In the fall of 1992 a number of Poodle owners happened to attend the same obedience workshop. As they compared notes they found to their dismay that all of them had at least one Poodle with a serious health problem.

Everyone agreed that something needed to be done. Versatility In Poodles (VIP) was formed by a group of these owners to meet this need.

Who We Are

VIP is a non-profit 501c-3 organization devoted to Poodles. Its primary purpose is to improve the health and promote the many talents of this remarkable breed.

VIP members come from a variety of lifestyles and countries. What we share is our dedication to the well-being of the Poodle.

What We Do

Educational Materials. We believe that the more Poodles owners and breeders know about the breed, the brighter the future for upcoming generations of Poodles.

To that end, we produce a wide range of educational materials ranging from general information for the new Poodle owner to detailed health bulletins for owners and breeders.

To make sure these materials are as widely distributed as possible we run booths at Poodle specialties, matches and Canine Events.

We run booths at Poodle specialties, matches and canine events. We have an extensive site on the World Wide Web with over 50 pages of educational, health, performance and rescue information. We have developed a videotape showcasing the Versatile Poodle, and a health and temperament registry database to help buyers find they puppy of their dreams. These materials are also available by mail. To order you can reach the Order Form from this page.

VIP Newsletter.

Our members and subscribers receive bimonthly newsletters describing current VIP activities as well as timely articles about Poodle health, breeding, buying and training.

Versatility Certificates.

Our Versatility Certificate Program is designed to encourage owners and breeders to fully develop the many talents of their Poodles. This program provides a mechanism for formal recognition of high achievement in areas such as obedience, tracking, agility, conformation, field, temperament, and health.

No special testing is required; points are awarded for documented achievements. Owners must only certify that their Poodles have met the particular requirements. Two achievement levels are recognized:

* Versatility Certificate (VC) Awarded for high achievement

* Versatility Certificate Excellent (VCX) Awarded for outstanding achievement

(Note: these are VIP certificates and are not officially recognized by the AKC, CKC, or any other national kennel club.)

Health and Temperament Database.

A database of information on health and temperament of individual dogs is being collected in an effort to provide access to stud dogs, breeders and potential puppies for persons seeking a Poodle with a particular set of characteristics. The database will be made available to research scientists as well. Information about this free service can be obtained by sending e-mail to <crainer@exr.com>.

Support for First-Time Owners.

We place advertisements in magazines such as Dog Fancy and the AKC Gazette to reach prospective Poodle owners with educational information before they purchase their puppy. We have a wonderful videotape demonstrating the Versatile Poodle which is available by going to the Order Form.

Obedience.

To encourage the training of Poodles in obedience work we offer a free VIP Newsletter subscription to high-scoring Novice A exhibitors in all North American Poodle specialty obedience trials.

Seminars.

We sponsor and co-sponsor seminars on topics related to health and performance and set up educational booths at public service and canine events.

Canine Welfare.

We provide major support for research projects on Poodle-specific health problems. We are actively involved in improving the welfare of Poodles and other dogs. For example, we provide volunteer support and funding to aid Poodle rescue efforts. We also work with other organizations to help provide public education about dog welfare and responsible dog breeding and ownership.

Where We Are Going

We want to expand our involvement is all of these activities. A new videotape highlighting "Poodle life" is planned. The newsletter is growing in size and prestige monthly. Our membership is truly global and growing. We have big plans for the Versatile Poodle as we enter a new millennium.

How to Get Involved

YOU CAN HELP. For example, as a VIP member you could set up a VIP Educational Booth at a local canine event. (We will provide you with suggestions and materials), write an article on Poodle Health, Training, or a topic of your choice for the Newsletter, help in Poodle rescue efforts, volunteer to serve on one of our committees or perform many other beneficial services.

WHATEVER YOUR SPECIAL INTERESTS, IF YOU LOVE POODLES AND VALUE THEIR TALENTS AND VERSATILITY WE WELCOME YOUR INVOLVEMENT.