Extreme Poodles: A New Look At An Old Tradition
Source: jonner
Standard Poodles were one of the first dog breeds to be routinely groomed and clipped in a specific style. The clip, which was designed to keep the hair on the body short but allow it to remain long over the joints, was actually for practical purposes. Standard poodles were used for hunting in France and European countries and the clip kept the joints warm, which allowed quick drying of the hair on the body. It also helped to prevent the coat from matting and tangling as the dog went in and out of the water retrieving downed birds.
There are still many poodle owners that use the standard type of clip, which has been modified to the continental clip or the puppy clip in most cases. There are however, an increasing number of poodle owners that want to go way beyond this modest clip and create some amazing looks for their dogs.
Extreme Grooming
Extreme grooming, most commonly done using Standard Poodles, is a form of artistic expression for those that love it, and a type of weird animal abuse for those that are against the practice.
It is important to note that in extreme grooming competitions, some which have become famous on YouTube and on television, allow the groomer to clip, paint, dye and tease their dog's hair into a variety of different artistic designs. The TV show is a competitive type of reality based show, with a panel of competitive groomers and their poodles all striving to have the most creative "do" of the day.
Designs on Display
Although many of the extreme poodles on the show are Standard, there are also miniature poodles out on the runway at the end of the competition. Designs range from using the dog as a mural with the coat serving as texture and form for the groomers design, to actually changing the look of the poodle into a completely different animal.
Some of the most spectacular designs include a camel poodle, which is absolutely amazing in its transformation from dog to miniature camel. The groomer dyed the hair and allowed the coat to grow out for over nine months, to give enough bulk in the coat to shape the head and back. There was also a memorable showing of a chocolate coloured standard poodle, that was reshaped to look just like a buffalo. Poodles on the show or in various competitions have included the dogs being converted into roosters, peacocks, fish, Ninja turtles and even a three legged Poodle that was clipped to represent a wounded US soldier.
A green poodle with shamrocks in relief on its flanks is a good representation of a St. Patrick's Day entry, and a purple Poodle complete with grape vines and bunches was a winning entry as a vineyard.
You Be The Judge
Animal activists and many dog lovers worldwide are not at all convinced that this type of treatment of one of the smartest breeds of dogs isn't without stress for the dog. Those that do enjoy extreme grooming and Extreme Poodles have a different option, and report that their dogs love to be the centre of attention, which with these types of clips they definitely are.
If you haven't had a chance to see Extreme Poodles, check it out online or tune in and see just what all the fuss is about, you will be amazed at what you see.
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