Where are you looking to buy? There's quite a geographic spread on your list. Kvali, Piccolo, and Wool n Wind are all reputable programs. I'm not personally familiar with Above the Standard (not to be confused with Above Standards,) but they have quite a few dogs with health screenings listed in OFA.org. Since you'll want your dog to have a long career, it's a good sign they are doing these evaluations.

Unless you have a background in dog training, I would start by finding a trainer and working with them as you are making your decision. Dogs from any service dog training program have a high washout rate, and young poodles can be a handful.

 

I'm open to traveling if it means finding the right breeder, as for poodles being a handful, I have experience with owning high-drive dogs.
I have a trainer who is helping me out with the planning process, and I'm aware of the washout rate, especially for owner-trained dogs. I just want to narrow down on breeders, so maybe I can start reaching out for more information
Thank you for your reply

 

Elroy is from Wool 'N Winds. She (Donna) breeds for temperament and absolutely does place some of her poodles with people who need service dogs. She doesn't do the training (as far as I know), but she definitely produces dogs with good temperaments. All of her own personal dogs (all females, all Champions, and all retired from breeding) are therapy dogs and perform therapy duties regularly. I would recommend Wool 'N Winds for sure. I'm not familiar with any of the others.

 

JayRay, it sounds like you have had a Service Dog before. Did you owner train? I am not familiar with any of those breeders but it looks like you are doing your homework! Welcome to Poodle Forum.

 

This will be my first owner-trained service dog

 

Welcome to the forum. What an exciting journey you're about to embark. @94Magna_Tom 'S Elroy is a forum darling and we've witnessed a beautiful temperament and willingness to learn.

 

If Ohio is within travel distance, you might look at the network of UKC breeders there. Three names that come to mind are Ghibli, Perigeaux, and Shyre.

 

Thank you, I'll definitely check them out

 

Hi, JayRay,

I got Luka, my Standard Poodle service dog candidate, from Kriscross Poodles. Christina Ross (see Kriscross on Facebook) is an AKC Breeder of Merit and a second-generation Standard Poodle breeder. Luka’s pedigree is impressive—his sire is a Grand Champion, and his dam has points in conformation and 30 AKC performance titles (conformation x performance). Luka himself is pet quality.

My plan is to enroll Luka with Atlas Assistance Dogs and complete his training myself—I’m currently in the final stage of their application process. I also understand that Compass Key offers support for owner-trainers as well.

One impression I’ve gained from this journey (and I welcome correction if I’m off) is that Standard Poodles tend to be “late bloomers” among service dogs, often reaching full mental and emotional maturity around three years of age. I didn’t realize that before bringing Luka home, but now that I know him, I can honestly say—he’s well worth the wait 🙂

 

Hi, JayRay,
.........
My plan is to enroll Luka with Atlas Assistance Dogs and complete his training myself—I’m currently in the final stage of their application process. I also understand that Compass Key offers support for owner-trainers as well.

One impression I’ve gained from this journey (and I welcome correction if I’m off) is that Standard Poodles tend to be “late bloomers” among service dogs, often reaching full mental and emotional maturity around three years of age. I didn’t realize that before bringing Luka home, but now that I know him, I can honestly say—he’s well worth the wait 🙂

I had an incredible poodle Service Dog that I owner trained with the help of some really good trainers. If anything he was far better trained than any other Service Dog we met of any breed, and amazingly helpful. I am not sure where the info on being a late bloomer came from. The biggest mistake I made was not getting another poodle for him to help train. I did not use any of those programs. There were no programs that trained dogs to do what I needed, except possibly help me get up if I fell but anyone could train that themselves.

Possibly this discussion ought to be in the Service Dog section of Poodle Forum?

 

Dani (Kvali) has some nice solids and has produced/placed service dogs before.

I don’t know Finn and Friends or Wool n Wind but after looking at their dogs they seem pretty good.