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Princess's first Litter, Spring 2007Sophie writes: "We had a litter of Puppies from Princess and a very sweet tempered and handsome French Dog (Victorien). With his old fashioned lines we knew as usual that we had a very low chance of genetic problems. The whole litter was very easy from the start. One puppy only had to learn something once for the whole lot to follow suit. They were always easy to handle when out in a crowd and kept up with each other with astonishing synchronisation. Eyes all opened within 24 hours of each other. Each puppy instantly fixed me with a curious look putting my image together with the sensations and noise of their lives to date. Smart. When puppies find their feet they usually have a period of two weeks where they are hilariously funny with their sea legs. Not this lot. They had a few days of finding their gears and then were just off. We had mostly reservations for female puppies and the litter consisted of one girl and six boys so we were obliged to meet new customers but managed to match six of the pups up to the right homes. I am not surprised by the glowing feedback that is coming from their new homes. We still have one boy at home who I am currently deliberating on whether to keep and share with a trusty collaborator or let go. In the meantime he is a pleasure to have at home and flourishing with the attention he gets from his doting granny, aunt and ma, plus me.
G&S, Maine, USA (Owners of Bisous)Hi Sophie, Everything went very smoothly in getting Bisous home! Thanks for the translation. As it turned out, we didn't need it because our Italian landlady knew a vet who spoke some English. Alitalia was wonderful about taking care of her. She was soooo amazing at the airport. We had 2 luggage carts - one with her crate on it and one with the luggage. She rode in the top part of the luggage cart and just sat there watching all the airport activity go past - she didn't try to jump down or fuss or anything. Here's a pic of her at the airport
We have a funny stone sculpture of an armadillo that she has adopted as a replacement brother and she cuddles up to it. We had great fun traveling with her in Italy - and we kept saying how amazing she is. I put that down to your great job in raising her and the way we were able to bond with her so young. It just seems like she trusts us and figures that if we want her to do something then it must be ok (like riding on a ferry, laying under a restaurant table, riding in the car, meeting strangers, doing "be quick" etc). It was a great vacation and loads of fun having her!! Today Bisous is learning her new home. I think she'll enjoy having some routine to her life. Right now, she's curled up at my feet after having terrorized her mop and her squeaky hedgehog. G&S, Maine, USA, July 2007
I & S, Gers, France (Owners of Oskar)Oskar is doing really well. He's passed the 20kg mark and has been shedding baby teeth like confetti. He is absolutely adorable and is loved by almost everyone who meets him. The lady that runs a local boarding kennel is so taken with him that she wants your details too. Could it be that your tribe will be
He is not aggressive towards other dogs, though some are towards him - especially Jack Russells, but it hasn't stopped him being sociable. He's also good with young children. We are able to take him anywhere and he is well behaved, even in the butchers where he often gets a nice bone. All this and his proud, confident carriage makes us very proud owners indeed. Thank you again I & S, Gers, France, July 2007
C. Canfield, USA, owner of CaiusHi Sophie, Happy New Year! Things are going well with Cauis. He has been healthy and beautiful. He gets non-stop comments on our walks. I still take him to work with me at the store. He is so friendly with all the customers. We start our next agility class at the end of the month… Cauis really enjoys the classes and learns amazingly quickly. Behaviour has been excellent with the exception of a bad situation with the Scottish Terrier across the hall from us. The two of them really hate each other. The Scotty is unpopular with all the other dogs in the building, but since the two of them are both unneutered and living so close to each other, their feud is particularly vicious. We have it under control, though. We just keep our dogs on leashes in the public areas, and take care not to step out of the elevator before making sure the other dog is not there. I absolutely adore Cauis. I'm taking excellent care of him. He's in tip top shape. Solid muscle. I hope one day Cauis and I will be able to take a trip over to say hi to his kin. C. Canfield, St Francisco, USA
Monsieur and Madame Auge, owners of Sabio (Brittany ) - March 2009
Joy's First Litter, 2006Joy gave birth to eight puppies in 2006. They all enjoyed robust good health and joyful and affectionate natures. The following are testimonials from the homes of Joy's offspring.
Brandon McMillan USA (Professional Dog Trainer training Remy Julian) - March 2007My experience with one of Sophie’s puppies has been remarkable. I’ve been training Remy since he was 10 weeks old and he is now 7 months old. At 14 weeks Remy was more obedient and easier to train, with even technical trains, than a lot of dogs are at 2 or 3 years old, which has something to do with my training but much more to do with the breeding of these dogs. Over the years I have trained over 30 standard poodles and I rank Remy in the top 3 of brains, physique and overall spirit of what this breed generally tends to offer. I train both domestic and wild animals for the film and television industries. Remy is already to the point where he can do a full film or T.V. show at his age and the reason I see this is because of his work ethics and stamina during training. Remy is still in 100% work mode after I’ve trained him for our regular hour session. I had the honor of meeting Sophie in Los Angeles and she observed me training and I think she is professionally at the top of her game as a dog breeder. Brandon McMillan, www.theK9mind.com. ( See Brandon's TV show)
Ingo and Sandie (Owners of Oskar) - February 2008Hi Sophie, A few weeks ago an English couple were admiring Oskar at the local market and said they had recently lost one. So I told them about you. He is superb and always gets admired wherever he goes and he's even managed to charm people who aren't really into dogs. It's amazing to think that in a couple of weeks he will be two - well they say time flies when you're enjoying yourself and he certainly knows how to do that. He's also great with children, it's as if he knows he has to play gently. It certainly was a great decision to have him. Thank you for breeding a star. Best regards, Ingo and Sandie
John & Tina, Owners of Zidane (March 2007)Zidane is the most loving and lovable dog imaginable. He is intelligent and easy to train with a great sense of humour.
At 6 months old he travelled for 3 days down to southern Spain in the back of our car, stayed in an 8th floor apartment with rickety lift and took the Marbella esplanade by storm! A truly international "Babe magnet" as you can see from the photo below.
We have lived with dogs in our families all our lives but this is our very first poodle and a lot of heart searching and thought went into the decision. The main family dog was always a German Shepherd and we have had Labradors and Great Danes and various rescue dogs throughout the years.
Definitely a Super Dog! John & Tina, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Sara, owner of Scooby (April 2007)
He is very strong and very beautiful, with a fabulous nature and what a personality! They love him at the 'poodle parlour' - he was there yesterday, and they did not want to let him go! Everyone who meets him loves him.
Mr. R Pardo, USA, owner of Remy Julian (January 2007)
He was incredible on the train ride ... no fuss or crying. We want Remy's name to evoke his amazing journey from France. Remy Julian was a delight and Air France did a great job handling him and keeping us informed of the process including letting us know when he was on the plane and that the temparuture was set at 20 degrees C and the lights were left on. There were two other dogs near him. When we arrived in LA he was fine but had to pee as desperately as he did not go in the crate for the 11 and a half hour trip … their attitude was good and understanding of our concern about leaving little Remy alone (although the creep was happy to go with anyone who was nice to him ... which he manipulated so it was everyone). They let us wait in the ticket area until the handler came to cart him away. He adjusted to home and our girl Asia loves him but disciplines him when necessary. He is also playing with our cat, Jezebel, like if she was a puppy and they get along well. All our family and friends love him.
He is good with his commands but Brandon think he is so smart that he is getting bored so wants to challenge him more. He really is a great dog. I can't tell you how happy Andrew and I are that we found you and that you have given us the opportunity to adopt such a love. Everyone that knows him falls in love with him. (March 2007) The one thing that stands out about Remy besides his intelligence is his gentle nature with children of all ages. (March 2009) ... Remy is still a "superstar" and just has everyone wrapped around his paws ... even strangers who just meet him. He is really amazing. Mr. R Pardo
Mme Collomb-Richards, France, Owner of Louis Hilary (January 2007).I would be delighted to say something about this amazing 5 month puppy. Not only do we adore him , but my whole view-point on dogs has changed because of him. He is intelligent, funny, naughty but all rolled into one the most adorable loving dog. As I have never had a dog in my life before this experience has literally changed my life. My husband travels around Europe, and if I hadn't decided on getting Louis then I think I probably would have gone quite loopy.
Louis is a large dog, a handsome dog and certainly an energetic dog. But apart from my husband , he is my number 2 love and I'm so glad I decided to get him when I did. I couldn't take possession of him right away but Sophie looked after him for 3 months before I collected him. We arrived in France on December 14 and Louis landed on my doorstep on December 18. He was a big dog and I didn't know what exactly to say to him having had cats all my life. But after a few days he settled in. He never leaves my side to this day and has the most loving disposition. He's the perfect dog and breed for us. Thank you Sophie, you've done a wonderful job with my dog. I would highly recommend Sophie Duncan as a serious and superior breeder to anyone.
Tel: + 33 02 47 57 41 50
Madame L. Paul, USA, owner of Charlie (January 2007)I picked up Sophie and puppies from the airport in San Francisco. The puppies traveled together in a single crate, and after crossing the Atlantic they appeared untraumatized yet happy to be reunited with Sophie and anxious for a potty break. My 14 year old son frequently comments that Charlie is the best dog ever and he sabotages my efforts to keep him off furniture because he lets Charlie in his bed every night. He is so playful in his bouncy puppyhood and such a good natured dog everyone falls in love (even my avowed non-dog lover niece). Charlie is a bundle of energy and is already a very big boy so we are seriously committed to obedience training. He is a fast learner even at a young age and he is extremely sociable with other dogs and people, although his potty training success rate is less than stellar so far. I'm really happy that he is not an excessive chewer as I have experienced with previous puppies. So far I have not lost any shoes or furniture to the cause. Madame L. Paul
LM, Germany, owner of Audrey (January 2007)Audrey is a joy. She is funny, smart, goofy, and happy, happy, happy. Although she is good about "sit," "platz" (down), "roll over," and sometimes "stay," her always-responded to words remain "biscuit" and "bunny." (She has a small stuffed bunny from Ikea that is her favorite toy these days.) She is perfect on the leash, and generally good off ... She enjoys a cup of tea after our Saturday walks with our friend Frances and her dachshund, GG. She makes herself at home at Frances's house as easily as she does at ours. She remains fearless and curious — absolutely convinced that everyone we see is as eager to meet her as she is them. LM
DS, owner of Kobi (kennel name Magnus Jagger) February 2007Kobi is a wonderful dog and so much fun. He adores his family and we adore him. He still has a lot of the goofy qualities of a puppy (almost 6 months now), but it's easy to see that there is a wise man waiting to come out under all of that puppiness. He has been a quick learner and very very well behaved. He just loves playing with other dogs and is as friendly with them as can be. He has turned my "I'm not a dog person" wife into a true believer. We couldn't be happier with him.
DS, San Francisco
Charlotte's Litter, 2007The following are testimonials from the homes of Charlotte’s offspring. Those in French have been translated into English. Charlotte gave birth to fourteen puppies on the 31st of May 2003. The 12 puppies that survived birth have enjoyed robust good health and joyful and affectionate natures. While genetic health is a primary consideration we ensure that the puppies are fed superbly and given plenty of exercise, fun and opportunities to socialise. Gamo, kennel nick name: Gamo, home name: Joey, destination: San Francisco, USAThis is the most wonderful, smart, affectionate dog I've ever known. People stop me constantly and tell me how beautiful he is...and how human his eyes are! I know plenty of people who would want a puppy from his lines. Thank you … he came to me. Good luck with your breeding. ?, Kennel nick name: tiny, home name: Tokaj, destination: Esperaza, FranceElle est affectueuse, peut-être trop car elle n’hesite pas sauter sur les genoux quand on est dans un fauteuil et s'y installe pour dormir. joueuse, elle nous fait des farces: enleve les chaussures des pieds des personnes qui sont a la maison et fait le tour du jardin avec; attrape les coussins sur les chaises et les transporte partout, cache les objets qu'elle aperçoit, elle sait jouer seule. Ensuite, elle est calme, reste couche sans bouger, mais nous suit partout de peur de rester seule. Elle garde bien la maison, aboie quand c'est necessaire, pas trop, assez docile mais pas tres obeissante, un peu plus avec moi. Elle a de grandes qualities, est toujours contente, aime bien les autres chiens et les chats avec qui elle joue, est tres vive. Son principal defaut est d’être très jalouse: elle ne laisse personne s'approcher de moi, dans ce cas elle grogne, montre les dents et n'hesite pas sauter sur les personnes. J'essaie de la corriger de ce defaut en l'attachant un moment avec sa chaine, j'espere que lui passera.... Elle adore la voiture. Voila ses qualities et ses defauts, mais on l'aime comme elle est et nous ne pourrions pas nous passer d'elle. J'espere que ces renseignements vous seront utiles et que tous vos chiens seront aussi gentils. She is affectionate, perhaps too much so because she does not hesitate to jump on my knee when seated on the sofa or getting into bed. She is Joyful and plays the fool; removing the shoes of visitors and doing a lap in the garden, she takes cushions from chairs and transports them around the house and hides things she sees, she knows how to play alone... December 2003. Tokaj is so adorable and extremely loving, he has settled in to our family so well. Sophie, Jay, Oscar (my other standard poodles) love him to bits. He has such a lovely temperament and listens to everything I say to him. Although he has only been with us for two weeks, I feel we’ve been together much longer – he’s so obedient. February 2005. Tokaj is still a “mummy’s boy”. Everytime I sit down to watch TV he clambers up onto my lap and refuses to move. He’s rather big for my lap. He is not fat just big boned not as tall as the others be could do with another 2 inches on his legs!!! But I wouldn’t change him for the world. In fact he’s trying to get on my lap now while I’m writing…when its food time he grabs my hand in his mouth and pulls me towards his bowl to jog my memory…Tokaj is so loving and gentle – he’s a dream. He is also very good with the 3 cats we now have unlike Oscar and Sophie who believe the cats to be their next dinner. Gama Uppsala, kennel nick name: Bonnie, home name: Chloë, destination: Bourgone region, France. Her new home neighbour TakajDecember 2003. Chloë comes along each morning and they all play for an our on our lawn – full of energy – it makes me tired just watching them! Cosette is so pleased with her. As you know they have a year old Labrador whom they adore, but they find Chloë is so much more intelligent. I think its true that once you have a standard you’ll never change to another breed. They are almost human! I went to the vets the other day for Sophie, Jay and Oscar’s annual injections (and took Tokaj along); she thought he was lovely too... As you know, Ian my husband, was an “old English sheepdog man” but as soon as I got my first standard poodle he was won over. Now we have 4 so you can see what an impression they have on him. February 2005. Chloë is fine, she has calmed down a lot and no longer feels the need to chase cows. She goes everywhere with Cosette – she also sleeps on their bed like ours. She is a fantastic jumper and can leap their 6 foot fence to come round to visit us. Anastasia Utica, kennel nick name: Madigesilus, home name: Madi, destination near Montpellier, southern France. August 15th 2003. Many thanks for all the papers and information concerns Anastasia. I now call her Madi – and find her absolutely adorable – I took her to the vet yesterday to get her checked in and they were all very glad to see that I have another poodle – we also got her special duck croquettes which she seems to eat with great pleasure. She seems perfectly at home and very happy March 2004. I owned my first standard poodle in 1965 when my husband John Skeaping introduced me to the breed. John and his former wife had been breeding standard poodles since 1941 (B.K.C Leighbridge). John was by profession a sculptor, as well as a draughtsman and painter and had a particularly good reputation for his studies of animals in motion. His bronzes, paintings and drawings of the standard poodle are in many international and French collections. My latest standard poodle Madi (Anastasia Utica) came from Sophie Duncan’s litter with Charlotte (Canen Sioux) of 2003. She joined and rejuvenated our 12-year-old standard poodle, also a Canen, whose temperaments and comportments I know I can rely on entirely. Madi fitted in immediately. She is well behaved with dogs, adults and children and remarkably obedient and intelligent. She has an excellent gait, walks well on the lead, has a good coat and eyes, an excellent colour and is well proportioned. I have met several of Sophie’s puppies and have no hesitation in recommending them for their constitution, temperament and manners. Hubert Uas, kennel nick name: Hube, home name: Hubert, destination: SpainWe have decided to stay with his name “Hubert” But he is called Ube or Bloody Nuisance! other puppy Jorge. He swam in the reservoir instantly no fear, is good on the lead and no trouble in the car and getting better at house training. He is not keen on being left if we go and is a keen gardener. December 2003(from Hubert). Here I am at 6 months. My name is now “Ube Stop it”. I am still gardening. Me and my friend Jorge are going to prison for three weeks while they go off to Florida. Gabina Ure kennel nick name: Miss California home name: Terre, Destination: not far from Montpellier.18th November 2004. Terre est une chienne qui est tres belle et nous comble de joie. Elle mange tres bien et dort avec moi….! Terre is a very beautiful dog and showers us with joy. She eats well and sleeps with me….! J Casimiro 1st June 2004. Aussi belle que notre terre.... Terre est
une chienne racee, superbe, pleine d’affections et tres douce.
Elle fait le bonheur des petits et As beautiful as our earth [region has particularly stunning sometimes reddish soil]....Terre is finely bred, superb, full of affection and very gentle. She makes the happiness of children and adults. J Casimiro
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We continue to be amazed at how good Rasta is in all social situations, and how quickly he works out what he should be doing to fit in - we wish that we'd had standard poodles a long time ago! He has a firm friend in our son's 2 year-old golden retriever, and they spend a lot of time play-wrestling, which gives them both a lot of exercise.
Mme
Collomb-Richards
