Poodles are the original retriever.  Their history goes back to Germany where they were bred for protection and field work.  You can learn all about their history by referring to the Poodle History Project.

I was introduced to field work with my first miniature Percy.  He was the first miniature poodle in North America to earn the Poodle Club of America Working Certificate and he did it at the age of 11, and again at 13 years of age.  Percy ran as test dog in several CKC Working Certificate tests and also ran an entrant in NAHRA tests. 

My second miniature, Meya, also earned her PCA WC running as a test dog at a CKC WC test.  Fortunately as of January 1, 2002 the Working Certificate rules were amended to allow all varieties of poodles (toy, miniature and standards) to run in the WC/I/X tests.  Meya then earned her CKC WC in July 2002.

The pictures on this page are of Owen who is a natural retriever and swimmer, and Bowie who is just starting his retrieving career.  Enjoy!

Owen:  Photo by Cathi Winkles

 Owen:  Photo by Lori

Owen:  Photo by Lori

Here's Bowie with his pigeon; Photo by Lori.

Bowie:  I can't see Mum!

Owen:  Photos by Cathi Winkles