It Started with One Poodle
Our love for poodles grew from living with them ourselves and experiencing firsthand the intelligence, affection, personality, and companionship that make this breed so special. What began as a love for our own dogs eventually grew into Velvet Bear Poodles.
We built our program around the things that matter most to us as puppy owners: thoughtful pairings, genetic health testing, temperament, early socialization, and puppies raised inside our home rather than in a kennel environment.
Velvet Bear Poodles is a family effort. From whelping and daily puppy care to socialization, grooming introductions and staying in touch with our puppy families, our dogs and puppies are part of our everyday lives.
Eight Weeks, Deliberately Spent
Nothing about those first eight weeks is left to chance. Here's how our puppies grow, learn and prepare for life with their families.
Weeks 1–2 — a Gentle Beginning
Born and raised inside our home with close, around-the-clock monitoring during those important first days. Puppies receive daily weight checks, gentle handling and age-appropriate early neurological stimulation.
Weeks 3–4 — the World Opens
As their eyes open and confidence grows, puppies begin experiencing household sounds, new textures, different surfaces and age-appropriate enrichment.
Weeks 5–7 — Confidence & Foundations
Puppies begin crate introductions, early potty routines, nail trims, bathing, blow-drying and grooming exposure, helping everyday care feel familiar before they leave us.
Week 8 — Ready for Home
Each puppy receives a veterinary wellness exam, age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming before going home. We share our ongoing observations of temperament and personality to help families prepare for their puppy’s transition home.
Our Commitments to Every Puppy & Family
Our Commitments
- Complete genetic health and trait testing on our parent dogs before breeding.
- Make thoughtful pairing decisions based on health, temperament, structure and our breeding goals.
- Be transparent about our genetic health and trait testing and answer genetics or pairing questions upon request.
- Raise our puppies inside our home with intentional socialization and daily care.
- Keep puppies with us until they are at least eight weeks old.
- Provide ongoing support to our puppy families.
- Help families discuss responsible return or rehoming options if circumstances change.
Our Boundaries
- We don’t breed simply because a dog is available or in season.
- We don’t sell puppies through brokers or pet stores.
- We don’t ship puppies unaccompanied as cargo.
- We don’t guarantee an exact adult size, shade or coat outcome.
- We don’t place a puppy in a home we don’t believe is an appropriate fit.
Request a Visit or Video Call
We welcome questions and video calls. In-person visits are by appointment when puppy age and health considerations allow; please review our visitor guidance when requesting a visit.