By Jacqueline Theodoulou
MORE and more animal lovers from all over the world are falling in love with what we’ve all come to know as the “Cyprus poodle”.
With their extremely clever personalities, imploring eyes and cute curly hair – though sometimes also known to have a “nasty little streak”, as one friend told me – Cyprus poodles are becoming increasingly popular.
In fact, on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight, I was sitting in my friend’s Greek Village Taverna when a very pleasant middle-aged lady walked in and asked if she could bring her dog in. Imagine my surprise when I saw a little curly head pop its head round the door. A Cyprus poodle on the Isle of Wight! I couldn’t believe it.
Despite regulations stating the opposite, the restaurant owner said they could both come in, already fascinated with little Snoopy.
As I got chatting to this lady – the name eluding me now I’m afraid – she told me she had once lived in Cyprus and had immediately fallen in love with the local mongrel. “There was no way I was leaving that island without one of my own,” she pointed out.
She was of the opinion that the specific breed – if you can call it that – received far less recognition than it actually deserved and so decided to do something about it.
“I’m planning to arrange a special trek around the Peak District to raise awareness over the Cyprus poodle,” she said, adding that it was a shame more people didn’t know about these adorable and loyal little creatures.
According to Sharon Beckett from the Nicosia Dog Shelter, people from all over the world have shown an interest in the local pooch, some going as far as having them sent over to other countries – the UK being one of the most common.
“These are people who either came here on holiday or expats, who fell in love with them and decided to take one home,” she explained.
Trying to find information on the internet, there’s not really much information on the specific canine, though it is in Wikipedia under the term: “Cyprus Poodle”.
“In my experience of the Cyprus poodle, it is a cross between a poodle and something else. That something else could be anything,” Beckett explained.
Similarly, Wikipedia defines the Cyprus poodle as “a cross between a terrier and a poodle common in Cyprus”.
It adds that they are small to medium dogs and can be recognised by their woolly, white coat.
Well they do have woolly coats, but they’re not necessarily white. They come in all shapes, colours and sizes.
“They have a small frame and curly fur,” Beckett adds. “The thing about the Cyprus poodle is they have hardy characters and they are strong physically, extremely loyal, healthy and live a long life. They are very nice dogs.”
Who knows? Maybe the Cypoodle could turn into something of a national treasure and be counted up there with your Labradors and Chihuahuas.
Well, no actually, if a member of the posh Kennel Club in Nicosia is to be believed.
“Cyprus poodles cannot ever be considered purebred as they are a cross between two breeds,” she claimed, which made sense.
Of course, I pointed out, it was quite strange that for decades now, this little dog with such a distinctive personality, had maintained the same physical and mental traits, and developed a personality and appearance of its own.
“Yes, that is strange,” she admitted. “We only deal with purebred dogs here, but I am aware that the Cyprus poodle – if you can call it that – is quite popular.”
Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008
Personally I do not like them and am very happy with our little cross-breed! Do not forget the yappy, irritating little sod of a dog living next door to us - yes you have guessed it - a Cyprus poodle!!!!
Your views?
Bubbles x
