17/07/2022
“Harry, Harry, quite contrary.” Named after Harry Houdini, Harry the Standard Poodle is a special dog. Put simply, he needs something to keep his mind busy.
Harry is currently six months old, and very confident. He has lovely conformation, and movement, and I’m looking for a co-own situation for him. He would be a great dog to show UKC (he has a natural tail and dew claws) conformation and chase Total Dog awards with; he would excel in training in multiple disciplines. He is currently about 20 inches tall and I expect him to add another inch or so.
He is from Sarsel Poodles breeding of URO2 U-CH APAWS Follow You Follow Me SPOT-ON ATD (“Genesis”) X APAWS Don’t Stop Believin’ ATD (“Hope”). Both parents are CHIC qualified. Sire https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?f=sr&appnum=1882999 Dam https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?f=sr&appnum=1929039 Genesis is a working service dog and has multiple Total Dog Awards. Hope passed service dog training but was ultimately switched to APAW’s breeding program (from which I leased her). I do NOT recommend Harry for service work unless it is a very special situation, as he is a go-go-go dog.
Harry is able to work independently, but also focus on his handler, a truly wonderful combination. He is food motivated, and will work for his kibble (but let me tell you, beef liver is where it’s at).
He loves licking and giving hugs, and most of the time he remembers that we lick with our tongue, not our teeth.
Harry was not bothered on the Fourth of July as a professional fireworks show was held five minutes from our house, nor as the neighbors celebrated with their own fireworks. Recently there was a storm and at one point our house actually shook from thunder, he just casually looked up, only a little bit concerned, then immediately settled back down with no fuss.
Harry has pointed at birds, and tried to make friends with the family cat (the cat is 13 and hates dogs, but he tries to be friends with her every chance he gets).
Harry needs an experienced handler with time and focus just for him. Although you can learn about new activities with him, he needs someone who knows dogs and has time just for him, although he would do well in a multi dog household.
My ideal home for Harry is willing to do a co-own, near Maryland, and looking to show him in both UKC conformation and the performance venue(s) of their choice. I would also consider a working home such as search and rescue. I would consider placing him further away, as well. I do not think he would work well for the majority of people needing a service dog, as he is too much of a “busy” dog.
Full disclosure: He broke his back leg at 9 weeks, while climbing an ex-pen. The growth plate was unaffected, he has healed up well, and my vet says that in one year it will be really, really well healed. My vet does not think this will impact him as an adult at all.
Videos taken at five months in comments. Photos, except for stacked 7 week old photo are by Duda Photography