Successfully kicking off the new year at a Dog Show!

This weekend I brought Dior and Callista out to the K9 Fanciers show in Ann Arbor, MIThere were a LOT of dogs; including a lot of poodles and shelties at the show! In fact, there were around 200 dogs entered on Saturday! It was fun to see so many of our dog fancy friends, ring steward for phenomenal judges, and spend a ‘girls weekend’ with KateFeia, Dior and CallistaThey LOVED cuddling up close on the bed so much that I had to switch to the other bed to get any sleep, LOL.

9 month old Callista went in the ring with 6 mature poodles in the champion class on Saturday and 5 mature poodles in the champion class on Sunday. I was happy we were able to get around the ring without any severe puppy antics that could disrupt the show ???? – j.k. she was actually pretty good! We really only had some happy-puppy popcorn antics going around the ring. On Sunday, I asked Judge Cynthia Fellows for feedback and she said I needed to move faster. I was like, “Faster?!?, I have been slowing down so she wouldn’t hop”. I went into the next ring and took the longest strides I could manage, moving as fast as I could, and sure enough – the girl smoothed right out. Lesson learned!

Dior’s show results

Dior had a great weekend, and she is really maturing nicely. She took the champion class all four shows, and on Sunday she won Best of Breed. I never expected this as the competion was extremely impressive! But then she went on to earn a Group 4 out of 11 gun dogs! I am pretty sure I floated the rest of the day!

Dior is a Piper x Romeo October 2021 puppy and littermate to Valor.

We ended the weekend by delivering Kate to the AKC handler who said she should finish quickly. I already can’t wait to have her back home! And then I cuddled with puppies before crashing for a full 8 hours!

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

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

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

🧬 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?

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

🧬 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

🐩 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

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

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

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

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...