Wendy Penn is the breeder behind the ByRequest Poodles. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, and more!

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Wendy Penn: I live in Orient, just south of Columbus, Ohio. I have been breeding and showing dogs for 40-plus years.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wendy Penn: Coat is the most time-consuming show preparation for Poodle conformation shows.
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.
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.
Wendy Penn: Standards, even though they are the largest variety, are more susceptible to autoimmune issues that the Minis are not.
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.
Wendy Penn: The Poodles are great Performance Dogs—the Mini does well with these activities.
Wendy Penn: The show haircuts are off-putting to many people who don’t understand the historic reasons for hunting.
Wendy Penn: Fishing my Mini out of the pond after chasing ducks!
Wendy Penn: Judges, please don’t overlook the amateurs, the breeders, and the owner-handlers.
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.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the intelligent Poodle dog breed with articles and information in our Poodle Dog Breed Magazine.

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