In 1995 we began an adventure breeding toy poodles. Although we knew we wanted only to be a small home-based kennel, we aspired to do everything the right way: consulting closely with our vet, securing the appropriate kennel license (and a special use permit from our local zoning board), beginning a genetic testing program, and reading all we could about health and wellness issues affecting toy poodles.
Suffice it to say we learned a lot. And we are here to share that knowledge with you.
When the responsibility of caring for elderly family members and friends took priority in 2000, we had to shift focus. We gave up something we loved for people we loved more.
We no longer breed dogs but have four toy poodle pets, all members or descendants of our original poodle family. Here’s a brief introduction:
Monique is our oldest toy poodle and literally the Grand Dam in our line. Monique will be 15 years old soon and is still going strong although she is now visually- and hearing impaired. Except when we revv up the can opener in the kitchen. Monique gave us several litters of puppies and you will read more about Monique in the weeks and months ahead.
Chris, who is 11 years old, is one of our original puppies and the son of Monique’s sister Yevonna, who has gone to Rainbow Bridge. When customers would come to choose a puppy, they invariably would ask if Chris was for sale. He is as close as you come to a perfect dog.
Caprice is one of Monique’s granddaughters and a mouthy, sassy toy poodle. She thinks she rules the roost. And she probably does. Girl poodles need no assertiveness training.
Dibs is our youngest, barely 2 years old, and one of Monique’s grandsons. Dibs is a teacup toy poodle weighing in at a whopping 3.5 pounds. Dibs has Big Dog Attitude in a little dog body.
All of our pets are spayed or neutered. Our policy was to require all the puppies we sold to be spayed or neutered. We encouraged the practice by offering to our customers only Limited AKC registration.
A Family Affair
Having studied biology in college in the 1960s and worked in medical research during the 1970s, the life sciences always held great fascination for us. We also spent part of our childhood on a farm where the clucking of some 200 hens was music to our ears.
Our sister Susan is a long time breeder of Siberian huskies. So maybe this “thing for dogs” runs in the family.
In any case, welcome to our den.
Please feel free to write to Mr. Dibs with any questions you might have.
Thanks for sniffing us out!
