WORKING in the beating line, picking up and even going down the pub after shooting, a standard poodle is suddenly the dog we all want to be seen with. And they are indeed quite a sight, posing romantically in the line or crashing through the cover with curls flying like a supermodel. Such glamour is actually part of the official breed standard, which stresses that every poodle of this variety should possess 'very proud carriage' and be 'gay-spirited and good-tempered' with eyes 'full of fire and intelligence'. It must be big (more than 15 inches at the shoulder) with a 'dense' coat and 'plenty of drive'.
Sandy Vincent, chairman of the Standard Poodle Club, confirms that this is certainly what you should expect from a poodle: "They are a really hard-working, independent dog. It's important to remember that they have high drive and they do need to be trained and have a job they are definitely not couch potatoes. They have great energy, and that is what we love about them. As a breed they were originally water retrievers. Then they became show dogs, which led to the exaggerated trim that many people think is silly but is really just an extreme version of the original working cut: the heavy coat had to be shaved to stop the dogs getting dragged under when working in water but was left on over the kidneys and other areas that needed protecting. People think of them as being a bit frou-frou but in reality they are nothing like that. They are more a dog for a discerning owner - someone looking for a bit of individuality."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2024-Ausgabe von The Field.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2024-Ausgabe von The Field.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays