A little but important note as precursor to the following information: After all the centuries that the poodle has given us humans his or her utmost, we consider that betraying these beautiful creatures by crossbreeding them is completely unacceptable. Stop here if you don't!
First, a little explanation: Standard poodles are the biggest and the original size of poodle. Poodles were traditionally used for retrieving game and duck tolling. The 'topiary' cut which is in fact called the Continental, was used to protect the dog's body as it went through thick undergrowth and to make it bouyant and protect its joints from the cold when it was swimming...thereby avoiding later problems of rheumatism and arthritis of the joints. The cut evolved over hundreds of years.
The Miniature is the middle sized poodle and the toy, the smallest of all. The breed standard for the poodle is exactly the same irrespective of size. The smaller poodles resulted due to careful breeding over many years during the 20th Century. The new fad found in USA of 'teacup' poodles is to be abhorred. These poor creatures are unable to produce progeny naturally, having to be born by caesarean due to their stunted size. Moreover, they suffer manifold health problems.
We show Miniature and Toy poodles. Our Miniatures are black and apricot and come from the renowned Montravia kennels. We are grateful to Marita Rogers for allowing us to share our home with three of her Mum's dogs; i.e. the late Mrs Pauline Gibbs. Pauline was kindness itself to us as newcomers to poodles when we first met in 2002. We are honoured to have known her.
Our show Toy poodles are all apricot and come from Amberiffic breeding, though two now carry our own Starene affix. Our thanks to Jackie Webb!
As for the humans in the household, well, David retired recently (or so he thought). He was an Information Specialist and Structural Engineer. Whilst still the mainstay of our Church shop, he has been commandeered into acting as office manager for the new grooming business he and Susan are opening on 9th June, 2009. Susan does the grooming as well as holistic health treatments for dogs including, massage, reiki and aromatherapy.
We are joint members of Scottish Poodle Club and are signed up to the club's ethical breeder clause.
