SPFL closes in on the 100th Title!

I am very excited to be so close to reaching this amazing milestone – and all in just 40 months!!! I think we will have to have a major celebration!

This includes 58 AKC/UKC titles on dogs we bred and 41 on dogs we brought into our program – but does not include any of the titles from the dogs we owned before becoming SPFL nor any hobby club titles!

Having thoroughly enjoyed the years as a 4H leader, when the children had all graduated college and moved out on their own, Michele began to participate in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, trick, canine good citizenship, therapy work, precision coursing, and scent work. Amanda participates when her busy surgical vet assistant schedule allows. Michele, Amanda and the SPFL dogs have earned an amazing 99 titles in just over 3 years – not including Romeo’s 3 Best in Show and 6 Reserve Best in Show awards, Katie’s Reserve Best Puppy in Show or Dior’s Best in Show award (a total of 110 awards and titles) and not including the 6 titles Rhett had before joining SPFL!!! Over the last 20 years, we have enjoyed earning well over 130 titles with our beloved dogs!

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...