May 19, 2011
I rarely see breeds other than german shepherds in Schutzhund. Do you think my standard poodle could get involved in the sport? It has an excellent nose and does very good obedience.
Full Question:
Hello!You have quite a website.
My question is about Schutzhund. I so rarely see breeds other than GSD's and Dobermans in this activity that it caused me to wonder; would it be possible for a breed not necessarily known for having a strong protective instinct to succeed in such a sport?
For example, a Standard Poodle has an excellent nose, is highly intelligent and also very trainable. The breed isn't quite as heavy as some but is of fairly good size and is undeniably athletic. Would a Standard Poodle have what it takes to make it in Schutzhund? I don't know what that last defining quality in a protection dog would be. It can't be viciousness, I've known Shepherds who are absolute babies and besides, a vicious dog trained to attack would be like a loaded gun. Is it protectiveness? Who says Poodles aren't protective? Heck, our neighbors have a toy and if she was big enough, she would gladly tear the throat out of anybody dumb enough to enter her house without consent of her owners. I guess what I'm really trying to ask is, why isn't there a larger variety of breeds represented in this sport? It looks like fun, you'd think it would attract a wider range of fanciers. Do you have a guess?
Thanks for your time, warmest wishes.
Kimberly H.
Cindy's Answer:
My advice is to save your energy and look to a different dog sport.
Your breed of dog is not genetically capable of doing protection work. Many dogs can do respectable obedience and tracking - few dogs can be trained in handler protection. This work, when done properly, is not a learned exercise. It comes from the heart and soul of the animal, and poodles do not have the heart to fight a human.
The worst dog bite I have been unlucky enough to get was from my mother's toy poodle. This was because I came too close to my mother when she was sleeping. But this is not a dog sport - in Schutzhund the dog is tested under totally different circumstances. They must attack a threatening stranger who is a long way away from the handler. There is NO issue of protecting the handler at this distance. The agitator is also not someone who acts nervous but rather someone who is very self confident and someone who attacks the dog. In those circumstances - EVERY POODLE on earth will run from the competition field!
Your breed of dog is not genetically capable of doing protection work. Many dogs can do respectable obedience and tracking - few dogs can be trained in handler protection. This work, when done properly, is not a learned exercise. It comes from the heart and soul of the animal, and poodles do not have the heart to fight a human.
The worst dog bite I have been unlucky enough to get was from my mother's toy poodle. This was because I came too close to my mother when she was sleeping. But this is not a dog sport - in Schutzhund the dog is tested under totally different circumstances. They must attack a threatening stranger who is a long way away from the handler. There is NO issue of protecting the handler at this distance. The agitator is also not someone who acts nervous but rather someone who is very self confident and someone who attacks the dog. In those circumstances - EVERY POODLE on earth will run from the competition field!
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