Blaze earns his Grand Champion Title With a Gun Dog sweep!

Blaze attended two shows in Centreville, MI on May 14, 2022. He made a clean sweep of the Gun Dog Group by winning the champion class consisting of 5 champion competitors, then Best of Breed, and then Group 1 under judges Janet Emery for Show 1 and Kimberly Caines for Show 2!!!

Blaze is a stunning apricot with refined features that make him stand out. Blaze earned his retirement from the conformation ring and will now pursue performance sports. Amanda is trying to decide which trim to put him in when we take off his 11 inches of topline!!!

Blaze is a happy, happy dog with boundless energy, yet he has a fantastic ‘off switch’. He loves to cuddle, and he loves to play. His favorite activity right now is obedience although his abundance of enthusiasm often makes him overthink what he is being asked to do. We will work on impulse control to limit the number of behaviors he offers for reward. At 20 months, he is starting to mature naturally so this is the perfect time for this transition and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes!

When Whelping Goes Wrong: What Breeders Need to Know About Dystocia

by sixgun | April 19, 2025 | breeding | 0 Comments

For those of us who dedicate our lives to ethical, preservation breeding, the miracle of birth is one of the most humbling, powerful experiences we get to witness. But not every whelping goes as planned. One of the most serious complications breeders must be prepared...

Inbreeding Depression

by sixgun | April 17, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

In my last post, I mentioned inbreeding depression — a concept that may be unfamiliar to newer breeders. I thought it would be helpful to take a moment to explain what it means and why it matters. Inbreeding depression is a term used to describe the reduced biological...

The Cellular Clock – Telomeres and Longevity

by sixgun | April 17, 2025 | breeding, Health, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

🧬 Telomeres and Longevity: Understanding the Cellular Clock In the quest to understand aging and longevity, telomeres have emerged as a significant piece of the puzzle. These protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes play a crucial role in cellular health and...

Is There a Perfect Recipe for Breeding the Ideal Dog?

by sixgun | April 17, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, breeding | 0 Comments

Spoiler: It's More Like a Balancing Act Than a Bake-Off Breeding dogs is often compared to baking—carefully measured ingredients, a trusted recipe, and a dash of heart. But here’s the truth: there’s no single recipe for producing the perfect specimen of any breed, no...

Poodle Pulse: UC Davis and Betterbred DNA Mapping – a deeper look

by sixgun | April 13, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, breeding, Health | 0 Comments

🧬 How UC Davis and BetterBred Map DNA – And What It Actually Means This is a follow-up to my post on Understanding Canine Genetic Diversity Research. When we talk about "mapping DNA" in canine genetic diversity testing, what we're referring to is the process of...

Poodle Pulse: Understanding Canine Genetic Diversity Research and What it Means for Poodle Breeding

by sixgun | April 13, 2025 | breeding, Health, Poodle Pulse | 0 Comments

🐩 Why Genetic Diversity Matters for Standard Poodles Preserving the Standard Poodle means more than producing pretty dogs with correct coat and adorable faces. At SPFL, we believe every litter starts with a purpose: to honor the breed's history while safeguarding its...

Poodle Pulse: Allergies and Ears

by sixgun | April 2, 2025 | Health, Poodle Pulse | 0 Comments

Allergies and Ears Standard Poodles are cherished for their intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic coats. However, like many breeds, they can be predisposed to allergies, which may lead to chronic ear infections and other health challenges. Understanding the types...

Poodle Pulse: Sportsmanship

by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, Poodles | 0 Comments

Good Sportsmanship in Dog Sports (Including Conformation) Good sportsmanship is the heart of ethical participation in any dog sport, from conformation to agility, obedience, and beyond. It’s not just about how you act when you win but also how you conduct yourself...

Poodle Pulse: Performance Poodle Nutritional Needs

by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, Health, Poodles | 0 Comments

Fueling the Athlete vs. Nourishing the Companion: Nutrition for Standard Poodles As a preservation breeder and performance enthusiast, one thing I often get asked is, “Do performance poodles really need a different diet than companion dogs?” The short answer is: yes!...

Poodle Pulse: To Be or Not To Be a Breeder

by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Thinking About Becoming a Breeder? Here’s How to Prepare: 1. Find a Mentor and start with Quality Stock. Connect with a reputable, ethical breeder whose dogs are registered and titled with recognized kennel clubs such as the AKC, Canadian KC, or FCI. A good mentor...