Mini wins her class at PCA
by sixgun | April 25, 2025 | Poodles | 0 Comments
A Moment of True Validation At the biggest poodle event of the year, having our poodle recognized and pointed at by none other than Michael Gadsby of Afterglow was an unforgettable honor. As one of the most respected figures in the breed—renowned worldwide for...
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 | 1 Comment
🧬 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!...