stoney Brook D.WC, WCX, Call Name: Lucy, F, Standard,10/30/2000, 

Breeder: Sandra Cointreau Levine, Owner: 

Denise Herman, Stanfordville, NY, 12581 

UKC CH Tintlot’s Classic First Stop, CD, RN, CGC,VC, 

WC, Call Name: Wigeon F, Standard, 08/13/05, Breeder: 

Gloria Ogdahl, Owner: Danielle Rouleau , Athol, MA 

01331 

And congratulations to our Working Certificate Excellent 

winners: 

Page 12 

JO Whirlwinds Majormajormajor UDX2,OMI, SH, WCX, 

Call Name: Harper, M, Standard 02/02/04, Breeder: Patricia 


Rose, Owner: Patricia Rose , Wadsworth,OH 44281 

Bibelot’s Tolka Hands Up MH, Call Name: Ten, F, Standard, 

05/06/06, Breeder; Susan Fraser & Deb Drake, Owner: Jack 

Combs & Mia DiBenedetto, Wickford, RI 02852 

2009 ESPN 

Show Dog Championship 

Date Day Time (Eastern) Broadcast Network 

Show 

12/6/09 Sunday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Re-Air ESPN 2 

Oklahoma City 

Date Day Time (Eastern) Network 

Show 

2/6/2010 Saturday 8:00pm - 11:00pm 

APL 

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship 

2/6/2010 Saturday 11:00pm - 2:00am 

APL 


2/7/2010 Sunday 12:00pm - 3:00pm 

APL 


2/13/2010 Saturday 4:00pm - 7:00pm 

APL 


2/18/2010 Thursday 8:00pm - 11:00pm 

APL 


2/18/2010 Thursday 11:00pm - 2:00am 

APL 


2/21/2010 Sunday 3:00pm - 6:00pm 

APL 


3/1/2010 Monday 8:00pm - 11:00pm 

APL 


3/1/2010 Monday 11:00pm - 2:00am 

APL 

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Greater Milwaukee Poodle Club 

Working Certificate and Working 

Certificate Wrap up. 

First off…I want to say THANK YOU to all the folks that 

helped at the GMPC WC/WCX. 

Our tests this year were held at Wern Valley Sportsman’s 

Club, a beautiful shooting preserve in Waukesha WI . The 

club house really added to the event this year and we were 

very thankful for it with the weather we had believe me! 

Page 13 

Shot photos as did John Carelli, (Dee is now calling him 

the Photography god!) and our own Dee Schaal did a good 

job with the “human interest” side for our GMPC website ( 

www.greatermilwaukeepoodleclub.org ) 

We had a nice entry of 17 poodles and 24 runs. There were 

11 WCX entries, and 13 WC entries. 

We had 5 states represented as well, North Carolina , Texas , 

Minnesota , Michigan , and Wisconsin . 

All the dogs entered were standard poodles, as were the set 

up dogs, test dogs and the pick up dogs. 

So we had an all poodle review! 

Pepsi Gilson and Toni Raden… and all the folks that gave all 

the donations of all the food, what can I say…GMPC does 

food great, the layout looked like a smorgasbord! 

The field workers were super! Many had not done this type 

of thing before, and were willing learners, as they had to 

learn how to use a Tangelo Tosser, a type of a sling shot 

device that threw the birds into a nice arc, with the tap of 

a foot, instead of a heave of an arm. The folks in the blinds 

also had to blow a duck call and shoot a blank load from a 

single shot, shot gun. Sounds easy…at times…but for those 

new to the game, it is can be very difficult, and then you have 

to hide behind a blind and not make a sound until the dog 

gets the bird, so as not to distract the dog…and do this in the 

mist/rain and wind… 

LIKE I SAID the workers were super! 

All also seemed to have a good time too, and that is important, 

because camaraderie in the club is what makes this 

event special. Breed, Obedience, Agility, and Field people 

all coming together to play in the mud to help maintain the 

breed’s inborn instincts of a working dog. 

The dogs that ran test were accomplished poodles and each 

was introduced by Bev prior to running their test dog assignment, 

sort of like a “parade of field dogs”. 

The accomplished test dogs were: 

Int CH&UKC CH HRCH UH UCD Call Me Ragtime Charlie 

UD RE MH MX AXJ NAP NJP AAD JHD WCX VCX 

(Charlie) 

owned/handled by Jacquelyn Taylor 

CH Carlyn’s Neon Moon JH WCX (Chip) owned /handled 

by Joyce Carelli 

And Gary Scoval’s two dogs: 

HR Cosmic Mountain Scout SH, WCX ( Scout) 

And HR Cosmic Lakeland’s Le Beau SH, WCX, CGC 

(Beau) 

GMPC has always been supportive of performance programs 

in the breed, and that is so important to maintain an 

all around dog. 

Bev Duerst was our Chief Marshal, Susanne Nash and Ann 

Helm were her assistant Marshal’s and also had a turn in the 

field at the gun stations. 

John Pittman, Jean Lazarus, Rosane Aman, Sally Flunker, 

Andrea Nepras, Lora DeSombre, Karen Slack, Guy Schaal, 

Deb Sadjak were in the field working and my set up guys 

were Pete Radnek, Crazy Mike, and Dennis Slack who 

helped with the setup tear down and field education of the 

workers. I hope the heck to not have forgotten anyone! 

Left to right: Judge Jean Granger, Ed & Melissa Wojciechowski with Kodi 

& Pearl, Cheryl & Antony Newman with Lambeau and Josie, Jaci Bowman 

& Woodie, Libby Erickson & Rider, Lin Gelbman with Tye & Cache, Gary 

Scovel & Callie, Jacquelyn Taylor with Jazz & Pasa, and Judge Doug Kennedy. 

We had 3 photographers too! Alissa from www.Pet-Personalities.com 


Cont. on page 14


Page 14. 

The weather cooperated and waited to down pour, during the 

lunch break when every one was inside, so that worked! 

The misting in the morning gave the feeling of a true hunting 

scenario, the light mist and wind that duck hunters think is 

great, as it gets the birds moving to nicer places, and during 

that time, the hunters hope they pass in front of their guns! 

Then the drying out in the afternoon, again was nice, all in 

the temperatures in the high 60’s, to pushing 70. 

The Judges, Jean Granger, and Doug Kennedy were thoughtful 

and fair with their setups, and their judging. Those that 

didn’t bring home a ribbon that day know what they need 

work on, those that did, should be proud of their ribbon as 

the dogs deserved it. 

The land marks were down a rise, first bird landing in very 

light cover, generally visible from the line, the second bird 

down, was at a 90+ degrees to the right of the first and a 

shorter mark falling into deeper cover, of a hay field that was 

cut 2 weeks ago, of mixed grass and alfalfa with the alfalfa 

having a growth spurt due to the rain we had the last week, 

so it was taller then we needed but the short grass between 

it made the marks 

do-able. 

The same fall areas were used for the WCX and the WC, 

with the line moved up for the WC. 

There was some handling on the marks this year, but the 

dogs that marked well did well, and didn’t need the help. 

The dogs that relied on their noses to the birds had some 

trouble as the wind was in the blowing and swirling mode 

that caused some problems as the weather kept changing 

throughout the morning as the front moved through, which 

did change the test from what was originally set up…Mother 

Nature likes to do that sometimes and I guess that is why 

these things are called TESTS! 

We also had a bunch of barn swallows that were diving for 

bugs, that did distract a few dogs marking as well. 

The water marks were in a pond with several cuts into the 

banks, first bird being launched off from the left, second 

from a point to the right. The handler stood in an opening 

between some trees that prevented the dog cheating the bank 

and gave the marks a picture window effect, most of the dogs 

were successful on these marks, and it was all pretty much 

swimming water to and from the marks. 

After the tests were done we returned to the clubhouse for 

the ribbon ceremony with rosettes, duck bands and this 

year, I did some congratulatory certificates for the dogs that 

passed. We have been doing this for the new title winners 

at the GMPC Specialty and All Breed Obedience and Rally 

trial we host in June and they are well received, and use them 


for our Parade of Champions at our Spring Specialty ( did I 

mention we are a busy club) so I thought why not here! 

After that we gathered with the qualifying dogs for a photo, 

and the 5th GMPC WC WCX was history… 

BUT the hunting poodle weekend was not done yet! 

Two of the handlers headed back to Minnesota, one to judge 

a hunt test, and the other to run in one on the next day…the 

rest went to the Badger State and WisIll Hunting Retriever 

Test at the Bong Rec Area, and many came home with passes 

and titles in all 3 levels of testing there…the Poodles outnumbered 

the Chesapeakes and Flat Coats at this weekends 

tests, and mostly because of the GMPC WC/WCX bringing 

them into the area on Friday a win win for all! 

Now for the nitty gritty… 

WCX Passes: 7 passed out of 11 

HRCH Ben-Cher’s Kodiak Brown Bear SH WCX (Kodi): 

Ed Wojciechowski 

CH Lemerle Silk Cashmere JH WCX(Cache) Lin Gelbman 

Tudorose Lambeau WCX (Lambeau) Antony Neuman 

Int&UKC CH HR Osea Que Pasa CD RE SH NAJ HCT 

WCX(Pasa)Jacquelyn Taylor 

SHR Ben-Cher’s Proverbial Pearl JH WCX (Pearl ) Melissa 

Wojciechowski 

Tudorose Great Anna Stuart(Josie) Antony Newman 

Tudorose Blk Forest Calla Lily WC CGC( Callie) Gary 

Scovel 

WC Passes: 8 passed out of 13 

Tudorose Lambeau WCX (Lambeau) Antony Neuman 

CH Lemerle Silk Cashmere JH WCX (Cache) Lin Gelbman 

SHR Texas Rock’n Jazztime (Jazz)CD,RE,JH,MX,MXJ,AD 

,AJ,PJ3,PS2,PK2, WCX (Jaz) Jacquelyn Taylor 

Tudorose Great Anna Stuart(Josie) Antony Newman 

CH Lemerle Silk Tie (Tye) PP11734303 Lin Gelbman 

Int&UKC CH HR Osea Que Pasa CD RE SH NAJ HCT 

WCX (Pasa) Jacquelyn Taylor 

Cont. on page 15


Swags Runs Smooth As Silk CDX RN JH(Rider) Lizabeth Erickson 

CH UAgl Autumn Hill Oakwind Express RN NA NAJ FN AD SJ SG SS WC (Woodie) Jaci Bowman 

JACI BOWMAN 

GMPC 2009 

WC/WCX Coordinator and Secretary 

Page 15 

Judge to the left, Jean granger, to the right Doug Kennedy, Handler Jacquelyn 

Taylor, dog is Int&UKC CH HRCH Osea Que Pasa CD RE SH NAJ HCT 

WCX. 

Antony Neuman and Tudorose Lambeau WCX. 


L-R Pete Radnek (set up) Susanne Nash ( asst. marshal) 

Jean Granger (judge) Doug Kennedy(judge) 

Pepsi Gilson ( Chair) Gary Scoval, Jaci Bowman 

(secy) Joyce Carelli ( behind Jaci, you can see her 

head sort of LOL) and Helen Scoval...

From : Poodle Club of Central California 

‘Grooming for Beginners’ 

Page 16 


the San Francisco Bay Area as 

there is obviously a need for 

this information. 

There is a possibility that it 

may be offered at a grooming 

shop so an actual bath can be 

demonstrated. 

We recommend that 

other affiliate clubs consider 

this type of outreach to the 

public as a way to share our 

expertise and improve public 

opinions about us and our 

sport. 

Sally Vilas, President 

Poodle Club of Central California 

Poodle Club of Central California offered this grooming 

seminar in August, aimed at not just Poodle owners, but 

owners of any dog. This public education/outreach program 

was a demonstration-only 

seminar. 

Second Vice 

President Cheryl 

Braswell and De- 

Witt Bolden (much 

appreciated volunteer) 

demonstrated 

the basics needed 

for all owners to 

be able to groom 

their pets, whether 

pure bred or mixed 

breed. The dogs 

used for their demonstrations 

were 

Miniature Poodles 

and a Shih Tzu in 

pet trim, and as expected, these had outgoing personalities. 

With two grooming tables set up, these experts 

showed types of equipment and demonstrated how and when 

to use each. They offered 

suggestions for safe surfaces 

that would work 

for home grooming when 

the owner does not want 

to invest in a grooming 

table. Basic tips for care 

of nails, ears, and teeth, 

which are so important 

for the health and hygiene 

of our dogs, were carefully 

explained. 

Although no dog was actually 

bathed, Cheryl and DeWitt had 

a large bucket filled with products 

and supplies, and the purpose of 

each was discussed. Several types 

of hair dryers were demonstrated. 

Participants received a written 

overview of the information covered 

in the seminar plus a list of 

supplies and sources. All attendees 

expressed appreciation for the very 

practical presentation and the question 

and answer closure. 

Our Miniature 

Representative, Kathy 

Poe, Chairperson, 

was an equal partner 

in all of the planning 

for this club event but 

was unable to actually 

be a presenter due to a 

new litter. 

This event will be 

listed as part of our 

AKC ‘compliance’ 

requirements for approval 

of the 2010 

specialties, but the intent 

is to offer it again, 

in a different area of

Page 17 

Happy Campers 

By Joyce Miller 

Photos by Steve Surfman 

The 22 Poodle Campers that attended the Fall II session of Camp Gone to the Dogs take time 

out of their busy schedule to pose for a group shot. 

Of the 135 dogs that attended the Fall II session 

of Camp Gone to the Dogs in September 2009 

at Stowe, Vermont, there were 22 Poodles, the 

largest group of the 37 breeds represented. 

This camp is perfect for the versatile Poodle, 

with classes in all levels of agility, CGC preparation, 

competition obedience, doggie square 

dancing, flyball, freestyle dancing, jump chute, 

K9 disc, lure coursing, rally, recall, tracking, 

and tricks and games. The June Camp (AKA 

“The Big Camp”) in Marlboro, Vermont, adds 

dock diving, herding, hunting, and swimming 

to the schedule. 


cont. on page 18

Page 18 

Poodle Campers that attended 

the Fall II session of 

Camp Gone to the Dogs 2009 


Page 19 

•Following is information on a study for Legg Calve Perthes Disease at Clemson University. Many people over 

the years have asked if there was a study for this.Please take the time to contact Alison Starr if you can help 

her with this study. I hope many Poodle Breeders will help in this study. Leslie 


Page20 

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Study at Clemson University 

Alison N. Starr, Ph.D. 

Research Assistant Professor 

Clemson University 

51 New Cherry St; 319 BRC 

office: 864.656.0191 

fax: 864.656.0393 


Page 21 


Page 22 

Working Poodle 

PCA April 2010 

“Want to see if your Poodle has instinct for retrieving? Check out the WC WCX Premium for 

more info. on how you can participate in an informal fun session conducted by the Working 

Poodle Committee at PCA 2010? “ 

PCA will be conducting an informal Field Aptitude Evaluation for anyone who wants to participate 

during the WC/WCX test day in April. There will be a separate one page “flyer” included 

with the PLs. No need to sign up in advance - bring your poodle (any size) and sign up the morning 

of the WC/WCX. We’ll explain the rules for WC/WCX, work with each dog (and owner) to 

see if they have the instincts and aptitude for field work. I know lots of folks are curious -- here’s 

the opportunity in an informal setting to see what their poodle will do with toys/bumpers/birds. 

Should be a fun experience! 

Joyce Carelli 

For more information: 

“If you are interested in learning more about 

Tracking or how to get started in Tracking, 

contact Carol Pernicka at tracker@lpbroadband.net” 

“The rules and guidelines for participating 

in the WC WCX can be found on the PCA 

website. If you are interested in learning 

more about the WC WCX or starting basic 

retriever training, please contact Joyce 

Carelli at jcarelli@bellsouth.net or Linda 

Miller at rmiller942@comcast.net” 

THANKS EVERYONE. 

Claudia 

cstraitiff00@bellsouth.net 

*photo by Jon Carelli 


PCA Specialty 2010 “OUT- 

DOOR EVENTS” Update 

Submitted by Claudia Straitiff 

Tracking and Hunting events just can’t be held indoors – 

so our team looks forward to good weather in April 2010! 

Please note that the AKC corresponding calendar week for 

PCA is one week later this year – and that means seven days 

closer to the sun! 

We are always looking for volunteer help at these events. If 

Page 23 

If you have been waiting to make the draw for a TD or TDX 

in your local area to no avail, we encourage you to enter at 

PCA as it is for Poodles only. [In the event that the number 

of entries exceeds the test limits, a random draw will be held 

on April 8 to determine test participants]. If one part of the 

test (TD or TDX) doesn’t fill and there are alternates for the 

other, tests may be substituted on a 2 (TD) for 1 (TDX) basis. 

The Tracking Tests will be held at the Fairhill Natural Resource 

Management Area, Parking Lot #3 in Elkton, MD. 

The test site is about two hours (for those of us who drive 

faster ~ a little shorter) north from Salisbury. Joan Scott, 

PCA Board Member is the Chair for the event this year and 

Joyce Lindloff is the Chief Track Layer. Carol Stone is the 

Tracking Test Secretary. 

you would like to help out at Tracking, the Hunt tests or the 

WC WCX tests, please contact the chairmen or secretaries of 

the events for more information. More information will be 

available in the Premiums. 

To our already existing committees and volunteers AS AL- 

WAYS we thank you for supporting our and our Poodles’ 

passion – playing outdoors! 

Last year was the first year that the PCA Tracking Test was 

offered and the response by exhibitors and the gallery was 

enthusiastic. Having held our first test, we are now able to 

offer the next level of difficulty for trackers which demands 

more advanced nose work by the Poodles. We know that 

many tracking Poodles are working hard to get certified so 

that they can enter the event and we’re looking forward to 

watching them follow their noses to the glove at PCA! 

For those that would like to come watch these marvelous 

Poodles of all sizes, we offer transportation from the main 

site to the tracking areas – and there are folks all around to 

explain the event. 

POODLES’ NOSES 

TO THE GROUND AT 

PCA TRACKING DOG 

TEST! 

It is “eight days of play” 

at PCA beginning with 

Tracking on Friday, 

April 23, 2010 in Elkton, 

MD. This year we will 

be adding Tracking Dog 

Excellent (TDX) events 

to our test in addition to 

the Tracking Dog (TD) 

events. The test will be 

limited to Poodles only. 

There will be 6 TD Tracks 

and 3 TDX tracks. 


If you’d like to volunteer to be a Tracklayer, (you’ll be needed 

both Thursday AND Friday), please contact Joyce Lindcont. 

on page 24

Page 24 


loff, Chief Track Layers at fleetwood12@verizon.net. You 

can get more information regarding 

test details by contacting Test Secretary, 

Carol Stone at shwartzpudel@ 

hughs.net. 

HUNT UP SOME FUN AT PCA 

HUNTING RETRIEVER AND WC 

WCX TESTS 

The AKC Hunting Retriever Test and 

the PCA sponsored Working Certificate 

(WC) and Working Certificate 

Excellent (WCX) events will return 

to Salisbury, MD on Saturday April 

24 and Sunday, April 25, 2010. Anatidae 

Farm, the location for the events, 

enables easier access to test spectators 

and participants as well as convenient 

parking for all. 

This is a very special site and we are pleased to be invited 

back by Frank and Teri Durham who own Anatidae Farm. 

The Farm is conveniently located a mere 20 to 25 minutes 

driving time from downtown Salisbury. Directions and times 

of the events can be found in the Premium 

lists – but the events go all morning and 

usually end in the mid afternoon – so come 

on out and join us to see Poodles perform 

one of their historical tasks – bringing back 

the ducks for their owners. 

The judges, Dave and Peggy Bauman, are 

already expressing their excitement at being 

asked to judge the Poodles. Dave and 

Peggy are committed to making this an extra 

special weekend for everyone involved 

and want new and experienced handlers 

alike to enjoy the experience. 

The AKC Hunting Retriever Tests will be 

held on Saturday and will feature Poodle 

exhibitors in the Junior, Senior and Master 

Hunter venues. Our new format enables 

a first time participant or spectator to understand 

the progression of skills needed to 

achieve these AKC titles. The tests will begin with the land 

elements of the Junior Hunter stake and will proceed to Senior 

and Master levels. After land elements are completed, 

the participants move to the water elements of the same 

stakes in the same order. 

Certificate (WC) and Working Certificate Excellent (WCX) 

tests. These tests are sponsored specifically by the Poodle 

Club of America and generally are a lot of fun for everyone 

involved. 

Poodles retrieve ducks on both 

land and water – strutting their 

stuff and proud to be part of the 

day. They just love when you 

come out to cheer them on – so 

join us rain or shine at the Anatidae 

Farm. 

Wondering what retrieving is all 

about? In case you get the bug 

to test your dogs skills at retrieving, 

on Sunday at the WC WCX 

test site we’re planning an informal 

opportunity for folks to see 

if their Poodles have the instinct 

for birds and retrieving. The WC 

WCX Premium list will carry 

more detail about the opportunity. 

We hope you can come! 

Contact Joyce Carelli (WC WCX Chairman) at jcarelli@ 

bellsouth.net, Linda Miller (Hunt Test Chairman) at rmiller942@comcast.net, 

or Claudia Straitiff/Dana Stewart (Program 

Directors) at cstraitiff@mail.com for more information. 

On Sunday – more Poodles – participate in the Working 


* Photos by Steve Surfman

CHOOSING AN AGILITY 

PROSPECT 

Poodle breeders and owners are fond of saying that their 

puppies or dogs would make great agility dogs. For breeders 

who have never trained and campaigned an agility dog, 

“great agility prospect” can be translated into “not show 

quality.” For the poodle owner who has not trained an agility 

dog, “he’d be great at agility” means the dog jumps on and 

off the furniture and on guests with enthusiasm. Although 

either of these might well be a great agility dog, the real criteria 

in judging a prospect comes down to mental and physical 

soundness and that quality we call “drive.” 

Starting with physical soundness, obvious requirements are 

good hips and knees. In the adult dog, hips should be x-rayed 

and examined by a professional to rule out hip dysplasia. If 

buying a miniature or standard puppy, buying from a breeder 

who OFA’s their breeding stock increases the chances of getting 

good hips in the offspring. Especially in toy and miniature 

poodles, luxating patellas are common. Knees should 

be nice and tight, with no squishy popping sounds when the 

joint is manipulated. Severely bad knees can even be diagnosed 

in puppies by a knowledgeable veterinarian. If starting 

with an adult dog, having hips and knees checked before 

starting agility training can keep a trainer from wasting time 

with a dog that may not be able to hold up to the rigors of 

jumping. 

Although many dogs which compete successfully in agility 

do not have the soundest builds, agility trainers should have 

some knowledge of desirable conformation. “Good angles” 

in the shoulder and rear end are important. This refers to the 

angles made by the leg bones when viewed from the side. 

Front legs should come out from under the dog at the deepest 

part of his chest, and not appear to come out from under the 

chin, when viewed from the side. The shoulder blades should 

lay back into the back, and not be angled up into the neck. 

Angulation in the rear ideally should be adequate without 

being over-done, as is often seen in standard and toy poodles 

in the breed ring. Dogs whose hocks extend in an exaggerated 

way well beyond their rumps, when viewed from the 

side, and those with “sickle hocks” (many dogs have both) 

are generally weaker in the rear, and don’t have the fast acceleration 

and quickness in maneuvering that make for great 

agility dogs. Ideally, the rear pastern should be perpendicular 

to the ground when the dog stands naturally (un-posed). 

In a dog with “sickle hocks,” this bone is angled under the 

dog when he stands naturally. 

Page 25 

A nice long stride, and not short choppy movement, will 

make the dog more efficient with his movement. Some have 


described good movement in a dog by saying that you could 

“set a glass of water on his back” when the dog trots, and 

not spill any. This indicates good “shock absorbers,” which 

good angles provide. Some dogs, due to their short stride, 

give the impression of moving very fast because there is a lot 

of activity when they run, but they are deceptively slow. 

Excessive width between the front legs and “pigeon toes” 

(feet turned in) are particularly undesirable traits, and are 

“widely” seen in toy and miniature poodles in the breed ring. 

Wide elbows are easily felt by running the hands, perpendicular 

to the ground, down the sides of the dog’s shoulders. 

Elbows shouldn’t be felt when doing this. Wide fronts often 

translate into shoulder strains and soreness in the agility dog, 

as the shoulders get quite a pounding in agility. In moderation, 

narrowness between the front legs, some “easty-westy” 

(toes pointing away from each other) in the front or rear legs, 

and “cow hocks” (the hock joints close to each other) are not 

in and of themselves bad traits for an agility dog. They generally 

make the dog quicker in direction changes, not only in 

running courses, but in doing weave poles. 

The agility prospect should be able to see well. While a 

veterinary ophthalmologist can determine if a dog is blind, 

or has some progressive eye disease such as cataracts or progressive 

retinal atrophy, he cannot determine if a dog has 

good eyesight. Conditions that can be diagnosed and corrected 

in humans, such as near- and far-sightedness, cannot 

be diagnosed in a dog, but they definitely exist. These conditions 

are one of the leading causes of stutter-stepping, or 

taking off too soon or too late when jumping. The dog can 

see the obstacle, but just can’t determine exactly how far he 

is from it, leading to lack of confidence in his take-off point. 

Many act a bit frantic in their jumping. These dogs may 

compensate by jumping higher in order to clear the jump, 

but they lose time doing this, and it puts more strain on their 

bodies over time. Faulty depth perception can sometimes 

be observed in puppies—they jump up on a step and miss 

and hit their chins, or take a big leap to jump over a door 

facing, and land on it instead. Puppies are clumsy, and one 

incident shouldn’t lead to a diagnosis, but I’ve had a couple 

of toy poodles with this problem, and this behavior could be 

observed at an early age. 

Another trait I like in an agility dog is physical sensitivity. 

In puppies, this can be determined by pinching the skin between 

the toes or the ear flap with finger nails, and seeing 

if the puppy jerks the foot or head away or cries out. Some 

dogs are notoriously “tough.” This can play out in a dog 

that doesn’t mind knocking bars down and perhaps bailing 

off the highest obstacles—he doesn’t feel it or doesn’t care. 

They can also be insensitive to correction, which means the 

trainer has to work a lot harder for the same results. 

cont. on page 26


As far as being good at agility, it doesn’t matter a great deal 

whether the dog has an out-going personality or not. So long 

as the dog is not overly fearful of, or aggressive towards, 

people or other dogs, the good agility dog usually gets excited 

about doing agility and eventually starts ignoring everything 

but the obstacles and his handler. I prefer a friendly 

dog just because that is the type of dog I like to live with, 

but a dog that is reserved with strangers and doesn’t care 

for other dogs can do just as well. I would certainly avoid 

a psycho dog that is disabled by fear or aggression towards 

people or dogs, but a reserved dog that simply does not care 

for anyone but its own family can do fine. Dogs that are 

extremely fearful of loud sounds will have a harder time at 

agility. The teeter IS going to bang, the PA system is going 

to crackle, dogs are going to bark, and people will holler at 

agility trials. But many sound-sensitive dogs are very good 

at agility—they get excited enough about it to tune out the 

noise. A side note about sound-sensitive dogs: they never 

seem to mind their OWN barking!! 

On a doggy personality scale of very needy to extremely independent, 

I would err on the side of needy. It is harder to 

get the independent ones to pay attention and respond to the 

handler’s directions. The independent ones tend to want to 

make up their own course, go investigating sights and smells, 

or just leave the ring if it suits their fancy. When looking at 

a litter or assessing an adult prospect, the needy ones follow 

a person around and seek attention. The independent 

ones usually wander off to investigate their surroundings. I 

like boldness (meaning not wimpy—a dog with courage), as 

they are less tentative when doing contact equipment, and 

are more forgiving of correction and our blunders as agility 

trainers/handlers. However, boldness has its drawbacks. 

These dogs are equally happy jumping off the top of the A- 

frame and forgetting to wait for the teeter to go down before 

leaving, so training and maintaining contact criteria is harder 

in the bold dog. 

Page 26 

The last factor that a great agility dog has is an intangible 

quality we call “drive.” It is “the need for speed.” It is 

that quality that causes a dog to give its all—100% all the 

time. It might be the most important quality, and the hardest 

to identify in a prospect. The opposites of “drive” are laziness, 

lethargy, or being laid-back. Great drive can make up 

for deficiencies in build and general temperament. When I 

have a litter of puppies, I watch for certain behaviors that 

will give me a clue as to a dog’s drive. The puppy that is in 

the biggest hurry to go outside or come in might have drive 

(or it might just be very dominant!) I stage “puppy races” 

where I have the litter with me at one end of the yard, then 

I “dash” (those who know me must take this with a grain 

of salt) to the other end of the yard, and see which one gets 


to me first. The puppy that is not interested in playing the 

game, or is fastest getting AWAY from me, is not the one I 

want!!! That puppy would be too independent to suit me. 

The fastest puppy in the litter may not be the best agility dog. 

The fastest puppy which uses his speed to cooperate with me 

is the one I want. Prey drive is an integral part of the drive 

we want in agility. I roll a toy out in front of the puppy, or 

drag a toy on a rope around for the puppy to see. The puppy 

I want races after it and pounces on it, and it’s icing on the 

cake if he heads back my way with it. I don’t want the one 

that saunters over to check it out. I want a puppy or dog that 

can be enticed to play tug-of-war. Being able to use toys as 

“targets” in training is valuable, as is being able to dissipate 

stress, rev the dog up, or reward the dog with toy-retrieving 

and tugging. Dogs that run back to the handler to grab a toy 

and tug ARE running back to the handler—a much-needed 

skill! That being said, a great agility dog doesn’t need to be 

“revved up.” They blast off the start line because they love 

to go, go, GO! 

Agility as a sport encompasses a wide variety of skill levels, 

both in the dogs and in the handlers, and can be enjoyed 

by serious competitors as well as weekend “duffers.” Many 

dogs which will never be “great” at agility nevertheless benefit 

from it. Many dogs gain confidence when given an active 

job, and it is great exercise for both dogs and people. 

The social aspect of meeting friends for training or for an 

agility weekend is incentive enough for many people to be 

fans of the sport. So, this article on choosing an agility dog 

is not meant to dissuade anyone from giving agility a try, 

but might help breeders selling dogs to agility trainers, and 

trainers looking to “upgrade” their agility experience with a 

more competitive dog. 

Joann Neal 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: 

And in the end, it’s not the years in 

your life that count. It’s the life in 

your years.

Page 27 

Vaccine for Canine Influenza 

Virus Expected to 

Help Prevent Outbreaks 

“Dukes Up,” a young black-and-white Greyhound, was on 

track to becoming a racing champion in April 2005, when a 

sudden, terrifying outbreak of canine influenza struck Dairyland 

Greyhound Park in Kenosha, Wis., where Duke lived. 

Over a two-week period, 1,200 dogs at Dairyland were exposed 

to this highly contagious virus. 

“First, two Greyhounds started coughing,” says Jenifer 

Barker, D.V.M., senior state veterinarian for the Wisconsin 

Division of Gaming. “The coughing gradually went through 

all the kennel buildings. For the majority of dogs, a cough 

was their only clinical sign. However, of the 950 dogs with 

an active cough, 27 developed high fever or pneumonia.” 

Duke was one of the dogs with pneumonia. His cough became 

moist and congested, and was accompanied by 106- 

degree fever. Duke developed a bloody nasal discharge, and 

after being treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic and intravenous 

fluids, he improved within 24 hours. 

“I didn’t think he was going to make it,” Barker says. “Dogs 

in other locations that had acquired severe secondary infections 

with the influenza usually died within 24 hours from 

hemorrhagic pneumonia and septic shock.” 

Duke, along with all the dogs at Dairyland, did pull through. 

In 2008, he retired from a racing career and was the last “influenza 

dog” at the race track to be adopted into a home. 

Linda Cliffel, the intake coordinator at Greyhounds Only 

Inc. in southeastern Wisconsin, coordinated Duke’s adoption. 

“Duke never had any lingering damage,” she says. 

“You would never have known that he was so sick.“ 

Discovering CIV 

The canine influenza virus (CIV) was discovered in the United 

States in 2004. A new preventive vaccine for CIV, developed 

by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, became 

available last June. It is expected to help control outbreaks. 

Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., clinical assistant professor 

of shelter medicine at the University of Florida College of 

Veterinary Medicine, had been tracking severe respiratory 

outbreaks at Greyhound racetracks throughout the country. 

“We had our first real occurrence in Jacksonville, Florida, in 

January 2004,” says Crawford. “This was our opportunity to 

dissect what was going on with these mysterious respiratory 

outbreaks.” 


Eight of the 23 dogs monitored by Crawford in Jacksonville 

died. Crawford’s team collected samples from the infected 

dogs and consulted with Edward J. Dubovi, Ph.D., professor 

of virology at Cornell University College of Veterinary 

Medicine. 

Dubovi’s team isolated a virus in the collected samples that 

was new to dogs. Dubovi and Crawford worked closely with 

experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

(CDC) in determining that the Jacksonville dogs were 

afflicted with canine influenza, a type A influenza, subtype 

H3N8 virus. 

The CDC performed the molecular characterization of the 

influenza virus from the sick racing greyhounds. The molecular 

analysis revealed that the virus had evolved from the 

equine influenza virus. 

“The discovery was novel because this is one of the rare examples 

of the transfer of an entire influenza virus from its 

natural host, the horse, to another host, the dog,” explains 

Crawford. “The final blow was that this virus was easily 

transmitted among dogs. It had adapted over time so that it 

no longer needed the original host to spread.” 

Crawford and Dubovi initially felt that the virus was unique 

to the racing Greyhound population. However, ongoing surveillance 

identified thousands of non-Greyhound dogs with 

CIV in 30 states and the District of Columbia. 

The virus isn’t breed- or age-specific, but “setting specific,” 

in that it impacts dogs that live or work in close proximity 

to large numbers of dogs, Crawford says. Examples are 

dogs living in shelters, boarding and training kennels, or pet 

shops, or those that frequent grooming salons or day care 

centers. 

CIV infections have been documented in thousands of dogs, 

and Dubovi and Crawford are concerned that the virus could 

become pandemic. “We’re dealing with a virus that has 

adapted to dogs through a series of mutations,” Dubovi says. 

“If the virus continues to circulate in dogs unchecked, it’s 

like trying to predict pandemic flu. The possibility exists that 

the virus will become more adapted to dogs. Consequently, 

the virus could spread even more frequently than it does currently.” 

Canine influenza virus is considered an emerging disease, 

making dogs of any breed, age or vaccination status susceptible 

to infection due to a lack of pre-existing immunity. The 

virus has an incubation period of two to four days before 

clinical signs appear but is highly contagious before signs 

cont. on page 28


appear. The peak shedding period, when dogs transmit the 

virus, is from day two to four, though viral shedding may 

continue for up to 10 days. 

CIV is spread by aerosolization of respiratory secretions, or 

by its hallmark cough. It also can be spread by direct contact 

with infected dogs or contaminated inanimate objects. 

Though there is no evidence of transmission of the virus 

from dogs to humans, dogs can become infected by people 

moving among infected and uninfected dogs without proper 

precautions. 

For many years, CIV was confused with Bordetella bronchiseptica, 

more commonly known as kennel cough. Kennel 

cough was a natural diagnosis, given the explosive onset 

of the coughing signs within a short period. According to 

Crawford, about 80 percent of influenza-infected dogs have 

clinical disease, and 20 percent are subclinically infected. 

Exposed dogs must be considered an infectious risk, regardless 

whether they show signs of respiratory infection. 

The cough is usually not the dry cough associated with Bordetella. 

Dogs infected with CIV typically develop a moist, 

congested cough that can last from 10 to 30 days. 

“In most dogs, the clinical signs are relatively mild,” says 

Lesley King, director of the intensive care unit at the University 

of Pennsylvania Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 

“If the virus primarily attacks the upper respiratory tract, 

most dogs will simply develop a nasty cough that can go on 

a few weeks and then gradually clear up. However, in the 

ICU, we see a subset of dogs that develop pneumonia caused 

by severe viral infection of the lungs, often with secondary 

bacterial infections.” 

Ten to 20 percent of dogs, regardless of breed, age or health 

status, may develop secondary pneumonia, Crawford says. 

These dogs usually require hospitalization. Overall, the mortality 

rate for canine influenza is less than 8 percent; however, 

in dogs with pneumonia, some studies have indicated it 

is as high as 44 percent. 

Page 28 

The best approach for diagnosis of canine influenza is collection 

of nasal swabs and serum samples, similar to those 

gathered by Crawford in Florida. The swabs are used for 

detection of virus in acutely infected dogs, and the serum 

samples are used for detection of CIV-specific antibodies 

as a confirmatory test. Swabs should be collected from the 

nose and throat of dogs with clinical signs for one to three 

days to coincide with peak virus shedding. Positive results 

are most likely correct, but negative results may be falsely 

negative due to critical timing of swab collection with peak 

virus shedding. 

No specific treatment exists for dogs infected with canine 

influenza virus. The American Veterinary Medical Association 

recommends treatment that is largely supportive. 

Conscientious animal care and nutrition help dogs build an 

effective immune response. The nasal discharge, which most 

likely represents a secondary bacterial infection, is quite often 

treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic. In the more severe 

form of the disease, pneumonia usually responds best 

to hydration via intravenous fluids and a broad spectrum antibiotic. 

CIV has proved to be highly contagious, so all dogs thought 

to be infected or exposed to the virus should be quarantined 

from other dogs. “Infected dogs are contagious for up to 10 

days, so a 14-day quarantine counting from the first day of 

New Poodle Judges 

Mr. Wayne Harmon-Minneapolis, MN 

Mrs. Marilyn Dromgoole-Berkeley, CA 

Mrs. Cindy /Vogels-Greenwood Village, CO 

Ms Susie Osburn- Las Vegas, NV 

Mrs. Anne Savory Bolus- Apison,TN 

New Preventive CIV Vaccine 

Unfortunately, CIV cannot be distinguished from other canine 

respiratory diseases based on clinical signs alone. “The 

most important part of the diagnosis process is going to be 

a health history,” says King. “Is this a dog that has been exposed 

to CIV by being boarded at a kennel or placed in a 

shelter? The majority of animals that I have seen with canine 

influenza have a history compatible with potential exposure.” 

Mr. Carl Yochum-Memphis, TN 

cont. on page 29 



clinical signs should be sufficient,” says Crawford. 

Page 29 

A preventive vaccine for canine influenza virus, made from 

the inactivated virus, was released last June. The vaccine 

will aid in the control of canine influenza virus infection, 

type A, subtype H3N8. 

Studies conducted by Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal 

Health indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and 

severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing 

and viral shedding. The vaccine is recommended for healthy 

dogs at least 6 weeks of age, and it can be given annually as a 

component of existing respiratory disease vaccine protocols 

to ensure more comprehensive viral protection. 

“Not all dogs should be given this vaccine,” cautions Crawford. 

“This is a lifestyle vaccine that is probably best-suited 

for dogs at risk for exposure to the virus — those frequently 

boarded or housed in group facilities. Vaccination should 

also be considered for dogs that live in communities where 

canine influenza outbreaks have been reported. Increasing 

community immunity by vaccinating more dogs will help 

stop transmission of the virus. 

“The vaccine may not be appropriate for a housedog that 

stays at home and goes for walks around the neighborhood, 

but we are a mobile society and our dogs frequently travel 

with us. If you are traveling to an area where CIV is prevalent, 

then the risk for exposure increases and warrants consideration 

of preventive measures such as vaccination.” 

Despite Crawford’s suggestion that the vaccine should not 

become part of the annual vaccination regimen for all dogs, 

she is optimistic that the vaccine will help keep canine influenza 

under control and limit its transmission from facility to 

facility and community to community. “I’m hopeful that the 

vaccine will be put to good use and help dogs everywhere 

that are housed in kennels and other environments with large 

numbers of dogs,” she says. 

Editor’s Note: Please note that canine influenza A subtype 

H3N8 virus is different from the influenza A subtype H1N1 

virus (swine flu) that affects humans. Humans are not at risk 

for contracting canine influenza virus. 

Sidebar 

Signs of Canine Influenza Virus 

“All dogs are susceptible to the canine influenza virus 

(CIV),” says Edward J. Dubovi, Ph.D., professor of virology 

at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

“It affects dogs of all breeds and ages. Fifty to 80 percent of 

exposed dogs will show some signs of the flu.” 

Clinical signs of CIV include: 

• Green nasal discharge; 

• Persistent, moist cough that often begins late at 

night; and 

• Low- to high-grade fever. 

Some dogs become lethargic and may experience loss of appetite. 

Dogs with the flu may cough for up to 30 days. Veterinary 

researchers recommend that owners call their veterinarian 

at the first sign of coughing. 

Dogs in shelter facilities, boarding and training kennels, day 

care centers, veterinary clinics, or pet stores are at highest 

risk for CIV exposure. Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., 

clinical assistant professor of shelter medicine at the University 

of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, says the 

influenza virus can live on surfaces of dog dishes, toys and 

even kennels for up to two days, on clothing for one day, and 

on hands not properly washed for up to 12 hours. 

Crawford suggests that owners do not bring dogs that potentially 

have been exposed to the virus to public gatherings. 

Avoid taking them to dog classes, groomers, day care centers 

or dog shows. “The dog may not appear ill, but he could 

be infected, and thus could expose many other dogs to the 

virus” she says. 

Sidebar 

Quarantine Steps for Handling a CIV Outbreak 

The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine 

and the University of California-Davis Koret Shelter 

Medicine Program stress the importance of proper outbreak 

management to prevent the spread of canine influenza virus 

in kennel and shelter environments from the greater canine 

population. If an outbreak occurs, infected animals should 

be put in quarantine and isolation to help reduce virus dissemination. 

Steps of adequate isolation include: 

• Assign limited, designated staff to enter quarantine/ 

isolation area; 

• Staff should wear separate jumpsuits (full clothing 

coverage), gloves, boots or shoe covers. Clothing can be 

cleaned by washing with detergent at normal temperatures; 

• Foot baths may be used, but should not be considered 

virus-proof; 

• Maintain separate areas for cleaning, feeding and 

treatment supplies; 

• Keep ventilation as separate as possible; and 

• Be sure dogs have separate kennels and do not share 

common air space. 

After a 14-day quarantine and isolation period, facilities 




should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 

Page 30 

Sources: University of California-Davis Koret Shelter Medicine 

Program and Iowa State University College of Veterinary 

Medicine. 

*Used with permission from the Purina Pro Club, Nestle Purina 

Pet Care 

Poodle History 

Submitted by Sharon Finney 


Page 31 

P.C.A. Rescue 


Meet the Breeds 

My First experience 

Cindy Crawley 

The AKC’s Meet the Breeds event was held on October 

17 and 18 at the Javits Center in New York City. Poodle 

Club of America was very well represented both days with 

miniature and standard poodles and their owners in attendance. 

Over the course of the two days, 36,000 people paid 

$10 each to see 160 breeds of purebred dogs, 41 breeds of 

purebred cats, more than 100 vendors, several speakers and 

demonstrations including agility and conformation. 

By the end of the first 

day, it seemed as though 

we had spoken to every 

single person who walked 

into the Javits Center. 

The people were curious, 

friendly and respectful; 

most asked our permission 

before they touched our 

dogs. The poodle goodwill 

ambassadors included 

two white standards, one 

in show coat!, a black 

standard, two white minis 

and a black mini. Coincidentally, 

all the poodles 

on Saturday, the day that I 

was there, were bitches. 

The booth was a pipe-and-drape affair, fronted by two 

draped eight foot tables where the poodles held court. The 

back wall of the booth’s drapery was covered with posters 

of poodles retrieving, doing agility, and in conformation 

competition. A brochure which detailed the PCA breed 

standard and provided information on how to find a reputable 

breeder and purebred rescue had been prepared and 

was passed out to interested individuals. Our supply of brochures 

was quickly exhausted. 

We wore buttons made up for each of us in the booth which 

read “Just say NO to designer dogs!” These buttons generated 

quite a bit of discussion between us and the lay public. 

Although some “got it” conceptually, many of them wanted 

Page 32 

people in particular. 

to know why we were against designer dogs. Although 

we repeated ourselves time and time again, the repetition 

was worth it as we made the case against designer dogs to 

so many people. Most were ultimately convinced by our 

argument, although one woman walked off seeming to be 

a bit miffed. Maybe she owned a ‘doodle.’ The buttons 

were very coveted by people representing some of the other 

breeds that are frequently bastardized, the Lab and Golden 


We were so very busy in the booth that we scarcely had time 

to visit the other booths. I saw just a fraction of what was 

there on my way in and out of the building. I never did 

see any of the cat exhibits. I saw a few high-end vendors, 

in particular one booth that sold gorgeous collars and leads 

adorned with Swarovski crystals and another that displayed 

beautiful shoes with dog designs on the toes. 

From what I was able to see, all the booths were occupied 

with both human and canine representatives Some of the 

breed folks dressed in costumes that reflected their breeds; 

the Pharaoh Hound people were decked out in Egyptian 

gowns and headdresses. Some of the Terrier folks got into 

the Wizard of Oz mode with Dorothy, ruby-slippers and all, 

and the Tin Man in attendance. (Here is a quiz – what breed 

of terrier was Toto? Find the answer on the last page ). The 

Black Russian Terrier folks had a mosque turret decorating 

their booth, while the Labrador Retriever people had a big 

bed in theirs. The best “look-alike” representative of a breed 

had to have been the woman who had parted her hair high 

on top of her head into two fly-away pig tails. I laughed out 

loud when I looked down at the fluffy white dog on lead 

with her, with its high set fly-away ears perfectly mimicked 

by her hairdo. I wished for a camera. For the life of me, I 

cannot remember what rare breed she claimed this little dog 

was. 

In the booth, we talked to people about “tiny teacup” poodles 

and “Royal” standard poodles. It seemed that everyone’s 

grandmother once had had a “teacup” toy. We explained 

that no such size poodle existed and that often these terms 

are fancy buzz words for expensive pets. We agreed with all 

the people who said that poodles were very smart dogs. We 

explained the ”fancy show clip“ to anyone who asked. We 

encouraged people to use the AKC or PCA website to find a 

reputable breeder or to find a purebred rescue if they wanted 

a dog, rather than the many random Internet puppy broker 

websites. 

I arrived, having driven up to New York from Baltimore that 

morning, at 10:30, missing the start by thirty minutes. The 

next time I looked at my watch, it was 4:15. The venue 

closed promptly at 5PM. The poodles had done their jobs 

as goodwill ambassadors perfectly. Of course. My Rosie 

got a double cheeseburger on the Jersey turnpike, curled up 

in her crate and slept soundly all the way back to Baltimore. 

It was quite an experience and one that we would gladly do 

again. 

The answer to the Wizard of Oz question is: The author, L. Frank Baum 

did not specify ”Toto”’s breed in the book, The Wizard of Oz. In the 

movie, “Toto” was played by a female Cairn terrier.

Page 33 

Meet the Breeds 2009 • October - New York City 


© Leslie Newing 2009

Page 34 

P.C.A. Foundation News 

WIN A SCOOTER @ PCA 2010 

Take a chance on winning this terrific mini-scooter and support our Poodle Foundation fund raising efforts! 

Drawing to be held at PCA. You don’t need to be present to win. Your entry receipt provided by return mail. 

Checks should be made out to the Poodle Club of America Foundation. 

Please send your check to: 

Nancy McGee 

208 Crosbytown Rd. 

Quitman, GA 31643-5795 

Tickets $50.00 per ticket 

* Note shipping in the Continental USA only. 

MANY THANKS FROM THE POODLE FOUNDATION 

SUPPORTING BETTER HEALTH FOR THE BREED WE LOVE 

Tickets $50.00 per ticket 


UPDATE ON PCA 2010 

SEMINAR AND HEALTH TESTING 

PCA FOUNDATION SEMINAR 

Tuesday, April 27, Wicomico Civic Center, DaNang Room 

9:00-9:30 a.m. Registration 

9:30-10 a.m. Introduction and Foundation News 

10 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. – What Everyone Needs to 

Know About Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs. 

Our featured speaker, Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, is Professor 

and Chair of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary 

Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. 

Schultz is widely recognized for his expertise and research 

in immunology and vaccinology, and he’s an excellent 

speaker! During the day, we will also have updates on 

PCA Foundation-supported poodle health research and a 

brief session on planning for the welfare of our dogs if they 

should outlive us. 

TESTING OFFERED AT WICOMICO CIVIC CENTER 

• April 27: Blood draw for ongoing research at the 

University of Missouri (epilepsy) and NIH (size/form/ 

growth and cancer genetics). NIH is also seeking samples 

from white female Standard Poodles 5 years old and older 

for a new DNA study to help determine why whites don’t 

get the toe cancer sometimes seen in black Standards. 9 

a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• April 27: OptiGen prcd-PRA testing. 9 a.m. to 4 

p.m. 

• April 28: CERF clinic. $30 pre-paid. 9 a.m. to 4 

p.m. (pre-registration information below) 

• April 29-30: (tentative) Texas A&M heart screening 

for atrial septal defect in Standard Poodles. 9 a.m. to 4 

p.m. (pre-registration information below) 

• VetGen DNA test kits for vWD will be available 

all week at a reduced cost of $99, with OFA registration for 

$7.50. 

• AKC DNA test kits will be available all week. 

Page 35 

PCA FOUNDATION SEMINAR VIDEO: 

POODLE TEMPERAMENT 

Spooky, silly, nasty or bouncing-off-the-walls. We’ve all 

heard about (or met!) poodles who might fit such labels, but 

we also know that good poodles can’t be topped as canine 

companions. So how would you describe proper poodle 

temperament? How might it differ from other breeds? And 

how important is heredity versus environment in shaping 

temperament? How about color differences? Sex differences? 

How can we improve temperament through our breeding 

programs? 

The 1990 Poodle Club of America Foundation annual seminar 

featured these and other questions in a wide ranging 

discussion on poodle temperament. Del Dahl moderated a 

panel of respected breeders including Pat Deshler (Deshler 

Miniatures), John Fowler (Summermist Standards), Joan 

Scott (Wissfire Toys) and Glenna Carlson (Ascot Standards). 

After a short presentation by each panel member, Del opened 

the floor to the audience. The resultant exchanges were fascinating—and 

fun as well. For example, as breeders weighed 

in on sex differences in temperament, Joan Scott said, “If 

you get a male puppy during the housebreaking phase and he 

has an accident, you find it right in front of you in the hall or 

by the door. If you have a female, trust me, you won’t find it 

till you do spring housecleaning!” 

You can experience this discussion yourself, with its wisdom 

and thought-provoking ideas in DVD (two VHS copies still 

available at press time) for $20 (add $3.00 for foreign orders). 

Send orders (check, MC or VISA) to Allen Kingsley, 3311 

Kingfisher Ln., Denton, TX 76209. AJKFISHER2@AOL. 

COM. For an order form, see The Poodle Papers, Summer, 

2009 (pg. 33-34), www.poodleclubofamerica/pub2. 

Watch upcoming newsletter issues for highlights from other 

seminar videos. 

submitted by Pat Forsyth and Nancy McGee 

To pre-register for CERF and heart clinics, contact Tom 

Carneal at tomdave@asde.net, 660-582-4955 or 25904 

State Hwy. EE, Maryville, MO 64468. Pre-registration 

deadline is April 1, 2010. Walk-ins are welcome at the 

show if clinic slots are available. 

Submitted by Pat Forsyth 

ANNIE DILLARD: 

How we spend our days is, of 

course, how we spend our lives. 


News From OptiGen 

Page 36 

AKC CANINE HEALTH CONFERENCE 

During the 3rd quarter of 2009 (July 1-September 30, 2009) 

OptiGen tested 36 Dwarf Poodles for PRA, 123 Miniature 

Poodles for PRA and 102 Toy Poodles for 

PRA. The breakdown is as follows: 

Total Dwarf Poodles tested - 36 

Normal - 17 

Carrier - 19 

Affected - 0 

Total Miniature Poodles tested - 123 

Normal - 102 

Carrier - 21 

Affected - 0 

Total Toy Poodles tested - 102 

Normal - 63 

Carrier - 37 

Affected - 2 

*the US comprises 25% of the total number of Poodles being 

tested this quarter. 

Countries testing this quarter include: Austria, Belgium, 

Brazil, Denmark, 

Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, 

Slovakia, Sweden, 

Ukraine, United Kingdom and USA. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

Sincerely, 

Becky Iddings 

Administrative Support Associate 

OptiGen, LLC 

Cornell Business & Technology Park 

767 Warren Road, Suite 300 

Ithaca, NY 14850 

phone: 607-257-0301 

fax: 607-257-0353 

email: genetest@optigen.com 

web: www.optigen.com 

The AKC Canine Health Foundation 2009 National 

Parent Club Canine Health Conference was held October 

23-25 in St. Louis. This unique event, sponsored 

by Nestle Purina PetCare, offered presentations 

by leading scientists on the latest advances in canine 

health research, as well as breakout discussions on issues 

critical to breeders, such as “Genetic Tests: How 

to Interpret Results and Incorporate Them into Your 

Breeding Program.” The PCA Foundation will summarize 

conference highlights in The Poodle Papers and 

on the PCA Web site’s Foundation page. 

DNA test kits for vWD are 

available now for $100.00 

Payable to The Poodle Club of 

America Foundation. 

Please send your check to: 

Nancy McGee 

208 Crosbytown Rd. 

Quitman, GA 31643-5795 

Important Notice for 

Customers Ordering 

DNA Based Tests !!! 

The FTA cards which are used to collect the DNA samples 

for laboratory processing are currently out of stock 

and back ordered. The manufacturer is unable to provide 

an estimated ship date. As a result, the OFA is temporarily 

suspending accepting any new orders. As soon 

as we get a firm ship date, we will post the information 

and resume order processing. Orders already accepted 

and in the queue will be processed as soon we receive 

the FTA cards. We appreciate your patience during this 

delay. 


Page 37 


Page 38 


cont. on page 39


Page 39 

Submitted by Tom Carneal 

American Kennel Club 

News Article 

AKC® Announces Enhancement to 

Full Litter Registration Process 

Date of Article: November 17, 2009 

The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the enhancement 

of its Full Litter registration option which allows 

breeders to register all puppies in a litter to themselves for 

a reduced fee. For no additional fee, AKC will now allow 

breeders to assign the limited designation to a dog after registration 

through the first transfer. The dog must have been 

first registered through the Full Litter Registration process. 

All breeders of the dog have to agree to add the limited designation. 

“By utilizing Full Litter Registration, breeders are not only 

getting the best value for themselves, they are contributing 

to the long term well being of the American Kennel Club 

by registering all the puppies in their litter,” said AKC Vice 

President of Registration David W. Roberts. “In addition, 

new puppy owners will know they are bringing home an 

AKC registered puppy.” 

Breeders can also request limited registration when the initial 

application for registration is submitted. As an additional 

enhancement these new transfers will receive a complimentary 

60-day trial of the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan if not previously 

activated for the dog. The trial plan offers coverage 

for unexpected accidents or illnesses up to $1,500 ($500 per 

incident). 

Breeders who register a litter using Full Litter Registration 

between now and December 31, 2009, will also receive a 

special $20 pedigree discount coupon to apply towards their 

next purchase of an AKC-Certified pedigree. The coupon 

will be sent to breeders after the completion of their Full 

Litter Registration. 

AKC first implemented the Full Litter Registration option 

in 2006 at the request of AKC breeders who wanted the option 

to register a litter and all its puppies in one easy step. 

This benefits breeders by eliminating the individual litter 

puppy fee, reducing puppy registration fees and providing 

discounted pedigrees for each puppy in the litter. Full Litter 

Registration also offers breeders a 35 percent discount on 

registration fees (based on litter of five puppies); a streamlined 

process to complete the entire registration; and the 

ability to select each puppy’s name, ensuring kennel names 

are used correctly. 

The Full Litter Application and the Application to Designate 

Limited Status can be found at the following links: 

AKC Full Litter Registration Application 

Application to Designate Limited Status 

For more information please contact AKC Customer Service 

at info@akc.org or 919-233-9767. 


Page 40 

“All PCA Foundation Seminar videos are now available on DVD. To give you a better idea 

of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom offered by these seminars, the PCA Foundation will 

be publishing some program highlights in the Poodle Papers. The Fall issue will feature 

POODLE TEMPERAMENT, the panel discussion on improving temperament through our 

breeding programs. Panelists included respected breeders Joan Scott, Pat Deshler and Glenna 

Carlson, with Del Dahl serving as narrator.” 

1. FROM THE WHELPING BOX TO THE SHOW RING 

A panel of three breeders discuss their methods in preparing a Poodle puppy for the show ring. Panelists Mrs. Arlene 

Scardo, Miss Betsey Leedy, and Mrs. Kadelia Hamilton. Panel is moderated by Mrs Debby Cozart. $20.00 

4. 1990 DOG JUDGES ASSOC. PRESENTATION ON THE POODLE: An exciting presentation on the Poodle from the 

judges perspective. Presented by Mr. Frank Sabella and Mr. & Mrs James Clark. $20.00 

5. 1990 DR. ELAINE ROBINSON on PINPOINTING OVULATION: This video tape will be exceptionally valuable 

tool in any serious breeding program. $20.00 

6. POODLE TEMPERMENT PANEL: A discussion on improving Poodle temperament. Panelists include John Fowler, 

Mrs. Joan Scott, Mrs. Pat Deshler, Mrs. Glena Carlson. Narrated by Del Dahl $20.00 

8. THE POODLE POSITIVE: A Judge’s Workshop with Mr. & Mrs. James Clark. You do not have to be a judge or 

aspire to be one to gain a lot from this tape. $20.00 

10. PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY: 

Dr. Gustavo Aquirre discussed PRA in Poodles $20.00 

12. BREEDING A GREAT POODLE (TWO TAPES) 

Dr. George Padgett speaks on Poodle traits; comparing inbreeding to out crossing and line breeding; risk factors in picking 

up faults; calculating good and bad genes; helping each other with our breed. $35.00 

13. POODLE TYPE: Dr. Jacklyn Hungerland and Mrs. James Clark discuss what makes a Poodle. $15.00 

14. ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTION: Dr. Edward Feldman discusses reproduction and the Poodle $15.00 

16. HEREDITARY DISEASES IN POODLES : Dr. Fran Smith speaks on hereditary diseases in all Varieties. A breeders 

guide to genetic diseases. $15.00 

17. ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS IN POODLES: Dr. E.A. Corley, discusses orthopedic problems in hips,stifles and elbows 

as they relate to all varieties of Poodles. $15.00 

21. CANINE MALE REPRODUCTION: Dr. Autumn Davidson discusses reproduction semen collection and managing 

the high risk delivery. $15.00 

22.SUCCESSFULLY BREEDING THE INFERTILE BITCH 

Dr. E. Robinson discusses breeding the infertile bitch. $15.00 

24. 1998 SEMINAR -- GENETIC DISEASE ANALYSIS 

Jerold Bell discusses genetic disease analysis. $15.00 

27. 2001 “ BREEDING STRATEGIES” 

Dr. John Armstrong and Dr. George Padgett discuss “Type” casting, establishing a line, role of DNA mapping in making 

breeding decisions. $20.00 




Page 41 

28. 2002 PCAF SEMINAR -- WHICH PUPPY TO KEEP 

Mrs. Pat Hastings leads us in an interactive seminar in solving the puzzle of “Which Puppy to Keep” $20.00 

29. 2002-UPDATE ON SKIN & COAT OF THE POODLE 

Dr. Robert Dunsten, Texas A & M, Presents a prelude to a new study of Sebaceous Andenitis in Poodles $20.00 

30. 2003 PCAF SEM. “RAISING THE SHOW PUPPY” 

Mrs James Edward Clark leads a panel of prominent Poodle Breeders who express their views on 

“The Successful Raising of a Show Puppy” $20.00 

31. 2004 “ GENETICS FOR POODLE BREEDERS” Dr.Jerold Bell discusses how breeders 

should use the advances in dog genome research in making breeding decisions. $20.00 

32. 2005 “ANNE CLARK on POODLE PEDIGREES” 

Mrs. Edward Clark discusses various aspects of Poodles and their pedigrees. $22.00 

33. 2006 “POODLE DISEASE UPDATES” 

Dr. Thomas Graves discusses the research, testing, treatment & management of key genetic diseases. $22.00 

(Please circle the tapes desired) 1 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 17 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE WITH ORDER: $ ____________ 

NAME ________________________________________ 

ADDRESS _______________________________________ 

CITY ______________________STATE____ZIP_________ 

METHOD OF PAYMENT: CHECK___VISA___M/C____ 

ACT. #_____________________________EXP._____ 

Signature_____________________________________ 

Make all checks payable to: PCA FOUNDATION 

US FUNDS ONLY 

FOREIGN ORDERS ADD $3.00 PER TAPE 

MAIL ORDER TO: 

ALLEN KINGSLEY 

E-MAIL 

3311 KINGFISHER LN. AJKFISHER2@AOL.COM 

DENTON, TX 76209 

SELECT VHS OR DVD 


Page 42 

In Memoriam 

Donna Ryan Sattler 

Poodle Artist 

The Mardi Gras Poodle Poster Artist of PCA 1995 Regional 

in Baton Rouge, La. 

Poodles Plus Booth Artist and Friend 

Donna Ryan Sattler of Nashville Indiana died 6-27-09 of 

ovarian cancer at age 44. 

Leaving a loving husband and seven children and one grandson, 

her parents and three sisters and one brother many nieces 

and nephews and a community of friends. 

She loved to attend The Poodle National and meet all of 

the Poodle World in The Poodle Plus Booth and painted 

everyone’s poodle on clothing. There are lots of jackets, 

shirts, ties and purses with her autograph art work . She 

would always say “ENJOY IT” 

Enjoy her Art work as much as she enjoyed doing it. She 

also had a Standard Poodle who was the Herding Poodle for 

her kid’s 4-H Sheep however, he slept at the end of her bed 

at night. . 

Memorial contributions maybe be made to the Brown County 

4-H Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7, Nashville, Indiana 47448 

in the memory of Donna Ryan Sattler. .She was a believer 

in keeping children busy with animals of all kinds and was a 

4-H leader for years. 

Submitted by Nancy Hafner 

Linda Ingram 

Willamarais 

Deborah Mackay Murray 

Glory 

Debbie left us on September 7, 2009, less than one 

month after being diagnosed with leukemia. She had been 

a vibrant participant in the dog show sport since her childhood, 

as her mother, Gloria Mackay, was a well known Standard 

Poodle breeder, with the prefix ‘Glory’. 

My husband (Bob) and I were new Poodle owners in 

the 60s and gradually became aware of this mother-daughter 

team at the shows. After we moved from Miniatures to 

Standards, a friendship developed. Memories of events and 

laughter at the long ago PCA Regionals in Oklahoma and 

Dallas and Olympia come to mind. 

Away from dog shows, she and her husband, John, 

were welcoming hosts. She was an excellent cook and an 

equally excellent seamstress who made many of her dog 

show clothes (they had pockets where she wanted them!). 

Attendees of many Poodle Club of Central California matches 

have fond memories of the meltingly good brisket with 

‘Broncbuster Bar B Q sauce that Debbie prepared. 

Debbie knew Poodles! She knew pedigrees, she 

knew structure, she knew grooming. She had a good eye for 

a dog, and was realistic in her evaluation of dogs - her own 

or others. And she was generous about sharing her knowledge 

and experience with other exhibitors, as expressed by 

friends (below). 

After her mother’s death, Debbie moved from Standards 

to Toys, and teamed up with Martin Gregory to breed 

many beautiful Toy Poodles. She was an efficient manager 

- for entries, schedules, grooming spaces, etc, and used all 

of her skills effectively with Martin. They were a team we 

enjoyed seeing at shows. 

Because her illness and passing were so sudden, 

those who knew her have been devastated. I issued an open 

invitation for ‘Poodle People’ in our San Francisco Bay Area 

to also share some remembrances . Sally Vilas 

Jeanne Prouty: Some thoughts about Deb Murray and her 

mother, Gloria Mackay. I first met them in 1969 when my 

first Standard Poodle died at age 10 and I needed another 

one immediately! 

Into our home came Glory A Go Go and many more years of 

good times, dog shows, membership in PCCC, Persian Cats, 

cat shows and lasting friendships. 

Because of Deb I now have a wonderful Toy Poodle. 

Thank you Deb. 


Cont. on page 43

Anita Antink: I first remember meeting Debbie Murray the 

day I took my Afghan puppy to an All-breed show at Peacock 

Gap Country Club in Marin. It was our first AKC show, and 

I was totally unprepared. Debbie’s mother, Gloria, offered 

me a space in her shade. I was really thankful for her kind- 

Page 43 


Kathy Poe: Memories --- it is so hard to think of memories 

ness in giving us shade that hot afternoon, and a table to use. 

of Debbie because it is so painful. 

Memories of Debbie also bring back memories of 

Gloria. Gloria, Debbie and I came on the poodle scene about 

the same time. One of my early memories of Debbie and 

Gloria is meeting them on the way to dog shows. They were 

driving their old green Land Rover like they were at the Indy 

500. My Mother and I were driving our old brown station 

wagon, ‘The Brown Bomber’. Down the road we went - the 

only thing on our minds was getting to the dog shows. 

Memories of the Oklahoma PCA Regional, with 

Gloria , Debbie & Jeanne Prouty: 

After a long flight to Oklahoma, we went to the van rental 

place only to find that the van Gloria had rented was not 

working. The guys wanted to rent us a big moving van with 

a hydraulic lift. Picture four women and a couple of dogs 

in a van big enough to hold a house full of furniture driving 

into a dog show. 

We settled on a small moving van, with front seat only. Debbie 

& I were elected to do the driving; Gloria called us Mario 

Murray and Parnelli Poe, and we had those two best seats 

because we could see the countryside. Gloria and Jeanne, 

in the back, had no windows and no lights; all they saw in 

Oklahoma was the dog show and the Holiday Inn. 

Recent memories of Debbie are from the last time 

we were in New York for Westminster. The first thing that 

Later, I worked for Gloria and Debbie as a groomer. 

Debbie came from a long line of strong women. 

When I first worked with her, her great grandmother, who 

she called Grandma was still alive. Her grandmother Rena 

owned a resort in the Delta, and her mother Gloria was a single 

mother with three children. Gloria owned and operated a 

kennel and grooming shop in Concord, while also establishing 

herself in Standard Poodles. In all the years I knew them, 

Gloria was the most flamboyant. She was lively and funny 

and good company for all. Debbie was very bright, but more 

reserved, and always honest. She was Gloria’s faithful right 

hand. She accompanied her mother to all the shows and 

set up and took down the equipment. She spent long hours 

grooming the Standards and always appeared so graceful doing 

so. In addition, she handled the dogs when needed and 

did a fine job. Those who show Standard Poodles know the 

hard work that goes into keeping their coats. Behind the 

scenes, it was Debbie who bathed and brushed dry all of the 

dogs in coat every week without fail. When they had a dog 

who won the variety, Debbie would often give it a fresh bath 

and dry before the Group judging. 

Debbie didn’t seek the limelight, but it was her hard 

work and dedication that made it possible for her Mother 

to glow. Each of these women left us too soon, each one 

younger than the last. I can’t believe she is gone. 

Debbie, Denise Wilson and I wanted was to go to La Maison 

Du Chocolate, a very very good chocolate shop. it was Janet Collins: 

definitely three kids in a candy store, and after we bought Debbie: Fond memories of....making it possible, by doing 

more chocolate than any of needed, we went to FAO Swartz. 

Debbie was an avid doll collector and she really looked forward 

to seeing the doll collection there. We had a great day 

in New York, just hanging out together - three ‘girls’ in New 

York. 

all the difficult grooming work, for me to personally show 

and finish “Cash”; ... squiring me around on my first Ludwig’s 

Corner PCA trip;....routinely coming over to look at 

and help evaluate baby puppies and for always being there to 

lend a helping hand. Many memories, many thanks. 

The night before we were due to leave New York, 

Debbie and i decided to go down to the bar and get ‘A’ Cosmo. 

We had so much fun, just talking. At that moment in 

time we were two friends, sisters, soul mates, enjoying life, 

enjoying the moment. It was great. 

Just the other day, my brother told my sister, upon 

hearing of Debbie’s passing, that he had had a crush on Debbie 

many many years ago. For some reason I can’t get that 

out of my mind. It seems to bring home how young we were 

and how much time we spent together. And yet, had no idea 

the effect we had on each other’s life. Now time has passed. 

Debbie is gone and I only wish I could tell Debbie what my 

brother said. 

Stephanie Gomez: Debbie Murray and her mom, Gloria 

MacKay were the first two “Poodle People” Janet Collins introduced 

me to when I stepped onto the grounds at the Santa 

Rosa fairgrounds in 1992 to show my first Poodle, ‘Touche’. 

Two of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to 

know. Through the years, Debbie always had a sweet hello 

for me; always asking how I did at my last obedience trial 

and true heart-felt praise for me and my dog’s accomplishments. 

I shall always remember her with her apron on under 

the canopy, grooming away on the next poodle to show. I 

will miss her - how lucky I am that she passed through my 

life. 


Peggy McDill: Debbie was welcoming and kind when Bob 

and I bred our first litter. We bred to a son of Ch Glory Great 

Scott, who Debbie finished from the BBE class. I still do 

topknots in the “Debbie” way. 

cont. on page 44


Page 44 

Michelle Shultz: Some of the things I most remember 

about Debbie: 

Debbie always took an interest in helping me to be 

a better groomer and also a better handler. I think she must 

have loved the challenge but I also think she helped because 

she was generous with her time and knowledge and it was 

one of the ways she gave back. Forefront in my memories 

of her are the many times I would have a standard prepared 

to go into the ring, I would walk by her in the setup or at 

ringside and she would always say “That’s good, come here 

let me show you something.” She would always do a little 

something to a topknot, silhouette, spray up, pattern. She 

would always explain what it did and it was always better. 

I am so thankful that she took interest in me and will miss 

hearing “come here I want to show you something”. 

Debbie was funny and had a good sense of humor. 

We all know she was a serious competitor and very focused 

at the shows. Back at the setup of SCVKC one year she was 

grooming toys in the center of a large communal grooming 

area out under a big pavilion. I was set up next to her and we 

were all going about our business. I hear her yell at someone 

across the way “Allen”! and think nothing of it. I hear her 

yell again, but louder this time “Allen”. Now I’m looking 

around and trying to see who she is starting to get irritated 

with. In the direction she is yelling stand my husband Steve 

and Tim Brazier talking about who knows what and some 

other people in the general area. Now Debbie is really angry 

and her face is getting red and she yells again for Allen. I 

think, oh, poor guy is really going to get it now. I risk it 

and ask, Debbie, who is it you are calling? She says that 

husband of yours and he is ignoring me and looking right at 

me. I said my husband Allen? She burst out laughing and 

said, oh I mean Steve. Then she yelled for him which got the 

correct response as she needed help holding a dog or moving 

something. For a long time after that she would call and ask 

how is “what’s his name” or call him by whatever name she 

chose when she would see him. Anyone who could laugh at 

herself at a dog show is my kind of friend! 

American Kennel Club 

News Article 

Dogs Who Rule the Literary World 

From the adventures of the cute Vizsla puppy who grew into 

a 24-foot dog in Norman Bridwell’s children’s book series 

Clifford the Big Red Dog to Odysseus’ faithful dog in Homer’s 

Odyssey, young and old alike love to dive into stories 

about dogs. But which canine dog story ranks the highest? 

In celebration of its 125 Anniversary, the American Kennel 

Club and AOL’s PawNation.com ask America to weigh in 

on their favorite dog stories. The nominees for most famous 

dogs of literature are: 

Clifford The Big Red Dog – The tiny Vizsla puppy who 

grew to 25 feet in the children’s book series written by Norman 

Bridwell. 

Spot – The black and white Cocker Spaniel pet featured in 

the Fun with Dick and Jane book series created to teach children 

how to read. 

Old Yeller – The fictional story, based on the novel by Fred 

Gipson, of a Mountain Cur dog. The book was adapted in 

1957 into a Disney movie. 

Marley & Me – The New York Times bestselling autobiographical 

book by journalist John Grogan that portrays Grogan 

and his family’s life during the 13 years that they lived 

with their rambunctious Labrador Retriever Marley, and the 

relationships and lessons from this period. 

My Dog Skip - An autobiographical book by Willie Morris 

that tells the tale of a boy and his Parson Russell Terrier dog 

in a small southern town that teaches about family, friendship, 

love, devotion and bravery. 

Big Red – The story, based on the novel by Jim Kjelgaard, of 

an Irish Setter who would rather run through the woods than 

be the perfectly-trained and groomed show dog his sportsman 

owner wants and the ten-year-old orphan boy who cares 

for and helps Big Red rebel against his owner’s strict discipline. 

Argos – The faithful dog of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. 

Cujo – The Saint Bernard in the horror novel by Stephen 

King. 

White Fang – The main character in Jack London’s book of 

the same name. White Fang is the story of a wild Wolfdog’s 

journey toward becoming civilized in Yukon Territory, Canada, 

during the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th 

century. 

Which dog in literature will be victorious? Visit 

http://www.pawnation.com/category/akc-top-125-dogs to 

cast your vote and make your “bark” heard. 

Date of Article: November 17, 2009 

-- American Kennel Club® & AOL’S PawNation.com 

Asks Dog Lovers to Cast Their Vote Now For the Top Dog 

Story -- 


Page 45 


A.K.C. Delegates Corner 

Poodle Club of America Delegate 

Report - September 2009 

Page 46 

The September 15, 2009 Delegate meeting was held in Newark, 

New Jersey. Unfortunately, due to having an accident 

on the way to the meeting (fortunately not car but physical) 

I missed the first day of committee meetings because I was 

in the emergency room. But after checking with other Delegates 

at the Parent Club Committee I perceived that most 

of the discussion pertained to the Realignment of the groups 

and the presentation on the current proposal on the potential 

new Grand Championship title. 

Thanks to Daniel Augustus taking off work I made it to 

the actual Delegate Meeting on ‘Tuesday. (The emergency 

room visit relayed broken bones in my shoulder, a torn rotor 

cuff and cracked hip, needless to say I could not drive). 

I made the effort to get to the meeting because there was 

supposed to be a final vote on the group Realignment. The 

Board of the Poodle Club of America had instructed me to 

vote against the realignment. Also, September is the month 

the Delegate Standing Committee elections are held and I 

needed to vote. 

At the Delegates Forum there was a presentation of the proposed 

Grand Championship title, presented by Alan Kalter, 

AKC Board Member; Darrell Hayes, Vice President of Dog 

Show judges; Robin Stansell, Vice President of Event Operations; 

and John Wade, Director of Judging operation. 

After months of discussion, panel presentations, numerous 

mailings pertaining to the why and wherefores of proceeding 

with the Realignment Committee’s proposal, the Delegates 

referred the rule changes necessary for the proposed 

realignment of the Groups back to the AKC Board. This 

was because, besides the rising dissension among Delegates, 

there were several Parent Clubs who had changed or did not 

want specific group placements. We were informed that 

it would come back to the Delegate body for a vote at the 

March, 2010 meeting. (Since then, the AKC Board of Directors 

at their November 9th and 10th , 2009 meeting; as 

recommended by the Realignment Committee, voted that 

when the Group Realignment proposal is brought back to 

the Delegates for a vote in March, 2010, it will recommend 

that it be postponed indefinitely.) From information I have 

garnered, in my opinion, this does not mean this issue has 

gone away. The Realignment issue will continue to be fine 

tuned. (i.e. breed placements and varieties will be investigated, 

the possibility of achieving the proposal one group at 

a time, just waiting to a later time when it becomes more of 


a necessity, and when it is more fiscally responsible for both 

show giving clubs and the AKC.) 

There was another vote taken that can effect the Poodle Club 

of America and its affiliate clubs. The Delegate body voted 

to change Chapter 3, Section 5, of the Rules Applying to 

Dog Shows. It was amended to permit the optional division 

of the 12-18 Month Class, effective July1, 2010. The change 

is, Clubs may further divide the Twelve-to-Eighteen Month 

Class into two age groups consisting of twelve months of 

age and under fifteen months, and fifteen months of age but 

under eighteen months. The decision to use the option is up 

to the individual clubs. 

When the rest of the business was dealt with the first reading 

of the Grand Championship proposal was…Read on proposed 

amendment to Chapter 3, Sections 1 and 15, of Rules 

Applying to Dog Shows - Dog Show Classification which 

would allow for awarding Grand Championship points to 

Best of Breed or Best of variety of Breed, Best of Opposite 

Sex to Best of Breed or Best of Variety of Breed, Select Dog, 

and Select Bitch, and to chapter 16, Sections 1-7 of Rules 

Applying to Dog Shows - Championship and (a new) Grand 

Championship Awards which would allow for the creation 

of awards for the above listed titles. This will be voted on by 

the Delegate body at the December meeting in Long Beach, 

CA. I have included some information given to me as the 

Delegate pertaining to this issue. 

There are things to consider. The name Grand Champion 

envisions a dog with a title meaning more then champion 

but, it is my understanding that this can actually be accomplished 

without winning over another specials (especially in 

breeds with low entries). Wouldn’t something like Champion 

Select be a better option? Also, since class dogs are 

not eligible for Grand Champion points will judges then be 

discouraged to not put up class dogs for a breed or variety. 

The whole point of this change is to encourage people who 

would like to continue showing a specials animal but don’t 

because there is already a predominant winner currently being 

exhibited. I already have received suggestions requiring 

CHIC numbers, and there were delegates who felt at least a 

CGC should be required. After reading the information sent 

to me, if you have any other thoughts on this issue please 

feel free to send me comments. 

Mary Ellen Fishler 

Delegate to American Kennel Club 

Poodle Club of America 

megcamelot@aol.com

Grand Champion 

Highlights 

· All Champions of record that are eligible to be entered 

in Best of Breed competition, are automatically entered in 

competition for points toward the “Grand Champion” title 

when they are entered in the Best of Breed class at a dog 

show. There are no additional entry fees or cost to exhibitors 

for participation in this competition at AKC events. 

· Dogs and bitches that have earned their Championship and 

are moved up to the Best of Breed class would be eligible to 

compete on the day. 

· All eligible exhibits entered in the Best of Breed class will 

compete and judging will be concurrent with traditional Best 

of Breed judging. 

· Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select 

Bitch can earn “Grand Champion” points at AKC All Breed, 

Limited Breed or Specialty events. 

· The judge will award Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best 

of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select Bitch. Judges may 

withhold any awards at their discretion. 

· For eligible Champions, the Best of Breed (BOB), Best 

of Opposite Sex (BOS), Select Dog (SD) and Select Bitch 

(SB) winners can acquire points toward the “Grand Champion” 

title. A maximum of four dogs may be awarded “Grand 

Championship” points. 

· Best of Breed winner will receive the highest number of 

“Grand Champion” points available regardless of sex. Best 

of Breed “Grand Champion” points are based on the total 

number of dogs and bitches competing in the breed or variety 

using the point schedule for the individual dog’s sex. 

· Best of Opposite Sex winner will receive Grand Championship 

points based on the total number of dogs defeated of 

the same sex. The Select Dog and Select Bitch will receive 

points based on the total numbers of dogs defeated of the 

same sex. Best of Breed or the Best of Opposite Sex will not 

be included in this computation. 

Page 47 

· Best of Opposite Sex point computations may be equal to 

the Best of Breed winner but in no case will they exceed 

“Grand Championship” points awarded to Best of Breed. 

· Best of Breed winner will receive the highest number of 

“Grand Champion” points available regardless of sex. Best 

of Breed “Grand Champion” points are based on the total 

number of dogs and bitches competing in the breed or variety 

using the point schedule for the individual dog’s sex. 


· Best of Opposite Sex winner will receive Grand Championship 

points based on the total number of dogs defeated of 

the same sex. The Select Dog and Select Bitch will receive 

points based on the total numbers of dogs defeated of the 

same sex. Best of Breed or the Best of Opposite Sex will not 

be included in this computation. 

· The existing schedule of points and divisions will be used 

to calculate “Grand Champion” points. “Grand Championship” 

points will be awarded based on the number of eligible 

entries exhibited. All class exhibits and champions in breed 

or variety competition present will be counted to compute 

“Grand Champion” points. 

· “Grand Championship” entries will not affect the annual 

computation schedule of points assigned to each Points Division. 

· The existing schedule of points and divisions will be used 

to calculate “Grand Champion” points. “Grand Championship” 

points will be awarded based on the number of eligible 

entries exhibited. All class exhibits and champions in breed 

or variety competition present will be counted to compute 

“Grand Champion” points. 

· “Grand Championship” entries will not affect the annual 

computation schedule of points assigned to each Points Division. 

· Once an eligible dog or bitch has accumulated 25 “Grand 

Champion” points with three majors under three different 

judges and at least one point under a fourth judge, it may 

be designated “Grand Champion” and receive an AKC enhanced 

certificate indicating they have completed the necessary 

requirements for the title. 

· “Grand Champion” title holders will continue to accumulate 

points towards a future “Grand Champion point system 

after completion of title (Top 25, 50 or 100 by Breed, and 

Group). 

· Any dog who completes its Grand Champion title will receive 

an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. 

· Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, Best of Winners, or non-regular 

class winners, are not eligible to compete for “Grand 

Champion” points. 

· There will be no “Grand Champion” points awarded when 

all competing Champions of Record or move-up dogs are 

defeated by a class dog or bitch receiving the Best of Breed 

award. 

cont. on page 48

cot. from page 47 

· If the Best of Opposite Sex winner is the Winners Dog or 

The Winners Bitch, neither the Best of Opposite Sex nor the 

Select award for that sex will be eligible for “Grand Champion” 

awards. 

· Any exhibits found to be ineligible for “Grand Champion” 

points would have those points disallowed administratively 

by the AKC. If Best of Breed is found to be ineligible, all 

Grand Champion points awarded will be administratively 

disallowed for Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select 

Bitch. 

Grand Champion Question 

& Answers (Q&A) 

Q) What is a Grand Champion? 

A) A Grand Champion is a champion of record that has completed 

the 25 points required beyond the traditional requirements 

for a Championship and focuses on competition at the 

breed level. 

Q) What dogs are eligible to be awarded Grand Championship 

points? 

A) All Champions of record that are eligible to be entered 

in Best of Breed/Variety competition as well as dogs and 

bitches that have earned their Championship and are moved 

up, would be eligible to compete on the day. 

Q) How many dogs are eligible to be awarded “Grand Championship” 

points? 

A) A maximum of four including, Best of Breed, Best of Opposite 

Sex, Select Dog and Select Bitch. 

Q) Is a separate entry form and entry fee required for Grand 

Championship competition? 

A) No, all eligible dogs entered as well as those moved up to 

the Best of Breed/Variety class are automatically eligible to 

compete without additional fees. 

Q) When will judging of the Grand Championship class take 

place? 

A) Since the Grand Championship is not a separate class, 

judging is concurrent with the traditional Best of Breed/Variety 

judging. Judges will award Best of Breed/Variety,Best 

of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex as well as Select Dog and 

Select Bitch. 

Q) What are Select Dog and Select Bitch and how and what 

are they awarded? 

A) The Select Dog and Select Bitch are similar to Awards 

of Merit in that this dog and bitch are next best as far as the 

Page 48 


quality of the dogs in competition. These awards are selected 

after Best of Breed/Variety and Best of Opposite Sex. However 

the Select Dog and Select Bitch are eligible for Grand 

Championship points. 

Q) Grand Champion points, what are they and how are they 

determined? 

A) Grand Championship points are similar to the current 

points awarded, however they can only be won by dogs & 

bitches that are eligible to be entered in the Best of Breed/ 

Variety class and are based on the existing schedule of points 

and divisions. All of the class entries, champions, move ups 

in breed/variety competition present will be counted to compute 

Grand Championship points. 

Q) Last week in Region 2 there were 28 Doberman entered, 

7-11-(3-7) and my specials bitch won Best of Breed, how 

many Grand Championship points would she have been 

awarded? 

A) She would have been awarded 5 points as all of the Dobermans 

(28) in competition would have counted as the same 

sex and in Region 2, 26 bitch’s results in a 5 point major. 

Q) My specials bitch is already a Champion of record. What 

does winning a 5 point major mean? 

A) It means she has started on the path to becoming a Grand 

Champion as she will need to have three majors under three 

different judges, with at least one point under a fourth judge 

and a total of 25 points to become a “Grand Champion” of 

record. 

Q) How will I know when she becomes a “Grand Champion?” 

A) The American Kennel Club will send you an enhanced 

“Grand Champion” Certificate when all requirements have 

been completed. 

Q) Can my specials Doberman bitch continue to compete 

when she becomes a Grand Champion? 

A) Yes, she can continue to compete. 

Q) If a class dog/bitch wins Best of Breed/Variety will they 

be awarded Grand Championship points? 

A) No, class dogs/ bitches as well as winners of non-regular 

competitive classes are not eligible for Grand Championship 

points. If the Best of Breed/Variety winner is a class dog/ 

bitch or from a non-regular class there are no Grand Championship 

points awarded for the breed/variety that day. 

Q) If a class dog/bitch or non-regular class winner is awarded 

Best of Opposite Sex over eligible dogs in the Best of 

Breed/Variety class will they be awarded 

cont. on page 49


Grand Champion points? 

A) No, as in the previous question they are not eligible for 

Grand Champion points, however the Best of Breed/Variety 

winner and the Select winner of the same sex are eligible 

for Grand Champion points. 

EXAMPLE OF AWARDING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP 

POINTS 

Show in Region 2 Breed: Dobermans Entry: 7-11-(3-7) 

BOB: Bitch Special 5 points, defeated all Dobermans in 

competition, total of 28. 

BOW: Not Eligible 

BOS: Dog Special 3 points, defeated all Doberman dogs 

competing, total of 10. 

Select Dog: Dog Special 2 points, defeated 9 Doberman 

dogs. 

Select Bitch: Bitch Special 3 points, defeated 17 Doberman 

bitches. 

POINT SCHEDULE 

1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 Points 5 Points 

Dogs 2 6 10 14 24 

Bitches 2 10 17 20 26 

Grand Champion Title Concept 

Page 49 

extension of the traditional system to earn an AKC Championship 

title on a dog. It is simple, similar in format to that 

used to finish a dog, and, because it focuses exclusively on 

competition at the breed level, it will add minimal time to the 

current judging process. 

While the “Grand Champion” concept does require a rule 

change, it would add a new dimension that offers exhibitors 

enhanced participation for an additional conformation venue 

to compete in at this time. The “Grand Champion” title bar 

is set higher, but not out of reach for the average exhibitor to 

obtain in a reasonable time period. This concept provides the 

Best of Breed, the Best of Opposite Sex and Select Winners 

the ability to accumulate “Grand Champion” points. 

All Breed, Limited Breed, and Specialty Clubs, Superintendents 

and AKC will realize additional revenues due to the 

increase in entries while exhibitors participate with one entry 

fee for both Best of Breed and “Grand Champion” title 

competitions. This concept should not only provide revenue 

increases, but insert new excitement and quality of achievement. 

The fancy will be able to participate in a new venue 

with realistic expectations that are obtainable. 

In summary, the Grand Champion Program’s attributes include: 

o Keeping people competing beyond the championship level 

and recognizing dogs of quality in breed competition 

Dear Delegate, 

The Grand Champion Title Procedure will be presented at 

the Delegate Parent Club Committee Meeting, the Delegate 

Dog Show Rules Committee Meeting, and the All Breed 

Delegate Committee meeting on Monday, September 14, 

2009. In addition, the concept will be presented at the Delegates’ 

Forum on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. 

The Grand Champion title concept is an effort to provide 

our exhibitors with an additional venue to participate in with 

dogs that have obtained their Championships while assisting 

AKC Clubs with increasing their entries. It will continue 

exhibitor participation and camaraderie in our sport while 

emphasizing breed judging by recognizing quality and breed 

type. 

The development of a “Grand Champion” concept is consistent 

with the ongoing objective to encourage the exhibition 

and, ultimately, the breeding and registration of purebred 

dogs. It is also consistent with the structure of exhibition at 

other livestock events. 

o An opportunity for additional recognition without having 

to campaign and advertise heavily 

o Keeping the people coming back to shows to enjoy the 

sport and people in it and the camaraderie offered 

o Increasing the emphasis of the breed – it highlights breed 

competition 

o Increasing entries for clubs 

ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN: 

Love life and life will love you 

back. Love people and they will 

love you back. 

This Grand Champion concept proposal parallels and is an 


Page 50 

New Hope for SA Poodles 

Sebaceous Adenitis may be the cruelest of all diseases to 

plague Poodles, as it robs this elegant breed of its distinctive 

and luxuriously thick, curly coat. As breeder and PCA member 

Sheree Melancon points out, “What is a Poodle without 

hair?” 

SA was Sheree’s worst fear, a fear she was forced to face 

with her very first litter. She had her promising black puppy 

Fah So groomed for PCA in 2005, which left him with an inflamed 

face and swollen eyes that lasted for the whole week. 

Being at PCA gave Sheree the best opportunity to talk to 

others about testing breeding stock in general and SA in particular, 

as she started to suspect that her boy had SA and not 

an allergic reaction as her regular vet thought. 

What Sheree admittedly knew about SA back then was very 

little, and she was not well-informed about testing. She tested 

the dam and sire of this litter for hips and eyes, which she 

had thought were the most important problems in Poodles. 

She waited until the dam was 3 years old and the sire was 4, 

thinking that SA would appear by then. 

“What I had heard was that SA wasn’t as bad as it used to 

be,” Sheree says. She heard conflicting things about the test. 

“When you asked people about testing for SA, they were 

reluctant to do it because they felt that it was not an adequate 

test. Most of the time, the comment was that they didn’t have 

a problem with SA.” 

Sheree feels lucky that she made friends and found mentors 

at that PCA. She took their recommendation of having the 

sire and dam biopsied for SA; both tested clear for SA. From 

the test results, she would have bred them anyway. There 

were no red flags to warn her. 

Fah So was 10-11 months old when he starting showing 

symptoms of SA. Of the whole litter, Fah So was the only 

one to fight being clipped, and he hated having the dryer 

on his face and feet. Such sensitivity is typical of SA dogs. 

A few months before PCA, the puppy counter-surfed and 

gobbled up 80 tablets of Sheree’s fragrant Armour Thyroid. 

She rushed him to the vet, who pumped his stomach and ran 

thyroid tests. No ill effects were found. 

Several weeks later, Fah So’s handler noticed a couple of 

sores on his skin along with matting, which may have been 

coat change. He kept having ear problems, from which many 

SA dogs suffer. Then, at PCA, his facial skin and eyes were 

extremely inflamed. 

spots, and soon there was flakiness on his face and feet. An 

eye specialist found his eyes to be fine but noted that whatever 

his skin problem was, it was severely acute. The regular 

vet insisted that it was not SA and prescribed Prednisone, 

which cleared up the ears but did nothing to relieve the flakiness 

and itching. 

Sheree spent hours on the computer, going through the OFA 

website. That July 4th weekend, she looked at his pedigree 

online but did not find any affected dog close to him, only 

half-sires and half-dams generations back. Still, she cried the 

whole time. As she explains, “I cried because, in my gut, I 

knew he had it.” 

Up until the end of July, Fah So had severe flaking on his 

skin but only some hair loss. His condition would deteriorate 

suddenly and dramatically after a routine bath left him 

with bald spots down to the skin on his chest, back, and ears. 

Handfuls of hair had fallen out in clumps. “The sad thing 

with Fah So was that he would appear to get better, then he 

would have a break-out, and each time, it would be worse. 

This is the lie SA does. He would grow some hair, and when 

I would bathe him, it fell out in the tub. I cried every time it 

happened,” Sheree remembers. 

He was tested and diagnosed with SA by August. Heartbroken, 

Sheree cried for three months. “You know that they are 

never going to be okay,” she says. 

Taking a bad situation and making it worse, traditional veterinary 

medicine can not offer a successful cure or treatment 

plan for SA, unless the dog develops a secondary skin infection, 

in which case antibiotics are prescribed. An unfortunate 

number of vets have no working knowledge of SA; they 

don’t even consider, much less recognize, SA when a Poodle 

presents with chronic skin problems. 

The expensive shampoos from the vet did not help. A skin 

specialist prescribed a short duration of high doses of Vitamin 

A orally and use of a propylene glycol spray. Sheree 

liked the idea of propylene glycol, a ubiquitous ingredient 

in moisturizers as it hydrates by attracting water molecules, 

but was concerned with the impact of such high doses of 

Vitamin A on Fah So’s liver. On her own, she had bloodwork 

done, which showed that his liver levels were acceptable, 

but on the high end of normal. She decided against the Vitamin 

A protocol. 

Because of the lack of veterinary protocols for SA, dog owners 

have had to come up with their own out of sheer necessity. 

Traditionally, the home treatment plan is the use of oil 

baths, usually mineral oil, which Sheree found “horrific.” 

Back home in Houston, dry skin appeared on his face in 


cont. on page 51


As she describes it, oil was all over the place, and the dog 

picked up dirt everywhere, a real problem for a dog with skin 

problems. Getting the oil out of the coat was another quandary. 

She soon concluded that oil baths were not compatible 

with Fah So’s field training, since Sheree was adamant that 

he “have a life.” Stopping these baths was not a difficult 

decision to make; she did not find that these treatments were 

all that helpful. She explained that the mineral oil molecule 

is too large to easily penetrate the dog’s skin. 

Sheree was haunted by the reports of severely affected dogs 

whose exasperated owners had no other alternative than to 

put them down. She was afraid that one day she, too, would 

have to consider euthanasia as the only humane option if she 

could not manage his condition and keep him comfortable. 

Sheree was determined to find something to help her dog. A 

groomer, who had a relative of Fah So and was unaware of 

any SA in the background, advised Sheree to rinse him with 

an apple cider vinegar dilution to alleviate the itching. From 

past experience with show horses and cattle, Sheree knew 

that apple cider vinegar cleaned the skin well and neutralized 

the skin so that bacteria could not thrive. 

Her research revealed that black people often have a tendency 

to have weak sebaceous glands, so Sheree found beauticians 

experienced with black hair to find out how they treated dry, 

flaky skin. She started using several recommended products 

but had the same problems of attracting dirt and oiliness getting 

onto everything. 

She knew that a successful treatment “needed to feed the 

skin what it doesn’t have,” but serendipity would lead her to 

that goal. As a licensed massage therapist, Sheree must continue 

her education annually for license renewal. She was 

particularly interested in a course on essential oils, hoping 

that it would help in the pain management of her newly-diagnosed 

fibromyalgia. She not only found relief from her 

pain but also became excited about the possibility of using 

essential oils to treat Fah So. 

She struck gold with her second experiment, this time with a 

lavender-based coconut oil, which has since been improved 

to include other essential oils. Sheree mentions that before 

penicillin, lavender was used widely and was a staple for 

medics in World War I. She explains that although the sebaceous 

glands do not work properly in SA dogs and may have 

even disappeared, the hair roots remain and need nourishment, 

which the sebaceous glands would normally provide. 

This coconut oil formulation is “bio-identical to what the 

sebaceous gland produces.” The oil feeds the skin; the lavender 

prevents infection and gives the skin the ability to fight 

off staph, which is a difficulty with SA dogs. 

Page 51 


She was also looking for an unadulterated handmade soap 

as a cleansing base to get Fah So clean. She started selling 

goat’s milk soap, although she thinks that a handmade shea 

butter soap would work fine as well. The soap cleansing was 

followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse, then an application 

of the essential oil blend. 

No one who sees Fah So now would guess that he has SA. 

I had been told about Fah So and made a point of being introduced 

to Sheree at the hunt event at PCA in 2008. When 

I told her I wanted to meet her SA dog, she gestured to the 

jet-black dog at her side. His thick coat was cut down into 

the sporting clip seen on most hunting Poodles. Surely she 

misunderstood me. I asked again, with the same reply. Soon 

I was petting him, with wonder at what I was seeing and 

feeling. Within minutes, I had ordered her treatment kit and 

dared to hope that it would be as successful for my girl, Nikita. 

For those who have not had a Poodle with SA, such feelings 

must seem maudlin. SA is a deviously difficult disease, as it 

follows a different course not just with each breed but with 

each dog within a breed. Yet, if there is a constant about SA, 

it’s that heart-broken dog owners are reduced to tears many, 

many times. 

I had taken Nikita to four different vets, looking for an explanation 

of her hair loss, itching, and flaky skin. A cocker 

spaniel breeder advised me to have her thyroid checked, but 

two of the vets dismissed that idea, as she was neither overweight 

nor lethargic. (Since then, I have been enlightened by 

Dr. Jean Dodds that, as the master gland, a malfunctioning 

thyroid can produce dozens of symptoms besides those two. 

Blood work would later reveal that Nikita did indeed have 

hypothyroidism.) 

It was a question posed by a Poodle groomer, breeder, and 

handler that finally led me to the answer. Beth Paynter asked 

me why I wasn’t bringing in Nikita for grooming, along with 

our white boy whom she groomed regularly. As I explained 

the miserable condition of her coat that now looked motheaten, 

Beth’s face became more and more serious. She told 

me that it sounded like SA and gave me the contact information 

for the vet who performs the skin punches at the Watchung 

Mountain Poodle Club health clinics. As Dr. Karen 

Dashfield efficiently took the biopsy samples from Nikita’s 

back and affected areas, I asked her if she thought it was 

SA. She just looked at me. I knew then. And prayed she was 

wrong. 

A few years before Nikita’s diagnosis, I had met a Poodle 

with SA through a chance meeting in another neighborhood 

in my town. As I was walking out to my car to bring 

in a sheet cake, I encountered a couple walking a dog whose 

cont. on page 52

Page 52 


breed I could not tell. At first glance, it almost looked like a 

sighthound. There was something familiar about the dog that 

made me ask the couple about its breed. As the dog shyly 

came up to me, the woman told me that this was a Standard 

Poodle with SA. I tried to say something encouraging and 

petted the dog, which had the saddest eyes I had ever seen. 

After the meeting, I rushed into the house to scrub my hands, 

fervently hoping that I would never have to deal with SA. 

While waiting for the report from Dr. Ann Hargis, I told 

myself, over and over, that knowing what was wrong with 

Nikita was better than not knowing, no matter what the diagnosis 

was. I lied. I was lunching at a lovely restaurant in 

Manhattan, when my husband called to read me the report 

that had just been faxed to our office. I heard the term “affected” 

and burst out crying in that hushed room. 

My own research about the disease was discouraging, but I 

was helped tremendously by advice and support from Marion 

Banta, Kathryn Foran, Kathleen Reilly, and Gayle Roberson. 

An all-breed groomer, Kathleen gave Nikita a new 

hairstyle that looked more like a terrier clip than a Poodle’s, 

but it looked good on her and helped camouflage her coat’s 

shortcomings. I insisted that Nikita’s ears be kept as long as 

possible, especially since her tail, which was the canine version 

of a bad comb-over, had to be shaved. Losing her once 

lush bottle-brush tail was very hard for me. Nikita’s nickname, 

Her Royal Curliness, now seemed like a cruel joke. 

The cyclical nature of SA demands constant monitoring and 

fine-tuning of any treatment plan. Just when I thought I had 

the disease under control, she would have another outbreak, 

and I would have to scramble for a new regimen. I went 

through medicated shampoos and all sorts of conditioners 

like water. In the beginning, I tried the oil baths. Because 

of my own sensitivity to petroleum products, I did not use 

mineral oil or its derivatives. I tried several different oils like 

olive and grapeseed, diluted to ease the problem of getting 

the oil out of the coat. After a few months of torturing my 

dog and myself, I gave up on oil baths. The initial treatments 

had helped her skin condition by loosening the scales and lesions, 

but her coat remained sparse. What little hair she had 

was mostly straight, wavy at best, and very dry. Her once 

solid black coat was now shot through with coarse white 

hairs, giving her a salt-and-pepper look. 

Like that couple I met, I would have to field people’s questions 

about her breed. It didn’t make matters easier that she 

was compared to my other Standard, who is a fabulous white 

boy from Whisperwind-My Deer lines, with coat to burn. 

One person asked if she were a labradoodle; luckily for all 

concerned, this happened when my husband took her to the 

park, and I wasn’t within earshot. 


By then, I met and brainstormed with others with SA Poodles 

through the online lists of SA-Addisons Yahoo Group and 

Poodle Support Group. I tried the few treatment plans that 

were suggested. I boosted her immune system with various 

supplements, including the Chinese herb formula of Wind 

Toxin. She was tested for allergies; already on a raw diet, 

grains were eliminated from her diet, including treats. Instead 

of yearly vaccinations, both dogs were titered. Acupuncture, 

chiropractic, and kinesiology helped Nikita, but 

changes in her condition seemed inevitable. There were 

many times when I would not want to bathe her, because I 

never knew when handfuls of her hair would fall out. 

She was going through a particularly nasty outbreak when 

I met Sheree out of sheer desperation. I just wanted her to 

have a full coat of hair, but seeing Fah So, maybe, just maybe, 

she could become my beautiful Curlie Girlie again. After 

a month of using Sheree’s treatment, I thought I noticed 

Nikita’s coat becoming blacker. Was I seeing what I wanted 

to see? Then, without prompting, a friend commented on 

how black her coat had become. Soon, hair was growing in, 

even on her tail, and it was curly! It was nothing short of a 

miracle. Her vets and groomers have been amazed by these 

results. 

The treatment is not a cure and must be followed vigilantly. 

Nikita still has outbreaks occasionally with some coat thinning, 

especially this past fall when she was bothered by allergies. 

However, she has not had that typical SA moth-eaten 

coat since she started this treatment. 

Nikita is not the only success story. Berkely, another Standard 

with SA, now has so much thick hair that he has to be 

groomed regularly, just like a normal Poodle. This treatment 

has also helped an Addisonian Standard with thin coat and 

skin irritation issues. Right before the deadline for this article, 

Sheree received a wonderful email from someone she 

met at PCA last year. The treatment is clearing up her dog’s 

bald spots on his back and head. 

Sheree insists that she is “in no way an expert on SA” and 

recommends everyone to test according to PCA guidelines. 

In an email, she relates what this SA experience has taught 

her as well as the questions it has raised: 

“Telling people that you have SA, or any disorder, in your 

bloodline can be a double-edged sword. In some ways, I 

have paid a price for telling about Fah So. On the other side 

of that sword, telling and asking questions is the best thing I 

ever did, and I do not regret it. When Fah So tested affected, 

I was not sure what to do. I felt that talking about it and being 

open was what I should do But the heartbreak I was feeling 

was very overwhelming. I had little understanding of SA and 

cont. on page 53

cot. from page 52 

Page 53 

a lot of questions. I was lucky that I had made friends and 

mentors at PCA the year Fah So broke out with SA. I needed 

guidance and the answers to many questions. Like, do you 

breed Poodles that have full or half-siblings that are affected? 

Do you breed a sire or dam who have produced affected 

offspring? We need to tell other breeders and puppy buyers 

of the problems in our Poodles. That way, they can make an 

informed decision on the risk they are willing to take in buying 

or breeding into your line. Breeders coming together and 

having an open discussion is the only way to get a handle on 

genetic problems. Many full and half-siblings never have SA 

or pass it to their offspring, or do they? There are big holes 

in the information on SA. I feel that we have these gaps because 

SA is a mystery in many ways. It is hard to track and 

hard to test. When you have a disorder like SA, I do not think 

it comes down to simple genetics. It seems that SA has a 

trigger. Most breeds are affected differently, and each poodle 

seems to display symptoms in different ways. We need to 

have a better test and better information. I think as breeders 

we have pushed SA aside just a little for problems that have 

graver consequences. People need to know that SA is still 

there. This year, I have talked to 3 people that have put their 

Poodles to sleep because they could no longer deal with SA. 

I am sure Fah So could have had this same fate if I had not 

come up with the oil treatment.” 

As for Fah So, he has indeed had quite a life, despite SA. 

“When Fah So received his Junior Hunting Title, he had 

little hair. He had bald spots and was bleeding from running 

through the tall grass. I ran one test each weekend and 

not the usual two tests back-to-back because his skin and 

coat had become so fragile,” Sheree recalls. Fah So has since 

earned a WC and a WCX at the bronze medallion level. 

I must note here that I have no incentive to promote Sheree’s 

treatment other than to alert the Poodle community to a successful 

option. Her treatment kit of goat’s milk soap and essential 

oil blend sells for $100, and will last several months. 

For more information, please contact Sheree by email (huntingpoodle@hotmail.com) 

or phone ((832-212-1306). 

Before picture: The quality of this photo of Nikita as she was 

in the bathtub awaiting the first treatment is poor, but one 

can see the following in her coat: sparseness; flakiness; SA 

lesions and scales; the straight or somewhat wavy, dry hair; 

and the off-color. 

This is how 11-year-old Nikita looked last June at a tracking 

class. 

BERNICE JOHNSON REAGON: 

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed 

to help you discover who you are. 


Page 54 

The AKC Master National 

Oct. 25-Nov.1 Manheim, 

Texas 

Written by Mia DiBenedetto 

History was made at the 2009 American Kennel Club Master 

National Retriever trial. 

Bibelot’s Tolka Hands Up, MH became the first Standard 

Poodle ever to Qualify at the AKC Master National. 

Known by the call name Ten, this 3-year-old bitch is owned 

by Mia DiBenedetto and Jack D. Combs of Wickford, Rhode 

Island. Ten was bred by Susan Fraser and Deb Drake of Ontario. 

Ten is trained and handled by Jack D. Combs. 

The Master National experience was thrilling for Jack and 

me. It was our first time attending this national event and we 

could not have received a warmer welcome and it was the 

most exciting canine event we have ever attended. The gallery 

could not have been more supportive of the poodle. 

While there may have been some snickering when Ten first 

came to the line, after the first two Series, spectators actually 

came from the other Stake just to see “the white poodle” 

run. Everyone was routing for her, and Ten loved the attention 

and seemed to thrive on the applause. 

There were 387 entries in the 2009 event, including Labradors, 

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Flat 

Coat Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels and 1 Standard Poodle. 

This year’s event was held in Giddings Texas, October 23, 

through November 1, 2009 and consisted of Four Test Series 

The Master National is a hunt test conducted under the rules 

and regulations of the American Kennel Club Hunt Test program. 

The Master National is open to any Retriever breed, 

Irish Water Spaniel, or Standard Poodle which, between 

August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009 accumulates a total of 5 

qualifications in its first 7 attempts in the Master category 

from a MN member club. 


over seven days. Dogs advanced through the series only if 

they received a qualifying score on each test. 

But the Master National is so much more than retrieves, 

birds and blinds. 

The MN began with a spectacular Opening Ceremony. The 

cont. on page 55

Page 55 


National Anthem was sung by a member of a local Retriever 

Club while an equestrian precision drill team presented “The 

Colors” (flags for the United States of America, the State of 

Texas, the Master National Retriever Club, the Christian flag 

and the 4-H flag). The youth team made a grand entry and 

delighted the crowd of over 100 including AKC representatives, 

sponsors, local dignitaries, handlers and guests. The 

emotions ran high and I saw quite a few participants dry a 

tear as a single rider paraded the American Flag around the 

arena. 

The Handler’s Welcome Dinner was next where the official 

running order was selected. This was no ordinary random 

number draw. All handlers were asked to stand up. Then 

much to the delight of the crowd a retriever was sent to a pile 

of bumpers. Each bumper represented a range of numbers 

(for example 140-149). As a range of numbers were selected 

handlers sat down and only the final range was left standing. 

At that time the dog was sent for a single number and that 

became the Starting dog! The entire evening was full of fun, 

and helped the anxious handlers to relax before their first day 

of the competition. 

Not to be outdone, during the week there were two other 

parties open to all those at the MN. At the parties many 

handlers, who don’t see each other during the hunt test season, 

reconnect with their friends at this event. Many new 


friendships are also made here. Dogs are competing against 

a standard and not each other, and for this reason, I think the 

camaraderie among the group is exceptional! 

The Four Series 

The entries are divided into two Stakes (A and B), with both 

groups running the same series of tests but in different order. 

There are two sets of judges but the same two judges follow 

your dog through the entire four Series. Dogs advanced 

through the series only if they received a qualifying score on 

each test. 

Extreme weather conditions made this year’s event difficult 

for many dogs. Heavy rains and winds made scenting and 

visibility difficult. 

The judges named each Series and as you can see 

from the descriptions from the Master National web 

site, this was one challenging event! 

Series 1, named the “Snake Pit, was a triple with the 

flyer deep and thrown first then a dead bird station 

in the center and finally another dead bird station 

thrown left to right with goose decoys located deep 

of the fall area. The flyer and middle station were 

each thrown in the same direction of right to left. 

The stations were well separated. The center station 

has a small round pond in the test. The station 

was located behind the pond and thrown toward the 

outer edge. The pond was on line however a cheat 

around the left edge would not be “bad” however a 

cheat would put your dog out of position to easily 

come up with the bird. 

Series 2, known as the “Blondes,” consisted of a 

triple with a flyer, two dead bird stations, a blind 

that appears to be under the arc of the go bird and 

finally an honor. The blind which cut the corner of 

the pond had a line between the flyer and dead bird 

station located at the end of the pond. 

The line was up a ravine about 20-yards from the waters 

edge, the first bird down was a long memory bird across the 

pond and thrown left to right to the back side of the dyke. 

The flyer was a bit shorter and shot right to left and finally 

the short bird a wipe-out bird was thrown close to the line 

of the flyer and over the line of the first bird down. A blind 

was run between the flyer station and long memory bird and 

under the arc of the wipe-out bird. After the line work was 

completed there was an honor behind and to the left of the 

working dog. 

cont. on page 56


Page 56 

Series 3 was called “Severed Limbs,” and was supposed to 

be a land triple, using all pheasants with a flyer. The first 

bird down was a right to left, angle back thrown from heavy 

concealment into a pocket in shrubs at about 115 yards. The 

next bird was a flyer right to left angle back into a deep slot 

at about 130 yards Dogs that were too far left tended to be 

pulled into the first bird station. The third bird was a pheasant 

thrown right to left angle back at about 82 yards. 

But the rain came from the South mid- morning in sheets 

with heavy gusting winds and quickly changed that scenario. 

The tests went on with another deluge in the afternoon. The 

wind changed to the North and the temperature dropped 20 

degrees in what seemed like a minute and the rain came in 

sheets. 

The tests only stopped long enough for the gunners to see 

where to shoot. The live gunners at days end were standing 

in a foot of mud yet there were surprisingly few no birds. 

This test was quickly renamed a “River Runs Through It”. 

With the huge amount of rain encountered the dogs crossed 

running water on all 3 of the birds for this land test. 

Series 4 was called “Go-Cat-Go.” A walk-up water triple 

with a flyer, a double blind and finally an honor. The working 

line was about 10-yards from the water’s edge and the 

first bird down was thrown left to right and landed in front of 

a small group of trees. Directly across the pond, the second 

bird was thrown right to left and landed at the water’s edge. 

Finally the go bird, a duck flyer, was off to the right, 90 degrees 

from the middle bird. After picking up the marks, dogs 

were asked to run a land blind located to the front and left of 

the second mark and then challenging water blind was run 

between the two dead bird stations. 

It was a demanding series of tests. And there definitely is a 

bit of “luck” involved as we saw many good dogs go out due 

to unusual circumstances. While the judges try to make the 

tests all the same for all 400 dogs, time of day, weather and 

wind has its effects. 

The MN is an exhausting and anxiety-ridden week but it was 

an opportunity of a lifetime for Jack and me. The camaraderie 

among owners/handlers was incredible. To compete 

with so many magnificent working dogs was truly a dream 

come true! 

Westminster info! 

Top 5 in each variety that get invitations! 

TOY POODLES 

CH Cache’s Lady Olivia De Plata 

CH Cache’s Lord Grayson 

CH Forever Master Of The Game 

CH Smash Jp Moon Walk 

CH Tropical’s House Of The Rising Sun 

MINIATURE POODLES 

CH Alegria Shamus 

CH Amity Mystical Horizon’s Heaven Sent 

CH Campostela The Perfect Storm 

CH Divine No Doubt Deagra 

CH Splash Di Caprio 

STANDARD POODLES 

CH Bar-None Dawin Travelin’ Man 

CH Dawin Spitfire 

CH Donnchada Sweet Dreams 

CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely 

CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation 

REGIONAL TRIVIA 

POODLE COUNTS 2009 

26 POOD TOY 12-8- 4-2 

23 POOD MIN 6-10- 2-5 

47 POOD STD 11-19- 13-3 

1 VET DOG 

COMPARED TO PHILADELPHIA CENTEN- 

NIAL SPECIALITES 

POODLE COUNTS 1984 

67 TOYS 23-28-8-5 

(JUDGE LYDIA HUTCHINSON) 

2 VET DOGS 

1 STUD DOG 

1 BROOD BITCH 

91 MINIS 224-47-13-7 

(JUDGE EDD BIVIN) 

1 VET. DOG 

1 STUD DOG 

We encourage other poodle owners to try and qualify their 

dogs so they too can become a part of the Master National 

experience. Our thanks to everyone for their support and 

congratulations. 

We think Ten did the Poodle World proud! 


95 STANDARDS 27-45-12-8 

(JUDGE MAXINE BEAM) 

2 STUD DOG 

3 BROOD BITCH

The Poodle Papers - Poodle Club of America

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

The Poodle Papers - Poodle Club of America

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?