Q. How often are your female dogs bred?
A. There are several factors considered when making a decision about breeding a female. First and foremost we consider the overall health of the dog. That includes everything from the results of various health tests (genetic, OFA hips and elbows, patella) and ruling out preventable conditions for which there are no current tests such as Scottie Cramp and others. The time of year as well as market demand with committed and suitable buyers are also considered. Examples of our breeding program include:

• Penny – 5 year old Scottish Terrier. 18 months between her current litter and her previous litter.
• Annie – 3 year old Golden Retriever, Rosie’s daughter, bred once over 2 years ago.
• Rosie – 5 year old Golden Retriever bred only once.
• Dolly – 3 year old Scottish Terrier. Bred once a year ago and will be bred during her next season.
• Cedar – 4 1/2 year old Standard Poodle. Bred once 2 1/2 years ago.

Q. Do you Breed doodles?
A. The answer is a resounding NO, NEVER. No matter what the marketing claims are about any mixed breed dogs, HeatherBee Kennels Registered only breeds purebred, CKC recognized dogs.

Q. If you don’t breed doodles, why do you Breed both Poodles and Golden Retrievers?
A. Some of the work we do as an ethical and responsible breeder relates to the interest and demand in dogs suitable for therapy or service dog work. The involves a temperament assessment for potential of each and every dog considered for this role. However, it also involves a thorough discussion with the potential handler or owner of the dog to best understand their needs. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are both exceptional choices for this kind of relationship, and there are a number of factors that contribute to choosing between the breeds. For example, the coat type of the poodle, closer to a human hair than fur, may be a deciding factor for people with allergies. For professionals working with a dog in their practice or in a facility, allergies among their clients or patients can be a significant consideration. Simply ‘mixing’ breeds is not a solution and the end result may produce quite unexpected results. We help people make the best decision based on individual needs.

Q. Do you guarantee a dog will become a service or therapy dog?
A. No. There are many factors that contribute to the successful outcome of a dog considered to have good potential. When a puppy is evaluated we conduct a standardized temperament test and those results are shared with the buyer. To be clear about that, the test isn’t a simple pass or fail. We evaluate for the traits that most align with the intended role of the dog in the future. However, the training the dog receives, the relationship with trainers, handlers and owners is the most important factor. The dog must enjoy the work they are trained to do! Nevertheless, we provide all of our puppies with age appropriate stimulation, lots of love and bonding, doing all we can to assure a positive outcome for everyone.

Q. Do you Breed Merle coloured poodles?
A. Again, the answer is a resounding NO, NEVER. We understand that people often have colour preferences, however merle is never to be registered with the CKC due to the belief that merle is a colour not genrtically produced by purebred poodles. All poodles registered with the CKC must be purebred.