Seraphim Poodles...... Truly Angelic

What Makes a Poodle???

Any purebred animal must have certain standards which define the qualifications for that certain breed. Standard Poodles obviously will have a different set of standards than Rottweilers or Collies, and will even be different than the standards for Miniature or Toy Poodles (primarily size restrictions). We believe wholeheartedly in the standards set forth for Standard Poodles and feel that deviating from these would represent producing inferior or non-Standard Poodles. Many people make it the goal of their breeding to improve or perfect the breed, which is obviously admirable. This can be done through showing dogs in conformation competitions, winning points, earning championships, and then using these animals as breeders. The result is that the genetics deemed best by conformation judges will be perpetuated and hopefully those that are less suitable will be less likely to breed. Since the breed standards are created to not only define a particular look, but also represent physical characteristics that are healthy, this is good for the breed as a whole.

We are fortunate that the Standard Poodle is not only a beautiful, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing dog but is also an instinctive, athletic, and purposeful dog with a proud heritage of retrieving to it's credit. I think that while conformational championships are wonderful, it is important not to neglect the performance aspects of our breed while selecting the future breeding stock for the Standard Poodle. Is a conformational champion who won't retrieve better for the breed than a dog with less than champion lines but who is passionate in the field? Blessedly, we can strive for all of these different things, to the extent our time and energy allow. Some breeders will concentrate on certain aspects of the breed that they feel are most fun and gratifying; others breeders will concentrate on different aspects. Ultimately, an open minded discourse between breeders (not just those with the same goals but also between those who are improving different aspects of our beloved poodle) will allow breeding conformationally exquisite animals to those animals who are proven athletically and huntworthy. This will keep all of what we love about the breed alive.

Further, careful attention to genetic screening for disease is essential. A dog with hip dysplasia or Progressive Retinal Atrophy may be able to win a conformation title (if his movement is not affected while showing) and a dog with a poor bite might do well in obedience and agility. Within reason, an aggressive dog may be able to excel at any competition (just don't growl at a judge!). Yet, none of these, or any other genetic problem are desireable, despite the titles that may be accumulated and credited to the dog. So what is desireable is a poodle who is beautiful and typifies the breed standard, is athletic, instinctive, and disciplined, is gentle and loving toward a family, and is free of genetic flaws that will cause problems to the individual animal as well as being perpetuated to offspring.

Seraphim Poodles absolutely loves a beautiful dog, but our current passion is the energy, discipline, and innate retrieving/working instincts of these fine animals. We plan on showing our dogs in obedience and are looking to further work with them, as their personalities and our family's time allows, in agility and in hunting work. We are not going to love our dogs any less if they don't show strong instinct than we would if they didn't win a championship in a conformation ring. Our goal, however, is to provide dogs who are skilled and show natural ability so that other families can share in the excitement of training and showing dogs in obedience, agility, or hunt trials. Our dogs may very well win conformation titles as well, and our breeding stock is selected with a blend of excellent genetics to provide balanced dogs who provide what we hope is the best of all aspects of the breed.
Please click on the link below if you wish to see the official Poodle Breed Standard as set forth by the American Kennel Club.

Poodle Breed Standard AKC

The types of events that we find particularly fun to watch and participate in include (please click on links to see AKC info on these engaging and addictive opportunities to train and compete with your best friend!) Canine Obedience, Agility, and Hunting Trials.

The Poodle Club of America has another great look at the types of performance trials poodles participate and excel in!