SPFL in the latest Poodle Variety magazine

Romeo has earned 61 Best of Breed (BOB) awards, 3 Best in Show (BIS), and 6 Reserve Best in Show (RBIS/RBISS) with a UKC Nationals Best of Breed award (NBOB) which earned him the UKC Emerald and then Ruby Gemstone Grand Champion titles. Romeo stood as the #1 Standard Poodle in the nation for almost half of 2021, but relinquished his spot to Rhett’s breeder and co-owner Wendy for her lovely brown girl. He finished 2021 as UKC’s #2 Standard poodle.

In March 2022, Romeo embarked on his AKC career with a spectacular debut, winning Best of Winners over 6 other dogs both days, as well as Best of Opposite over a special! Romeo finished his championship with Ann Rairigh, AKC Professional Handler, in April 2022 at his third show with a 4-point major!

We are honored that Romeo attended Poodle Club of America’s National Specialty in April 2022, where he was awarded 2nd place in the American Bred class. The photographers captured some spectacular images!

Romeo loves his people, and his ladies, and he seriously loves to cuddle. He is quite a clown at times and you would be surprised such a showy dog can also be a total goofball. Watching him on his back, rubbing all over the couch or bed, and snorting/honking his pleasure will make anyone laugh out loud! He loves toys and playing fetch – oh, how he loves the chase which is why he is so successful in precision coursing and FastCAT.

In October 2022 Romeo returned to the UKC show ring and earned a Reserve Best in Show in a large lineup of wonderful dogs.  This win finished out his Sapphire Gemstone!

Katerina earned a Reserve Best in Show Puppy (RBISP) in August 2021 over 11 other breeds of pups and Best Puppy/Best Female/Best of Winners over 6 other stellar standard poodles in September 2021; defeated only by our very own Romeo in Best of Breed (BOB).

In November 2021, at 8 months old, Katerina attended two days of UKC shows. She earned four BOB, two Group 4s, a Group 3 and a Group 1; beating out three champions each time including our own Blaze! The first two wins finished out her championship and the second two earned her two legs toward her Grand Championship (and she beat our own Romeo)! At our first show of 2022, at 10 months old, Kate earned her Grand Championship with 3 Champion class wins over 2 other champions and a Best of Breed. In her first show as a Grand Champion, she won the GRCH class, BOB and a Group 2 for Gun Dogs.

Katie embarked on her AKC career 2/3/2023 and brought home a 3 point major AND a 4 point major 2 weeks after I dropped her off to Ann Rairigh and at their first show together! At her second show, in March, she earned a 5 point major! Katie finished her Championship 3/31/23 at Key to the Sea Poodle Specialty with another 5 point major!

In May 2023, Katie earned her RACEN title in Precision Coursing, a BEST IN SHOW and a Total Dog!! Then in June she earned her second BEST IN SHOW award! She amazes me every day!

We decided to delay her first litter so she could spend the summer of 2023 being handled by a friend’s granddaughter in Juniors. They participated in Premier Nationals this year (including Top Ten Juniors) and we enjoyed watching them work together!

Meet Our New Poodle Chatbot: Your 24/7 Poodle Guide

At Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes, we’re always looking for new ways to support poodle lovers and puppy families. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our newest addition — a Poodle Chatbot, available right on our website. Think of it as your personal guide to...

Breeder Focus – Late Night Musings

I sat here pondering several recent conversations, and thoughts kept circulating in my head. This post is the product of those late evening thoughts. Hope you learn something from my rambling.  😉 What We Focus on as Breeders – and Why It Matters Breeding is far more...

Poodle Pulse: Overangulation

🚫 Why Too Much Rear Angulation in Poodles Is a Problem And why “more” isn’t always better You might notice that some Poodles in the show ring have long, sweeping hind legs that look dramatic or stylish when they’re stacked or moving. At first glance, it can seem...

Poodle Pulse: Collar or Harness?

Dangers of Collars and Harnesses Both dog collars and harnesses can cause injuries if not used properly, but wide collars and harnesses generally distribute pressure more evenly across more area and reduce the risk of injuries. Collars can lead to neck strain, trachea...

Poodle Pulse – The Real Effects of Gonadectomy on Dog Health

🧠 Canine Sex Hormones and the Consequences of Spay/Neuter and Timing Insights from Dr. Michelle Kutzler’s Presentation on Long-Term Health After Spay/Neuter (Gonadectomy) https://www.akc.org/akc-educated-breeder-webinar-series/ Many well-meaning dog owners opt to spay...

Showsight Magazine – Series on Examining Dogs

This is a great series from Showsight Magazine! I summarized each segment with links to the original articles. All together, they appear to make up about 82 pages with images (not including the social media comments linked at the bottom of this page). You may also...

Puppies aren’t Products: Why Ethical Breeders Plan with Purpose

Why You Can't (and Shouldn't) Shop for a Puppy Like a Product One of the most common messages I receive goes something like this: "We’re looking for a puppy—do you have any available?” or "We’d love a cream male—do you have one right now?" I completely understand the...

Dog Show Etiquette

Dog Show Etiquette Cheat Sheet A Guide for Juniors, New Handlers & Guests Ring & Prep Area Etiquette Be Ready & On Time – Arrive early and be at ringside before your class. Keep It Clean – Pick up after your dog and yourself. Crates, grooming areas, and...

Mentoring

Victim Mentality – Recognize and Counter

How Victim Mentality Feeds Cancel Culture in the Dog World Victim mentality is when someone consistently positions themselves as the wronged party—even in situations where they’re not truly being mistreated. When used intentionally, it can: - Deflect accountability -...