Moonrise Poodles

Moonrise Poodles Miniature & Moyen Poodles in Columbia, SC The goal of our breeding program is to combine historic parti poodle patterns with modern poodle type.

We focus on preserving and bringing forth sweet temperament, bright mind, and great health miniature poodles are known for, to produce an ultimate family companion poodle. Our alumni puppies prove that we are on the right track by excelling as everyday companions to the whole family. Many of our owners took their companions further and their poodles excelled as service/assistance dogs, earned titl

es in nosework, rally -o, obedience, and finished conformation Champion and Grand Champion titles. We screen our dog's hearts, knees, and hips, perform genetic testing for progressive retinal atrophy, dwarfism, degenerative myopathy, and von Wellinbran's Disease. Our dog's eyes are certified by OFA ophthalmologist on an annual basis. We are always open to communication with our puppy owners and happy to consult and assist, no matter what the question is.

This sweetheart is Brandy’s and GCH. Neon’s puppy from Winter Greens 2024/25 litter who came back to me for rehoming due...
05/01/2026

This sweetheart is Brandy’s and GCH. Neon’s puppy from Winter Greens 2024/25 litter who came back to me for rehoming due to developing some “naughty” behaviors that are fixable but his family not having time to work with him.
He is not responding to his given name, I am taking suggestions for his new start?

He comes from strong performance background with some top agility dogs on his sire side of the family and accomplished nose work dogs on the mom side.
He is very “sniffy”, curious and likes chasing things. While I can’t promise that he would be the next performance star, a strong interest in training and relationship building is a must for his new placement. He really needs to find outlets for his curious nose, love of chasing things and his desire for running off leash. An avid hiker or adventurer who would take him on lots of sniffy walks would work too.

Awesome things about this little buddy:
- crate trained, utd on vaccines, neutered
- tolerates grooming and handling well
- rides in the car well
- affectionate, sweet, kissy, lapdog
- confident
- has not met a stranger
- shows appropriate social behavior with other dogs and people
- a small guy at about 13” tall
- beautiful soft coat the color of butter cream

Not so awesome baggage that he need help with

-escape artist and needs secure fence
-chasing small animals - no cats or bunny roomies
-steals socks and dryer ball and wants to keep them
-recent escape and following chase and grab resulted in a restrained defensive bite to previous family member. This response is associated with high-stress handling, rather than unprovoked aggression. He has been great with multiple people handling him for grooming, picking him up and ext, but I have to disclose that this incident has happened.

The right home for this guy will be experienced, active adult only ( dog savvy older teens ok) home committed to building a relationship with their dogs through positive reinforcement training (he has seen enough of choke collar and aversive).

I will be keeping him for at least 3 weeks for a full assessment, until I know all of his quirks. What I know about him: as adolescence hit a few months ago and household structure changed he started to selectively protect socks and dryer balls he steals. He will give them up to chase tossed toys and doesn’t guard his own toys and items - this suggests that this is a learned behavior, not his temperament trait.

At previous home he would escape through wrought iron fence bars and lead his owners on a chase down the street which meant he would go outside on the leash in his own backyard restricting his ability to fulfill his needs.

From my experience working with dogs and similar cases I am very certain that these habits are easily fixed with the right approach - relationship building and providing outlets and fulfillment for his physical, mental and emotional needs.

He will be adopted out on the condition of having a behavior consultation with Canine Cohesion prior to placement and commitment to working with them, or another science based positive only trainer. Having a secure solid fence is also a must.

He is not a dog for just anyone, but he is awesome and a total gem for those who know how to train teenage dogs.

This bud is a poster pup why my contracts specifies “positive only training and avoidance of prong and choke collars and why I ask owners to reach out with behavior concerns. Recently he has been enrolled in day training program known to use very severe, dangerous and outdated methods which have been scientifically proven to cause stress, loss of relationship and an increase in defensive behaviors. I believe his previous family only meant well as the trainer also uses treats, and did not realize how dangerous techniques like choke collar are for physical and mental health of a small dog. As a result of choke collar use he is showing signs of irritated trachea and needs to be walked on the harness or soft martingale collar from now on.

Poodles are too smart and emotionally sensitive and attuned. When aversive methods causing discomfort, pain and fear are applied to them they learn to avoid the people on the other end of the leash. There are typically two scenarios of “fall out”from such training for poodles - complete shut down and anxiety, or defensive, self protecting behaviors and anxiety. Thankfully it is not too late for this guy to turn things around.

Please send a message or enquire through the website.

Asher has been matched is Red and white Miniature Poodle male · expected to mature at 14–15” and 14-20lbs. Born on Febru...
04/30/2026

Asher has been matched

is Red and white Miniature Poodle male · expected to mature at 14–15” and 14-20lbs. Born on February 7th 2026

Asher is a confident, thoughtful puppy who is social, but never indiscriminate. He is reasonably outgoing with new people but not over the top affection right away, he prefers to take his time to get to know them first and then steps forward once he’s comfortable.

He is very environmentally confident and has good awareness for his age and will continue to learn about it the world.

He is very scent oriented driven and naturally investigative. His nose leads the way, and he approaches problems with a quiet persistence—methodical, curious, and clever in how he works things out. He would make a great hiking buddy for someone.

Asher would do well in most homes and will fit especially well in a home that appreciates a dog with a bit of independence— rather than expecting constant engagement of a Velcro pup.
He’s well suited for an individual or family who values building a partnership with the dog, enjoys providing enrichment and interactive play, and is open to incorporating things like scent work or problem-solving games into everyday life, perhaps even do some performance or therapy work.

He will benefit from clear, consistent boundaries and gentle structure. Like many clever puppies, he may test limits in subtle ways (occasionally inventing his own games) so a patient structured home would be the best for him.
Please visit moonrisepoodles.com to learn more about my program and to apply.

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Breeder inquiry PSA. While appreciative every comment for engagement value and try my best to respond to everyone, I will not respond to comments “price” “location” “info” as direct animal sales are not allowed on Facebook. Answers to all of those questions are available in the description of this page and on my website. Questions like these are hallmarks of tire kickers, scammers and animal flippers shopping for a bargain. They bring responses from scammers and scammer pages and not from the page owners. If you are a real person but not ready to apply, don’t be offended. If you have a specific question which you do not see and answer for on the website, I am happy to answer your direct message.

Mira is SPOKEN forMira is a deeply human-oriented puppy who is very affectionate and loving.She’s sensitive in the best ...
04/29/2026

Mira is SPOKEN for

Mira is a deeply human-oriented puppy who is very affectionate and loving.
She’s sensitive in the best way—responsive to tone, reassurance, and clear communication. Myra would thrives in a steady fun loving home and is suitable for a variety of households.

She is expected to mature as a very small mini at 12-13” tall and about the same in weight which would make a her a wonderful companion for anyone wanting a dog who can accompany them on travel trips.

Mira is highly trainable and thrives on a connection with her human.

If you are seriously interested in a puppy from my program, would like more information or to apply please visit moonrisepoodles.com to learn more about my program, view temperament assessment videos and apply.

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Breeder inquiry PSA. While appreciative every comment for engagement value and try my best to respond to everyone, I will not respond to comments “price” “location” “info” as direct animal sales are not allowed on Facebook. Answers to all of those questions are available in the description of this page and on my website. Questions like these are hallmarks of tire kickers, scammers and animal flippers shopping for a bargain. They bring responses from scammers and scammer pages and not from the page owners. If you are a real person but not ready to apply, don’t be offended. If you have a specific question which you do not see and answer for on the website, I am happy to answer your direct message.

Last week I started the conversation about health testing for poodles and promised more. Get comfy because this is going...
04/27/2026

Last week I started the conversation about health testing for poodles and promised more. Get comfy because this is going to be long…

🧬 Part 2 - DNA Screening in Miniature Poodles

Today, there are over 300 commercially available tests for identified genetic disorder markers in dogs. While all Poodles are considered one breed, the smaller varieties are genetically distinct from Standards —so their health testing priorities don’t always fully overlap.
For Miniature, Toy, and some Moyen Poodles, only a small number of DNA test actually considered relevant in practice.

🧪The most notable and the only required test for CHIC/OFA certification is:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). PRA is a group of inherited eye diseases that lead to gradual vision loss due to degeneration of rods and cones in the retina.
There is multitude of PRA mutations, but in Poodles the two most relevant are:

• prcd-PRA the more common one with early onset with dogs going blind by 3-5year old.

• rcd4 PRA the less common with late onset at 10-12 years old

✨The optional DNA tests breeders may perform if these disorders are known to be in the lines or when they introduce a new dog to their program:

• Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) - the poodle specific form of dwarfism which result in shortened front limbs in small Poodles and considerable pain.

• von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) - clotting disorder that affects clotting timing

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) - late-onset neurological condition affecting the spinal cord and leading to neurological symptoms.

• IVDD/CDDY A risk-factor marker associated with disc degeneration which may lead to neurological symptoms and paralysis.

🌈I do not advocate for breeding or purchasing of Merle poodles but it is important to mention the impact. Merle color was introduced into poodles likely through crossbreeding with herding breeds, and two conditions associated with herding breeds are now in the breed.

•MDR1 - Dogs with this mutation can have increased sensitivity to common dewormer like ivermectin and anesthesia, sometimes with dire consequences.

•HC - Hereditary cataract mutation commonly associated with herding breeds has been identified in some poodles tested by PawPrint genetics and now is included in some recommendations for poodles, however it has been ruled out by researchers as the cause of cataracts which are common in poodles.

✨ What do DNA report results actually mean?

• Clear – no copies of the mutation�• Carrier -one copy - the dog itself is not affected�• At Risk / Affected – two copies -higher likelihood of developing the condition, depending on the disease

🐩+ 🐩Acceptable breeding strategies:

Breeding clear to clear, and clear to carrier are acceptable breeding strategies that help breeders reduce incidents of the disorders with known cause and identified mutations.

❓Why Not Only Breed Clear to Clear❓

At first glance, DNA results can feel very black-and-white—but biology rarely is. Here are some examples of how different different mutations actually impact health.

•PRA and OCD are considered to have deterministic results - two copies will result in disease.

•DM has incomplete penetrance and requires additional, not fully understood factors. It is common in shepherds but exceptionally rare in poodles. In fact, only a single confirmed case is cited in a Miniature Poodle.

•IVDD/CDDY test finding is a risk factor, not a diagnosis - One copy increases risk, Two copies have same risk as one, and yet most Poodles, unlike other breeds rarely develop clinical symptoms. And importantly, a “clear” dog can still develop IVDD symptoms and the lifestyle and environment can help prevent the symptoms.

🦠Not every gene a dog carries is harmful—many are neutral or even protective. Removing dogs who are carries for conditions which are unlikely to develop in a carrier only for the sake of perceived “safety“ would create a devastating loss of overall diversity and lead to a significant increase in disorders which currently do not have a known genetic marker and are polygenic. (several genes working together).
The effects of the genetic diversity loss is observable in Standard Poodles. Through research done in early 2000, we know know that autoimmune disorders like Addison disease and Sebatious adenitis are the result of genetic diversity loss. It is also theorized that cancers and bloat are the results of loss of diversity as well.

DNA testing is a powerful tool—but it’s just one piece of a much larger picture and requires careful use.

This information is based on my own review and understanding of available literature and are not meant as a guide for other breeder, just a generalized overview of DNA testing for entertainment and introduction to health testing requirements.

I hope you learned something new ?

Lovely Asher and Mira are ready to join their families. Asher is the red and white male and Mira is black and  white fem...
04/25/2026

Lovely Asher and Mira are ready to join their families.

Asher is the red and white male and Mira is black and white female.

These babies are 10 weeks old and ready to go home. Both have awesome outgoing personalities, have been temperament assesed and vet checked.

Expected to mature 13-15” tall and about the same in weight.

If you are interested to learn more about them please visit our website (link in the page bio/about)

Thank you all who thought of me, reached out in person and posted the words of support. I do take situations like this c...
04/23/2026

Thank you all who thought of me, reached out in person and posted the words of support. I do take situations like this close to heart and your support meant a lot and helped keep my spirit up.
I am happy to report that truth and facts prevailed!

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I am not in a position to share all of the details, but I do feel it’s important to address this in a general way publicly.

Situations involving a dog’s health are never easy to navigate and can quickly become emotionally charged. I understand how stressful and overwhelming that can feel. In these moments, my priority is always to remain empathetic and open to communication—focusing first on the well-being of the dog, ensuring there is an accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate treatment, and providing clarity and support for their family. Where the facts support it, I will also step in to make things right.

Those who know me and my program know how deeply I care about the dogs I raise and the people who welcome them into their homes. I approach every situation with honesty, care, and a strong sense of responsibility. I also make a point to support my puppy families beyond go-home day—whether that’s helping them get started with insurance coverage, being available to talk things through, or connecting them with trusted specialists and resources when needed. I truly believe this support helps families access the best possible care for their dogs.

Recently, while working through a sudden medical situation, there were communications that attempted to pressure a refund before I had the opportunity to fully review the available information and before the requested veterinary documentation was provided. Those communications also linked the potential sharing of negative feedback to the outcome. That feedback has since been posted and includes statements that are not supported by the medical records or by my direct communication with the attending veterinarian. Those statements do not align with the information I have received.

There have also been statements suggesting that concerns were dismissed or that I refused to address them. That is not accurate. I have consistently communicated that I am willing to review formal veterinary documentation to guide next steps, including certification where required under the terms of my contract and applicable standards. To date, that documentation has not been provided.

I will always take responsibility where it is warranted and work to make things right. At the same time, I have to make decisions based on verified, documented information so that they are fair, consistent, and responsible.

My goal remains the same: to support the dog, support their family, and handle every situation with care, honesty, and integrity.

🐩 When we are looking for a well-bred Poodle, we know to look for “health tested” parents—but it’s also helpful to under...
04/20/2026

🐩 When we are looking for a well-bred Poodle, we know to look for “health tested” parents—but it’s also helpful to understand all the types of evaluations involved and what the results actually mean for you. So let’s take a closer look at what all of these terms actually mean in part one, and dive deeper into different types of testing and evaluations in part 2 and 3.
I have to add that for purpose of this discussion that I am most familiar with Small poodles: toys, miniatures and FCI moyen/medium health and testing requirements - while all poodles are considered varieties of of the same breed, genetically standard poodles are distinct from the small varieties and have distinct health testing needs, some of which do not apply to small poodle varieties.

✨Part one ✨

🧪 Each breed has its own priorities when it comes to health. For small Poodles, within the AKC the Poodle Club of America guides which testing is recommended. In UKC - United Poodle Association sets the comparable standard, and in FCI countries, the standard are set by health commities in collaboration with French Poodle Club.

The conditions which are recommended for evaluations are considered to be in the breed as a significant risks that breeders should work to lessen—and hopefully eliminate—over time.

In Miniature Poodles the CHIC testing required is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, OFA or PennHip evaluation for Hip Dysplasia, certification for Luxating Patella and CAER screen for Cataracts because according to studies and reports of the test results submitted to OFA database:

~5–15% of Miniature and Standard Poodles develop Hip Dysplasia.

~10–11% of Poodles especially Miniature/Toy who are consistently listed among breeds with higher-than-average risk, develop cataracts

~6–8% of Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles have luxating patellas- slipping knee caps

~ Even though affected dogs are rare today, PRA gene is still present in the breed:
* Carrier rates historically were fairly common and estimated 15–40%+ in some lines before DNA testing became widespread
* Studies still show carrier frequencies in some populations above 15%

I think it is important to mention at this point that breeders submitting their results to OFA for evaluation and certification are already representing the “better” responsible breeders, however, submission of unfavorable results is not mandatory with OFA, so real numbers may be actually higher. It is becoming even more problematic to use OFA as a health database because there is an increased rate of misuse of results posted on OFA.

🩺 OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) is a public database that helps track and assess inherited health conditions in dogs.
OFA Hips - Veterinarians submit imaging and OFA radiologists evaluate them. OFA also records and certifies DNA, cardiac, patellas, and other reports of evaluations performed by general practitioners, laboratories and specialists.

📊 CHIC (Canine Health Information Center)
CHIC isn’t a test—it’s a certification.
A dog receives a CHIC number when it has completed the recommended health testing for its breed, as outlined by the parent club and made them publicly accessible on OFA database.
It doesn’t mean a dog is “perfect”—it means the breeder has completed the testing and made the results transparent.

📉 PennHIP
PennHIP is another system of hips evaluation that measuring joint laxity (looseness). PennHip doesn’t maintain a public database but OFA will accept the record for the database.

👁️ CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry)
CAER exams are performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
They evaluate the eyes for inherited and non-inherited conditions.
These results are only valid for one year, which is why responsible breeders repeat them regularly.

🧬 DNA screening—when you see names like Embark or Paw Print Genetics this refers to genetic testing.

✨✨✨✨
In part two, I will talk about DNA testing, meanwhile -
Looking at all of these numbers and tests, do you think health testing guarantees a healthy dog—or helps guide better decisions?

Pupdate! Lovely Margaux finished her level 1 scent sport trial today! Best hardworking girl!
04/18/2026

Pupdate! Lovely Margaux finished her level 1 scent sport trial today! Best hardworking girl!

Edit: Ivy has been Matched !!!Due to no fault of her own, while waiting to be picked up, Ivy has now became available in...
04/14/2026

Edit: Ivy has been Matched !!!

Due to no fault of her own, while waiting to be picked up, Ivy has now became available instead.

Ivy is a bubbly, boisterous poodle puppy who brings energy and joy into every interaction.

Ivy is 12 week old and is expected to grow up a large miniature 14-15 inches tall and 13-20 lbs.

She will flourish in an active family home that enjoys a bit of puppy mischief but values a structured daily rhythm—balancing play, guidance, and time together.

Please feel free to inquire about her through www.moonrisepoodles.com

Edit: Lola has been matched!!! Lola is 11 weeks old and is expected to mature around 14–15”, a lovely Miniature size. Sh...
04/10/2026

Edit: Lola has been matched!!!

Lola is 11 weeks old and is expected to mature around 14–15”, a lovely Miniature size. She’s a playful, medium-energy puppy with a naturally balanced temperament.

She enjoys engagement and learning, with just enough drive for things like tricks or rally, but she’s just as happy being part of a home that enjoys long walks and time together. Mental enrichment—puzzles, games, interactive play—will go a long way in keeping her content.

Lola is affectionate with familiar people and will continue to grow in confidence as she experiences more of the world. She would benefit from a home with another steady, confident dog to help guide her.
She forms meaningful bonds and will become a loyal, responsive companion to her person.

Address

Mail Only/100 Old Cherokee Road #182
Lexington, SC
29072

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