Ferris

Weight: 43 lbs

Height: 19.5"

Finding poodles that meet the high standards for my breeding program has always been a challenge. I look for puppies whose parents have been health-tested for generations, who have solid, stable temperaments, and who carry the structure and look that I want to pass along to future generations. I’ve searched high and low for dogs that check all of these boxes, but it’s rare to find the whole package. Often, I’d find a puppy that looked promising, only to discover that they didn’t pass my rigorous health testing, their temperament wasn’t quite the right fit, or they didn’t grow up to be what I had envisioned. Some might say I’m too selective, but I believe being picky is what has allowed SwissRidge to consistently produce exceptional dogs. I raise a lot of puppies, but only a small handful make the cut.

That’s why I eventually decided to breed a litter of poodles for myself. I paired two of my most treasured poodles, Coco and Crumpet. Their puppies were everything I had hoped for. They where beautiful, healthy, and full of promise so I decided to keep the entire litter for my program. Ferris was one of these special pups. This was actually the second time I repeated this pairing, since five years earlier Coco and Crumpet had produced another litter that exceeded all my expectations. Before Coco was retired, I wanted to preserve these incredible lines one last time, and I couldn’t be happier that Ferris came from that final litter.

From the very beginning, Ferris stood out as one of the more docile and reserved puppies in her litter. She has a gentle sweetness about her, very much like her mother, Coco. While some of her siblings dove headfirst into new experiences, Ferris preferred to take things in quietly, watching, observing, and easing her way into situations at her own pace. That thoughtful and sensitive nature has stayed with her as she’s grown, making her a dog who bonds deeply and loyally with her people once you’ve earned her trust.

Ferris spent her early months with one of our imprint trainers and completed Lucas’s online training course. She was described as an extremely intelligent and eager-to-learn puppy, picking up on new commands quickly and excelling in every aspect of the course. What makes her unique, though, is that while most dogs are motivated by treats, Ferris prefers affection. A pat on the head, a hug, or a word of praise means more to her than a handful of food. She genuinely wants to please and will try her hardest in everything she does, simply because she loves to make her people happy.

When it comes to her social life, Ferris is very much an outgoing and playful girl—at least within the comfort of her “circle.” Around her pack of dog friends, she’s a social butterfly, always busy. Her days are filled with frolicking in the play yards, cuddle sessions with staff, off-leash hikes, and even swimming. Swimming hasn’t always been her favorite activity, but she’s slowly warming up to it, showing just how adaptable she can be when encouraged.

Despite her playful side, Ferris is also a huge cuddle bug. Once she feels comfortable with someone, she’ll want to be by their side as much as possible. She’s not demanding about it, but she loves to curl up, rest her head in your lap, and soak up all the affection she can get. Gaining Ferris’s trust takes a little patience, but once you’re in her inner circle, she will love you with everything she has.

One of the things that makes Ferris so special is her balanced energy. Outside, she is moderately active, agile, and playful. Like many poodles, she has a natural athleticism that makes her light on her feet and quick to learn. I often think she would be an excellent candidate for agility, with her combination of intelligence, willingness to please, and athletic build. But when she comes inside, she settles easily into a calm, relaxed mode, perfectly content to lounge around.

Ferris also has a funny little passion for the grooming room. While many dogs hesitate when it comes to baths or brushes, Ferris can’t get enough. She loves every aspect of being groomed—from the bath to the blow dryer to the brushing—and she runs toward the grooming table with enthusiasm, leaping up and waiting patiently for her turn. For her, grooming is not just about looking beautiful; it’s about the love and attention that come with it.

On pack walks, Ferris shows another side of her personality which is her loyalty. While her friends may sprint ahead or explore every corner, Ferris stays at our side. She doesn’t need to lead the way; she just wants to walk beside you as I think it gives her comfort.

Ferris has been fully health tested, and her health certificates are attached for your review. At SwissRidge, we complete thorough health testing on all of our dogs, including x-rays, DNA testing, and comprehensive physical exams performed by a licensed veterinarian to ensure we are breeding only the healthiest dogs who will go on to produce strong, healthy puppies.

All in all, Ferris is a truly special dog. She is gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal, with just the right balance of playfulness and calm. She thrives in the company of her canine friends, yet she saves her deepest affection and devotion for the people she trusts. Ferris brings a quiet joy wherever she goes, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her sweet nature and wonderful qualities passed on through her future puppies.