We don’t temperament test, here’s why!
We’ve been raising and breeding dogs for a collective 25 years, with 11 of those years focused specifically on Standard Poodles. Long before temperament testing became a trend, we were already doing the work to carefully select our pairings and being very intentional about who stays in our program.
We do not (and will not) breed dogs that are fearful, aggressive, overly nervous, hyper, or otherwise not a fit for our goals. We’ve spayed or neutered dogs that were absolutely beautiful and had everything going for them except the right temperament. Beyond that, we carefully evaluate health, confidence, trainability, and stability because temperament isn’t just a personality trait, it’s a combination of genetics, early experiences, and ongoing guidance.

Yes, genetics play a role, but how a puppy is raised matters just as much (if not more). In many ways, your puppy is a mirror of you, your training, and the traits you want you puppy to know (or not know). Early socialization is key: we handle our puppies gently, expose them to normal household sounds, as well as noise desensitization with sounds like thunderstorms, fire trucks, gun shots, etc, they meet people of all ages, begin early grooming, and experience a variety of safe experiences. These exposures set the foundation for confident, adaptable adult dogs.
For example, I want my dogs to love the river and the water. So as soon as they’re fully vaccinated, I take them straight to the water and every single one I’ve introduced that way has absolutely loved it. On the flip side, a couple of puppies who missed early exposure due to cold Missouri winters either don’t like it or are fine with it, but they don’t have the same natural enthusiasm. Experiences matter.
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Temperament testing at 7–8 weeks of age is simply a snapshot in time, not a guarantee of future behavior. While these tests can offer insight into a puppy’s personality at that moment, temperament can change significantly as a dog matures. Training, life experiences, environment, socialization, or even the lack of these, play a major role in shaping who that puppy becomes as an adult. The same puppy tested at 8 weeks may present very differently at 2 years old. That’s why, instead of relying on a standardized test, we focus on creating stable, confident puppies through intentional breeding and thoughtful early life experiences.
Due to our philosophy, we allow families to make their puppy picks between birth and 7 days old (assuming all puppies are thriving). In all my years of doing this, we’ve never had an issue with that approach. 
Ultimately, raising a happy, confident dog is a partnership between the breeder, the puppy, and the family. By choosing a puppy from a program that prioritizes careful selection and early enrichment, you’re setting your new companion up for a lifetime of success! 

Choosing Between a Male or Female Puppy:
I often hear from families who aren’t sure whether to choose a male or female puppy. While this decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are a few general traits people commonly notice with each. Of course, every puppy is an individual, but these tendencies can help guide families as they decide which may be the best fit for their home.

Males: There is sometimes a stigma surrounding male dogs, but in my experience, males make wonderful companions for most families. While personalities will always vary, male puppies are often:

• Especially affectionate and people oriented
• Playful, social, eager to please
• Deeply bonded to his family 
• A little more “goofy” or silly, bringing lots of joy and fun into the home
• More likely to seek attention and physical closeness  

Many people say, “Females love you, but males are in love with you,” and that often rings true. Male dogs tend to take their role as a family companion very seriously and thrive on close connections with their people. They are often very social with both family members and visitors, making them a great fit for households that enjoy interaction, activity, and together time.
Females: Female puppies also make incredible companions and are often known for being:

• Independent and thoughtful 
• Quick learners with strong comprehension 
• Loyal and intuitive 
• More focused during training sessions, which can make learning commands or tricks easier
• Highly sensitive to their family’s moods, often offering comfort when it’s needed most

While females may be a bit more reserved or occasionally moody, they form strong attachments to their families and are deeply devoted to the people they love. They often excel at reading the household dynamic and adjusting their behavior accordingly, making them attentive, intuitive, and emotionally aware companions. 

So… Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to Standard Poodles, there truly is no wrong choice. Both males and females share the breed’s hallmark traits: intelligence, loyalty, athleticism, and a deep desire to be part of the family. The most important factors are your lifestyle, energy level, and what you’re hoping for in a companion.
Whether you choose a male or female, a well bred and properly socialized Standard Poodle will grow into a loving, devoted, and versatile family member. We’re always happy to help guide families toward the puppy that best matches their home and expectations, and we believe the right puppy has a way of choosing you, too.
If you have questions or would like help deciding, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you find your perfect poodle. 

​Interested in a LoEll’s Standard Poodle Puppy?
If you are looking for a responsibly bred Standard Poodle and would like to be considered for a future litter, we invite you to apply or join our waitlist.
👉 Visit our Puppy Application page to get started.
We look forward to helping you find the right Standard Poodle for your family.

Meet the Founder:
Hi, I’m Aubrey! I have been raising dogs for a combined 25 years. Before focusing on poodles, I raised English Bulldogs and Dobermans. While both are wonderful breeds, I have always had a deep love for Standard Poodles.
I am a professional groomer of 25 years and previously worked in a veterinary clinic alongside my mom, who is a veterinary technician. She has also raised dogs for as long as I can remember, so our love of dogs and responsible breeding truly runs in the family.
My role in our program consists mostly of behind the scenes work, including puppy clean up, grooming our puppies, and maintaining our adult dogs. After extensive research, I finally took the plunge and brought home our first poodle, Tallulah. I had groomed many poodles and adored them, but owning one took my love for the breed to an entirely new level. Tallulah can be found on our Retirees page. She is, and always will be, the star of LoElls Standard Poodles.

Meet the Co-Founder:
Hello! I’m Ella, and I’ve been working alongside my mom for the past near decade, learning the ropes of responsible breeding. 
I wear many hats in our program. I’m the photographer, website and social media manager, and the main point of contact if you have questions about our puppies. My mom and I work together on puppy socialization, early training, and preparing our babies for the “big world.”
The love we have for this breed is truly unexplainable. Standard Poodles are intelligent, versatile, loving, and incredible companions. I may be a bit biased, but no breed compares. The poodles on this website that are owned by me are Valkyrie, Kyndell, Brynley, Fancy, and Nirvana, and yes, they are extremely spoiled and the light of my life.

Our Mission & Breeding Program:
We are deeply dedicated to improving the Standard Poodle breed by producing puppies that are structurally sound, healthy, intelligent, well rounded, and versatile. We are hobby breeders and actively show some of our poodles in UKC conformation.
Ella has developed a strong passion for showing, especially because of the unique bond created in the ring. Ella and Nirvana have become quite the team, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for LoElls in the show ring.
While breeding is our primary focus, we also occasionally rehabilitate neglected or abused dogs and help them find loving forever homes whenever possible. We follow a strict quarantine policy when bringing in rescues or new dogs to protect the health of our program. Helping animals in need has always been and always will be a large part of our lives.

​History of our name:
LoElls is a combination of my first 2 loves, my daughters Ella & Lola and then combined with our love and passion for Standard Poodles!

Health, Care & Puppy Raising:
All of our dogs are AKC registered, with some also dual registered with UKC. We proudly participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. Our goal is to produce the healthiest puppies possible, which is why we perform extensive genetic health testing on our breeding dogs using every tool science provides.
We are very selective when choosing homes for our puppies, as we want each one to have the best possible life. Our puppies and their families become part of our extended family for life.
Our dogs are raised in our home, sleeping in their own beds, receiving constant love, and truly ruling the roost. They are family members, nothing less.
Puppies are handled daily from birth until they go home at 8–10 weeks of age. Tails are docked to breed standard at 3–5 days old, and dewclaws are left intact. We begin grooming exposure, noise desensitization, ENS/ESI, and potty training early to help ensure an easy transition into their new homes. Our puppies also receive lots of love and socialization from Lola (age 12), who does an amazing job loving on them, as well as 5-16 year old cousins that love coming over to play with the puppies. 
All puppies are vet checked, up to date on vaccinations, and dewormed. Our dogs are fed NutriSource Large Breed, a high quality food we’ve found works wonderfully for our program.

We offer a beautiful variety of colors, which is a fun bonus to raising healthy poodles. Ella has a soft spot for brindles, while Aubrey favors phantoms and solid blacks, but truly, every color is stunning in its own way.
We are located near Nixa, Missouri, with pickup welcome and delivery options available. We’re happy to provide references from past puppy families, and every puppy goes home with a health guarantee, which can be found on our Health Guarantee & Contracts page. 

Building strong, lifelong relationships with our puppy families is incredibly important to us. These puppies remain part of our family for their entire lives. If you ever need anything; advice, support, or just want to share updates, we are always a call, text, or email away.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We believe transparency is key to building lasting relationships, and we are always happy to help you find the perfect poodle for your family.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at LoElls Standards and Tails of LoElls!
For information on current and upcoming litters, please visit our Available Puppies page.

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