From Show Dog to Farm Dog

Where do show dogs go when their ring career is over? Some are placed in adoptive homes, some are retired to raising a litter or two of future show puppies, sometimes they stay with the breeder as members of the household. Some show dogs (and regular city dogs) move to the country. Mine did and we have learned many lessons from it.

Country dogs still need grooming and can still look primped and ready for company. I hated to lose the "Big Hair" on my Standard Poodle but you can imagine his delight in running through the fields, paddling in the creek and then the agony of having to be brushed to get out the 10 kinds of burrs he'd bring home from our adventures outdoors. During the summer he was shaved down with a 7f  blade (very short) everywhere. He looked so goofy at first to me but it was so easy to check for ticks and stickers. After he learned that barbed wire is the fencing of choice in our area and learning how to crawl under and not through it I decided a little longer length was prudent. I have him looking like a Terrier now and since winter is here I keep it a little longer still. While only about 1 inch on the back and slightly longer on the legs with a fuzzy face he stays good and warm because he is clean and brushed regularly. Don't worry, he never had a bad experience with the fences because I taught him right away how to crawl and avoid the barbs.

Don't chase the neighbors cows, leave our chickens alone, please let the barn cat keep the dinner he caught! AW MOM!!

Amazingly, country life has been good to our dogs. The Aussies natural haircoat stays clean, both dogs have great muscle from all the exercise, my Poodle has lost the high strung attitude and put on solid weight. Fresh farm eggs and spring water in their diet keep them appreciating dinner and while we still keep flea & tick products on them and Heartworm preventative administered we have no major skin or hair problems because we still have the same groom/bonding time together several times a week.

Your dog will benefit from the same regular attention no matter where you live. Many owners opt for the short shave for ease of maintaining and yet do not realize that there may be a different length or even a style that would be better for their dog and still be easy to maintain.Cocker, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and many other long haired dogs would do well in a Lamb or Suburban cut. Cockers can have shaved "Poodle feet", Field cuts for Setters and Spaniels and Terriers are just regular pattern trims but with the furnishings only about an inch long. Hair only needs to be ½" or so to be able to attach a bow.

I have grown to love the look of my Farm Poodle, My wooly boy had a fall bandanna on over the Thanksgiving weekend and now it is time to get out the Christmas ones. My daughters Chinese Crested was so cute in her little outfits running around our country house I sometimes wish my big guy was the Toy variety.

Many trims are steeped in history but modern tastes have grown them longer and therefore lost the real reason they were put into use in the first place.

Bows, sweaters, fancy charms, dresses and other pet apparel including bandannas can still be worn down on the farm, just use good judgment and remove the items when you are out adventuring through the woods so nothing snags or gets lost. And it doesn't hurt to keep a pet first aid box or products on hand just in case of emergency.

Where ever you are and whatever breed or mix that you share your life with I wish all a very prosperous coming year - and scratch them behind the ears for me!