Frea Poodle

Frea, pronounced “frey a”, means friend in old English. The word describes dogs perfectly.

Why a Poodle?

“If you’re happy with the second-floor parlor maid and want to keep her contented, consider the poodle; they don’t shed much. A group of sportsmen on the Eastern Shore are breeding and seriously using royal standard poodles as their duck dogs. Don’t snicker. They’re a lot smarter than some duck hunters I know.”

- Water Dog, by Richard Wolters, Dutton Inc. 1964.

What work do Poodles do?

Retriever: Poodles were first developed in Germany for retriever work. They follow commands well and are generally athletic, smart, and cooperative.

Scenting: Poodles were used for scent work in France for years. They can smell a truffle in the ground from hundreds of feet away. They can smell your finger print on a glass after it has sat outside for a week. They can be taught to lead you to a person lost in the woods. My dog Mia finds my “keys” and “glasses” when I misplace them and can distinguish between them.

Service Dogs: Poodles can learn to do service tasks such as assisting someone who is blind or deaf and who is in an environment where people may be allergic to other dogs.

  • Please be sure that the breeder has bred the dog for the appropriate mellow temperament and the correct size for the task. If the poodle is going to be in the home with someone who is allergic to dogs, have the person with the allergy do the allergy check described above.
  • A miniature poodle is a better size dog for a child in a classroom than a golden retriever.

Allergies: Some people who are allergic to dogs can live with a poodle. They have hair not fur and most have no dander. However, you may be allergic to dog saliva, in which case, even a poodle won’t work. Take it slow and check with your doctor.

  • If you have allergies, please test your allergic response before deciding to get a poodle. If your doctor thinks it is safe, bring necessary anti allergy medication with you and go sit in the breeders car or a very small enclosed area with a poodle and play with it for at least 20 minutes, let him lick you, and then wait for at least 24 hours to see if your allergy symptoms increase. It especially helps if you can do this with the parent dogs of the puppy you expect to buy. A reputable breeder will let you do this if you have your doctor’s permission. Don’t use your car, just in case you are allergic.
  • Not every poodle will work. Before you pick up your puppy, sit in car with your new poodle puppy and let him lick your face and neck and then wait again for 24 hours just to be sure. Don’t take the puppy home and spread something you are allergic to through out your house.