Being a poodle, life was difficult for Vivian. Unlike the more "noble" breeds, in the public eye poodles were only good for prostitution or servitude; in fact, having a poodle servant or even a slave was seen as classy amongst the higher-ups in society. Vivian, unfortunately, was one of those slaves.
Needless to say, life was Hell for Vivian. Besides being forced to work for a cruel employer for no pay, being punished for the smallest of mistakes and forced to sleep amongst rats, his master had a very sick sense of humor. Once, when the master was bored, she would have Vivian dress up as a woman and dance for her own amusement.
That was V's breaking point: one murder and quick getaway later, Vivian found himself on Captain Sheila's ship as the new boatswain, finally able to take out his pent-up anger upon anyone who disobeys orders from the captain.

Not only is he sharp in wit and whip, Vivian is the only member who can drink the Captain under the table.

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I made Vivian up because I was tired of seeing poodles in the fur fandom (and pop culture in general) cast as either slutty females or really gay males. When I finally move out of the house I will have a trained army of attack poodles that will turn any intruders into hamburgler casserole. Poodles rule.