At NightWind Poodles, we believe that a dog should only be bred when it is of proper structure, has good temperament, and has passed extensive genetic testing to reveal hidden traits in order to produce healthy puppies that will improve this beautiful breed.  In addition, we only breed our girls a couple of times and only when we are ready for the next generation to show.  Generally, we only have one or occasionally two litters per year.  

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We make a nationwide search for a sire that will enhance and improve the desired features of the dam and which also has passed his genetic testing as well.   We will provide a written health guarantee (contact us for a copy), and we are always willing to take back a puppy or even the grown-up adult should you no longer be able to keep him should your situation change.  

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Genetic testing done at NightWind includes blood counts and profiles to look for internal organ dysfunction, thyroid, and brucellosis.  DNA testing for von Willebrands disease, Neonatal Encephalopathy, Degenerative Myelopathy, and other diseases may be done.  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification for hip and elbow testing as well as freedom from hereditary eye disorders (formerly CERF)  is routinely done; other OFA certification for full dentition and cardiac health may be done.  Skin biopsies evaluated by an approved dermatopathologist to indicate clearance for sebaceous adenitis is done as well.   All animals will have a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certificate.  Written copies of these tests are provided to prospective puppy buyers when a specific litter is planned as well as a copy of the puppy's pedigree.

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If you contrast this with a "backyard breeder," you will find that rarely, if any, genetic testing is done (often under the pretense that "They've never had any problems") yet we believe that if you don't look, you won't find hidden genes.  They often breed their dogs only for the purpose of producing puppies (they state "out of enjoyment," but usually it is just for profit - they just don't admit that) rather than for the improvement of the breed.  They certainly aren't proving the quality of their offspring in the showring.   Rarely are written health guarantees provided or if so, are very vague.  If you are not able to keep the dog a year from now, will they be there to help you?  They also state that they are not producing show dogs, just pets.  We believe that everyone has a right to a healthy pet, and in fact, nearly all of our puppies go into pet homes rather than being shown.  They often state that "both parents are on the premises," when in reality this is because they are choosing the local dog for convenience and to avoid the expense of stud fees, rather than looking extensively to find the best mate that will actually improve the features of this beautiful breed.   Often times the females are bred over and over again.  Sometimes they even have multiple breeds which prevents them from focusing on the needs of one special one, the poodle.

 

Finally, designer breeds mixed with the poodles seem to be the fashion lately.  Labradoodles, goldendoodles, bernerdoodles, cockapoos, the list is endless.  When you are buying these mixed breed, non-registerable dogs, you are getting a hodge podge of genes.  These do not breed true, meaning that some puppies in a litter will have certain traits and others puppies won't. If you want the features of a poodle, buy a poodle!  You know exactly what traits and features to expect when you have a specific breed that is true to type.  Many people are turned off by the foo foo haircuts.... as a pet owner, you can have any amount of hair you want.  The fancy haircut is only required for the show ring.

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