[Bowman138]

Does anyone have any recommendations for grooming a standard poodle for winter swimming for duck retrieving? Last year was my standard's first duck season and he swam all winter long retrieving ducks, even down to around 0°. I just grew out his entire coat starting late summer. He seemed to have no problems with it. I kept a camp towel to dry him off and a wool army blanket in the duck blind. I've been trying to read up on how they were historically groomed. I found one picture from mid 1800's from UKC. The coat was shorter in the rear and feet to allow for better agility in the water. I want to groom him any way that will keep him warm and allow him to work. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rose n Poos]

Hi and Welcome!

I have two suggestions until someone with experience shows up.

Contact Louter Creek Louter Creek Red Hunting Poodles and talk to them for some in-the-field advice.

A second suggestion is this site, Versatility in Poodles Home - Versatility In Poodles, Inc. : Versatility In Poodles, Inc. (vipoodle.org)
There may be some links here Hunting/Field Poodles - Versatility In Poodles, Inc. : Versatility In Poodles, Inc. (vipoodle.org)
to find some contacts.

 

[Bowman138]

Great, thanks! I've heard of them, I'll see if they can give me some info. They can probably also answer some diet questions I have.

 

[Heartland2022]

The continental show cut is more than just a show cut. A traditional water retrieving hunting cut modified continental. You can read all about it here at this link. It makes sense to me they have hair to keep the vitals warm. I keep Dewy short clip out in the pheasant fields. If I was to use him for winter water retrieval I would probably go traditional modified continental. I'll second that louter creek info very good stuff. The Poodle Paradox: History Behind a Haircut – American Kennel Cl