Darla is the daughter of Kloe, Golden Retriever, and Cesar, Silver Factor Chocolate Standard Poodle. This girl has turned out to be the most exceptional mother I have ever owned. She has bonded so tightly with her offspring that I am sure she counted them every time I left her pen. She lays on the straw and plays with them, holding them between her front paws like a mother bear, and rolls around in the straw with them. She has done the gentlest job of weaning them, low slow growls and no nipping at them like some mothers do. She has always had the option of sleeping in a ‘get away’ crate but has chosen to remain snuggled in the whelping box with them cuddled around and on top of her.
She ‘went camping’ with Einstein, my Apricot Standard Poodle. This camping trip resulted in a litter of nine sturdy, happy pups. She will be bred the same way next fall as I am thrilled with the results of this mating.