All About The Pedigree

 

- Mientjie Kleinhans

You will know Francois Louw as the guy who knows all about beauty – how the total package of a woman comes together. He can tell you about the best hairstyle, make-up and wardrobe to give you the ultimate look. You have seen him on television and you’ve attended some of his talks on beauty. But what do you know about Francois’ pets, Valentino, Chanel and Benjamin? Let’s take a peek into their world.

Introducing the family

Chanel, a nine-year-old French Poodle, is the oldest of the three dogs. She is shorter than Valentino, also a French Poodle. Valentino, six years old, is Francois’ favourite of the three dogs, as he is extremely intelligent and obeys Francois’ commands without any effort. “He just has a certain way that he will come and lie with me that amazes me,” says Francois. Both these Poodles have a certain panache, typical of French Poodles – something that Benjamin, the one-year-old Pekingese, doesn’t understand.

Benjamin just loves life. The highlight of his day is to get a tummy rub and to share his high levels of excitement. He is still in training and hasn’t learnt how to walk with a leash yet – not like the French Poodles, who have mastered the technique.

“You should see the two Poodles trotting on a leash in the park. It is as if they are in a box and safe with me. They don’t go for other dogs: it is as if they don’t notice them at all,” says Francois.