Cynthia Huff | Safari Standard Poodles

Cynthia Huff of Safari Standard Poodles

 

Interview with Cynthia Huff, Breeder of Safari Standard Poodles

 

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Cynthia Huff: I live in Carlock, Illinois. I have been in dogs for 61 years and have bred Standard Poodles for 52 years.

 

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Cynthia Huff: My kennel name is Safari and I currently have ten Standard Poodles.

 

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

My noteworthy winners include:

  • CH Safari’s Solange
  • CH Safari’s Finesse
  • CH Safari’s Eclipse
  • CH Safari’s Mirage
  • CH Safari’s This Side of Paradise
  • CH Safari’s Belle de Jour at Jakarta
  • GCHG Safari’s Subversion
  • GCHB Safari’s Salome

 

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Influential sires and dams include:

  • Am. Can. CH Safari’s Evensong
  • CH Safari’s Finesse
  • CH Safari’s Lissom
  • CH Safari’s Eclipse
  • CH Safari’s Solaris
  • CH Safari’s Mirage
  • Am. Multi. CH Jouet Second 2 None
  • GCH Safari’s Aesthete
  • GCHG Safari’s Subversion

 

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Cynthia Huff: We built our house with the Poodles in mind, so we have a large grooming room/bedroom for the show Poodles with a door to runs and paddocks.

The puppies are whelped in either a bedroom or whelping room and are handled from birth, including with neurological stimulation exercises. They are introduced to different environments as soon as appropriate, play outside in large, grassy paddocks with stimulation equipment, and groomed at four weeks and consistently thereafter. All are home-raised.

 

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?

Cynthia Huff: Both are selected according to their structure and temperament, the difference being that Performance puppies don’t have to exhibit the same amount of breed type.

 

At what age do I place puppies in show homes? In Performance homes?

Cynthia Huff: Puppies are usually placed at eight to ten weeks.

 

Does my breed require any special preparation for competing in Conformance or Performance Events?

Cynthia Huff: Exhibiting Standard Poodles in Conformation requires extensive preparation. Standard Poodles exhibited in Performance need to be attractively, but not extensively, groomed.

 

Do I compete in Performance Events? If not, do these competitive arenas interest me?

Cynthia Huff: I do not compete in Performance events but many of my Poodles have competed successfully. I find these events interesting, but have not had the time to compete in them.

 

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Cynthia Huff: Yes, it is, though recently, a number of Standard Poodles lacking quality are being exhibited.

 

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Cynthia Huff: Yes, Standard Poodles that are bred should undergo extensive genetic testing as outlined by the Poodle Club of America. There are no special nutritional needs.

 

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Cynthia Huff: Standard Poodles are wonderful family dogs. The owner of a Standard Poodle needs to commit to regular grooming.

 

Is my breed a good choice as a Performance competitor? If so, in which events?

Cynthia Huff: Standard Poodles are an excellent choice for all Performance events.

 

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Cynthia Huff: The current biggest misconception is that some form of doodle is preferrable to a Poodle. The best-kept secret is the Poodles’ amazing versatility.

 

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Non-Sporting Dog?

Cynthia Huff: The most amusing was a spectator asking if the Poodle was “plugged in” when she saw him asleep on his side with his lead dangling to the floor.

 

If I could share one suggestion with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them about my breed?

Cynthia Huff: Look below the hair to evaluate the structure, especially the fronts.

 


 

Are you looking for a Poodle puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

 

Want to help rescue and re-home a Poodle dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

 

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