Wendy Penn | ByRequest Poodles

Interview with Wendy Penn, Breeder of ByRequest Poodles

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Wendy Penn: I live in Orient, just south of Columbus, Ohio. I have been breeding and showing dogs for 40-plus years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Wendy Penn: My kennel name is ByRequest Poodles. My numbers do flucuate, but I currently have four Standards and six Miniature Poodles. I also have several stud dogs living in pet homes. Having two varieties increases the numbers quickly!

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

• My top winner is the Standard BIS GCH ByReQUEST BoN Mot. She was in the Top 10 two years in a row.
• My top Mini was owner-handled by me, which was so much fun: SBIS GCH RSVP@BYREQUEST.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Wendy Penn: I had two Standard dogs that were a huge part of my breeding program and produced over 30 champions a piece: CH Breitling ByReQuest and CH Feel Good Inc. ByReQuest.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Wendy Penn: I have a small kennel on one property, but whelping is done in the house and the Minis stay in the house for 4-6 weeks. The Standards are raised in the kennel.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?

Wendy Penn: I don’t get excited about showing puppies until about 6-8 weeks. At that point, they are on the table almost every day. I have a group of friends who critique them with me.

At what age do I place puppies in show homes? In Performance homes?

Wendy Penn: I try to sell the pets first so that I can watch how the show prospects grow. I usually keep them for at least three months.

Does my breed require any special preparation for competing in Conformance or Performance Events?

Wendy Penn: Coat is the most time-consuming show preparation for Poodle conformation shows.

Do I compete in Performance Events? If not, do these competitive arenas interest me?

Wendy Penn: I don’t compete in Performance Events. Consequently, I’m not usually contacted about Performance prospects. I have, however, sold Minis that have done very well for their owners. Although I am interested in Performance, it seems that all I do is brush dogs and have no time for it.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Wendy Penn: I think that all breeds change with influences of bloodlines and proper sires. The people I knew when I started are not all as active, and newer people with different ideas have become involved.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Wendy Penn: Standards, even though they are the largest variety, are more susceptible to autoimmune issues that the Minis are not.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Wendy Penn: Poodles are awesome family dogs. The Standards are larger, but they are almost human-like in their interactions with people. Minis are smaller and more active and playful. The Poodle’s non-shedding coat makes them very appealing.

Is my breed a good choice as a Performance competitor? If so, in which events?

Wendy Penn: The Poodles are great Performance Dogs—the Mini does well with these activities.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Wendy Penn: The show haircuts are off-putting to many people who don’t understand the historic reasons for hunting.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Non-Sporting Dog?

Wendy Penn: Fishing my Mini out of the pond after chasing ducks!

If I could share one suggestion with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them about my breed?

Wendy Penn: Judges, please don’t overlook the amateurs, the breeders, and the owner-handlers.

Are you looking for a Poodle puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Poodle dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Poodle Dog Breed Magazine

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Read and learn more about the intelligent Poodle dog breed with articles and information in our Poodle Dog Breed Magazine.