Selecting Breeding Dogs
If you’re searching for a puppy, you’ve probably seen terms like health testing, genetic testing, and a list of acronyms that can be confusing. This page explains the specific health and genetic tests our dogs complete and what they mean—so you can feel confident that your future puppy comes from parents carefully selected for sound health, structure, and temperament.
The Short Version..
Prior to a dog becoming part of our breeding program they have the following:
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Full genetic testing
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OFA health testing of hips and elbows
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Correct conformation including a correct bite
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Proven temperament and trainability
For the detailed description of each of these four categories and how they are evaluated, keep reading.
1- Genetic Testing
Genetic testing examines a dog’s DNA to identify traits and conditions that can’t be detected by simply looking at the dog. Through DNA testing, we can evaluate things such as:
Breed purity. A DNA test is a foolproof way to verify that a dog is purebred (or a specific mix if that's what you are looking for). Companies like Embark Vet maintain DNA databases of hundreds of thousands of dogs across 350+ breeds, types, and varieties. A DNA panel will use advanced algorithms and data to verify the markers in a dog's genome that link it to a breed ancestry.
Inherited conditions. Some diseases and conditions in dogs have a genetic component that has been identified and mapped within the canine genome. Certain genetic diseases can be directly confirmed through DNA testing. Examples include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) an inherited eye disorder, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): a progressive neurological disease and Von Willebrand Disease: a bleeding disorder.
Other genetic conditions do not yet have a specific, fully mapped location in the genome. In these cases, geneticists have identified a general region where the mutation occurs and associated markers, which are used in linkage tests. The most relevant example for Poodles is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). The IVDD risk test identifies a mutation in the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12, which is associated with a higher risk of developing intervertebral disc disease. Dogs may carry zero, one, or two copies of this risk variant. The test indicates genetic susceptibility, not a diagnosis, as environmental and physical factors—such as age, body condition, and obesity—also contribute.
Understanding these inherited conditions helps breeders make informed decisions to reduce the risk of passing on serious health issues.
The Coefficient of Inbreeding, or COI, is a genetic measurement that shows how closely related a dog’s parents are. It looks at how much of the dog’s DNA is identical on both the mother’s and father’s sides. A high COI means there is more shared genetics, which increases the risk of inherited health problems or recessive conditions showing up. A lower COI indicates greater genetic diversity and is generally preferred for producing healthier puppies. Across most purebred dogs, the average COI is around 20–25%. For Poodles, studies show lower averages, typically between 12–19% breed-wide. I aim to stay below that range when selecting breeding dogs. Both of my current studs have a COI of 5%, which is excellent and reflects strong genetic diversity.
Color traits. Genetic color testing helps breeders understand which coat colors and patterns a dog can express and pass on to its puppies. Poodles carry several color genes that interact in complex ways — some control pigment (like black vs. brown), while others affect patterns (like abstract, parti, or phantom). Because many of these traits are hidden (recessive), a dog may carry color genes that don’t show up in its coat but can appear in future generations.
By using color genetic testing, breeders can predict possible puppy colors in planned litters and preserve genetic diversity by making informed choices that go beyond just visible color.
While color should never outweigh health or temperament in breeding decisions, understanding color genetics helps breeders plan responsibly and with intention. Genetic testing is especially important when the merle color gene is in the gene pool to be sure two dogs carrying the merle gene are not crossed. A puppy carrying 2 merle genes is at increased risk of health problems. Responsible and educated breeders can be sure every puppy with the merle coat pattern is as healthy as a non-merle puppy using the tools found in their coat color genetics.
I'll share a few snapshots from DNA testing below as examples. Full information on all of our dogs can be found on the Meet the Posse page.
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2- Health Testing
Although the terms are often mistakenly used together, health testing and genetic testing are two different parts of screening by responsible breeders. Health testing usually refers to physical exams and diagnostic screenings that check a dog’s current health and their skeletal structure. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are important to assess as the formation of these joints is heritable. As a screening test, our vet takes x-rays of the hips and elbows and submits them to an organization called OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) where specialists analyze the imaging and determine the correctness and tightness of the joint. Dogs with loose hip joints are more likely to develop hip dysplasia in their lifetime and can pass that skeletal structure to their offspring. Some severe cases of hip dysplasia can even develop in the puppy's first year.
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3- Conformation
Conformation describes the physical build, proportions, and overall structure of a dog in relation to its breed standard. It includes everything from bone structure and body balance to movement, coat texture, and quality.
Good conformation means a dog is built correctly for its breed’s purpose. For example, a herding breed should have sound joints and movement suited for endurance and agility, while a retriever should have a balanced body and smooth gait for swimming and retrieving. In short, the ideal Standard Poodle, according to the AKC standard, is a squarely‐built, well-proportioned athletic dog—over 15 inches at the shoulder—with a proud carriage, elegant expression, strong structure, and correct gait. Attention to correct head, neck, topline, fore and hindquarters are all critical; the grooming and coat finishing support the breed’s traditional look, but the structure beneath is what enables health, sound movement and longevity.
Another important element of conformation is a dog's bite. Poodles should have a scissor bite, which means the upper front teeth (incisors) just slightly overlap the lower front teeth—like the blades of scissors. The teeth should meet closely and evenly, without gaps, underbites, or overbites. The canine teeth (the long pointed ones) should fit neatly between the upper and lower teeth without touching or poking into the gums or roof of the mouth. When the bite is correct, the jaws are properly aligned, the dog can chew comfortably, and the mouth stays healthy. Base Narrow Canine (BNC) is a term for when a dog’s lower canine teeth (the lower fangs) are positioned too close together or angled inward instead of outward. Because of that, the lower canines can poke into the roof of the mouth or the upper gums when the mouth closes. This jaw and tooth structure is common in Poodles due to them having a long and narrow snout. Luckily BNC is something that usually corrects as a puppy grows. I am picky about bites and choose breeding dogs that have correct bites. These can't be evaluated fully until 7-8 weeks when all of the puppy teeth are in.
Evaluating conformation helps breeders ensure that dogs are not only beautiful examples of their breed but also structurally sound and capable of living active, healthy lives.
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4- Temperament
Temperament is a complex blend of genetic inheritance and environmental influence.
Research demonstrates that many aspects of canine behavior—such as sociability, fearfulness, and trainability—are moderately heritable, meaning they are shaped by genetics.
When I choose dogs for breeding, I look for those that are naturally confident, friendly, and well-balanced in all kinds of situations. A puppy’s temperament starts with their parents, but it’s also shaped by how they’re raised. That’s why I focus not only on selecting dogs with steady, reliable temperaments, but also on giving each litter a positive, enriching start to life. My goal is to raise puppies who have both the genetic foundation and the early experiences they need to grow into happy, well-adjusted companions.
We include our dogs in daily family life and focus on training and socialization so you can see their personalities in action. Through photos and videos on our website and social media, we share how they behave at home, giving you a clear sense of their confidence, friendliness, and how they might fit into your family.
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Summary
I carefully select dogs based on a combination of health testing, genetic screening, and temperament evaluation. This includes hips, elbows, genetic conditions, coat traits, and behavioral evaluation—everything we can evaluate to give puppies the best start in life. While responsible breeding greatly reduces the risk of inherited health issues and supports sound temperaments, it cannot eliminate every possibility of challenges that could arise in a dog's life. Unfortunately some challenges, such as accidents, environmental factors, or unpredictable health concerns, lie completely outside a breeder’s control. Our goal is to give each puppy the strongest foundation possible using the tools I have available, while being transparent about the realities of raising healthy, happy dogs.