About Us

TWO AND FOUR-LEGGED FAMILY

The Human Side of SPFL

Dogs have always been a part of our lives, and Standard Poodles have had our hearts since 2003. From 4-H Dog Club to leadership roles as adult volunteers, Amanda and I have loved working with young handlers and sharing the joy of learning, teamwork, and confidence that comes through showmanship, obedience, and agility.

Our passion for animals extended beyond our immediate family—we were fortunate to share our dogs and horses with my niece and my “little sister” through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, helping them experience 4-H as well. Our poodles have always been part of our everyday adventures: trail rides, hikes, bike rides, road trips, and camping getaways. The whole family fell in love with the breed so much that we now have 10 Standard Poodles across three connected households.

At home, our dogs enjoy 20 acres to run and explore—whether here at the homestead or at Amanda’s nearby. And in the warmer months, you’ll often find them swimming at Grandma’s lakefront, soaking up sunshine and chasing tennis balls.

We’re honored to be recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit and part of the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program—acknowledgments of our deep commitment to health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition in breeding.

Why Poodles?

Over the years, we’ve shared our lives with many dogs—both mixed and purebred—but the Standard Poodle captured our hearts for good reason. They’re intelligent, intuitive, loving, and incredibly loyal. More than once, a poodle has placed themselves between us and a threat—whether coyotes or, on occasion, people. Their bravery is matched by their sensitivity, often returning for a reassuring cuddle once the danger has passed. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Standard Poodles are clean, don’t shed, and are often ideal for families with children or allergies. Because they have hair instead of fur, they’re considered hypoallergenic. They do need regular grooming to stay healthy and comfortable. Many owners choose to learn to groom their poodles at home, and we’re happy to offer guidance and trusted resources for anyone interested.

Where it all Began

Our journey began in 2003 with our first purebred Standard Poodle. In 2014, after over a decade of learning and loving the breed, we took the next step—carefully seeking out foundation dogs that truly embodied the structure, temperament, and heart of the Standard Poodle.

Along the way, we stayed actively involved in rescue, whelped foster litters, and invested in continued learning—through AKC Canine College, the Poodle Club of America, VIP, seasoned breeders, and most importantly, our mentor. In 2018, we proudly welcomed our first SPFL-bred “show” litter—and the rest is history.

Preservation of the Breed we Love

At SPFL, we proudly identify as preservationist breeders—and we are not alone. Our mentors and mentees share this same deep respect for the Standard Poodle and the responsibility that comes with breeding. We believe breeding is a privilege, not a right.

As stewards of this remarkable breed, we are guided by a core mission: to protect, preserve, and improve the Standard Poodle for generations to come. Every dog in our program is carefully bred with a focus on sound structure, excellent health, and steady, loving temperament. We believe a well-bred poodle should be a devoted family member, a joyful companion, and capable of doing the work the breed was originally designed for—whether that means retrieving, hunting, guarding, or exploring the world alongside their people.

We encourage all prospective families to research thoroughly, ask thoughtful questions, and choose breeders who share your values and goals.

Why We Compete

After many years as a 4-H leader, once the kids were grown and on their own, Michele began actively competing in conformation and companion sports. That passion has since grown into a shared family adventure with Amanda participating whenever her busy schedule as a surgical vet assistant allows.

Together, we’ve proudly earned over 250 titles and awards in just four years, spanning a variety of events:

• Conformation

• Agility

• Obedience

• Rally

• Trick Dog

• Canine Good Citizen

• Therapy Work

• Dock Diving

• Precision Coursing

• Scent Detection

Highlights include:

• Romeo – 3 Best in Show & 6 Reserve Best in Show

• Katie – 3 Best in Show & 2 Reserve Best in Show

• Dior – Best in Show winner

• 19 Best Puppy in Show wins
  (Not to mention Rhett’s six titles before joining SPFL!)

Whether in the ring or on vacation, we’ve cherished every moment with our poodles—celebrating their abilities and the joy they bring into our lives. [Read more in this blog post ➝]

Why Conformation Matters

Conformation events aren’t just about ribbons—they’re how ethical breeders prove their dogs meet the breed standard. Judges evaluate dogs on structure, type, gait, and temperament to ensure they are sound in both body and mind, capable of performing the tasks their breed was created for.

Put simply: Structure and function go hand in hand.
A dog cannot truly excel in performance or working roles if it doesn’t conform to the physical blueprint of the breed. Sound structure is essential for stamina, movement, and longevity—whether in sports or simply as a healthy, active companion.

Proven Versatility

Our dogs are proven in a variety of activities to demonstrate that poodles really can do anything.  

1. Agility
2. Barn Hunt
3. Dock Diving
4. Hunting/Field/Retrieving
5. Obedience
6. Rally
7. Coursing – straightaways and patterns
8. Service Work
9. Scent Work
10. Therapy Work
11. Weight Pull

These activities have truly deepened my bond with each of my dogs. I love learning what motivates them—what makes their tails wag, eyes light up, and hearts sing.

Below, I’m celebrating with Daphne after she earned her Grand Championship in a competitive class of eight stunning champions. Her favorite reward? Plenty of bum scritches! Huge thanks to David Balkovitch for capturing this joyful moment.

The next row of photos show Rhett and me during his very first weight pull title. I’m right there beside him, cheering him on as he powers across the line—and, of course, showering him with love and scritches once he gets there!

A Great Start for a Lifetime of Health

What sets SPFL apart? It’s not just about looks, pedigrees, or titles—it’s about purposefully preserving and improving the health and well-being of the breed we love. Our breeding philosophy focuses on long-term health, stable temperament, and correct structure, all rooted in a deep commitment to doing right by future generations of standard poodles.

We go far beyond the basics. Every dog considered for our program undergoes extensive DNA and health screening, independent structural and temperament evaluations, and is veterinarian-approved for breeding. We also continue our own education to stay current with the latest science and best practices. The result? Healthier, happier dogs and greater peace of mind for our puppy families.

We proudly offer a 3-year health guarantee—supported by our extensive testing and transparent practices. For approved buyers, we’re happy to provide AKC DNA profiles (where applicable), 5-generation pedigrees, and full health records. You can also learn more on our [Health Info] page.

Our Health Testing Commitment Includes:

Before breeding, each potential parent earns their CHIC certification by completing all Poodle Club of America-recommended OFA health tests, including:

• Hips

• Eyes (including annual recertification prior to breeding)

• Cardiac (Basic and/or Advanced, with annual recertification as needed)

We also go further by electing an additional clearance:

• Thyroid (baseline prior to 2 years old, then as needed depending on age)

In addition to CHIC certification, we DNA test for more than 200 genetic conditions, including those especially important in standard poodles:

• Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS)

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• PRA-PRCD and PRA-rcd4

• Day Blindness / Retinal Degeneration (DB/RD)

• Von Willebrand Disease (vWD)

• CDDY/IVDD

• Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)

• GM2-Gangliosidosis

Since 2018, we’ve also used Canine Genetic Diversity Testing through BetterBred/UC Davis to make informed pairing decisions that enhance genetic diversity and longevity in our puppies.

We’re passionate about producing well-rounded standard poodles—sound in body, mind, and heart. Our goal is to raise versatile companions with a spark of joy who can thrive as cherished family members, confident competitors, or dedicated working dogs.

Raised in Our Home, With Heart

At SPFL, every puppy is raised right in our home as part of the family—never in a kennel. From the moment they arrive, our puppies are surrounded by care, comfort, and connection. We begin in a cozy, dedicated bedroom where mom can safely whelp and bond with her litter. As the puppies grow, they move into our great room to experience the daily rhythms of family life—kitchen sounds, visitors, vacuum cleaners, other dogs, and all the joys of being a well-loved house dog.

Each puppy receives daily one-on-one time for foundational training and individual attention, in addition to group play and enrichment. By the time they head home, they will have had at least four grooming sessions (baths and face/feet/tail shaves), weekly nail trims and grinder exposure, and positive early experiences that build resilience and confidence.

We proudly follow Puppy Culture and Avidog protocols—two of the most respected, evidence-based puppy-raising programs available. Puppy Culture supports neurological and emotional development through carefully timed early experiences, while Avidog provides comprehensive guidance from pre-conception through the first 12 weeks. Together, they form the foundation of our thoughtful, purpose-driven approach—producing emotionally balanced, socially confident puppies ready to thrive as companions, show dogs, service dogs, or therapy partners.

All SPFL puppies are:

• Wormed multiple times

• Examined and vaccinated by our veterinarian

• Matched to their families through professional temperament testing at 7 weeks

• Released to approved homes around 10 weeks of age

Transparency Matters: Contracted families are invited to be part of the journey. We provide live PuppyCam access during whelping and daily activities, and we’re always happy to answer questions—even mid-puppy snuggle via Messenger! In-person visits are welcomed after immunizations, when no health risks are present.

Our puppies leave here confident, clean, and ready for the world—and they take a little piece of our hearts with them.

Our Foundation Dam

Our foundation dam ‘Gigi’ is an old-fashioned type of Standard Poodle descended from the Canen line of standards who were bred in Europe as working dogs. The well-known breeder cultivated her lines for almost 80 years! Gigi is a stunning representation of the Canen bloodline, inside and out.

Gigi stands 24 inches at the shoulders and weighs 57 lbs. Gigi had three beautiful litters, including the litter that produced our Sapphire Grand Champion Romeo and Grand Champion Porsche, and then she retired to a life of leisure where she could be found happily ‘grandmothering’ our other litters of puppies for another few years. Today, she is bringing love, companionship and joy to a couple who lost their two standard poodles a few months apart.

SPFL Gen I, II and III

In our journey at Forest Lakes, our initial generation of puppies has now matured and is contributing to the creation of the second and third generations of SPFL puppies. We diligently oversee their development and well-being throughout their lives, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our SPFL families who remain in contact and provide valuable updates. This ongoing evaluation is a crucial aspect of ensuring the continued health of our breeding lines because, despite thorough testing, it’s impossible to predict every potential health issue..

Our second generation of Forest Lakes puppies is breaking their own records and making their mark. These pups are cherished family members, excelling not only in conformation but also in obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, and nosework. Several of them have found their calling as therapy or service dogs. It’s truly astonishing to witness the versatility of the breed and the potential within these bloodlines!

As for our third generation of Forest Lakes puppies, they are still in their youth, growing and developing as we eagerly anticipate their future achievements.

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