Galavanting Poodles raises beautiful, solid color standard poodles for the purpose of companionship and sport.

A poodle is a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly.

 

ADVENTURE

Our poodles are raised in the old growth forests of the Susitna Valley in Talkeetna, Alaska. Life for Galavanting Poodles includes hiking, camping, lake and river adventures, as well as backcountry experiences.
Outdoor experiences are very important to the growth and well-being of our poodles. Our goal is to raise well-rounded poodles that are equally at home on the sofa as they are in the mountains of Alaska.

CONFORMATION

We value the outside opinion of breed specialists and judges to give an honest evaluation of the physical structure and general temperament of Galavanting Poodles. All of the poodles in our kennel compete in the conformation dog show ring and must earn the title of AKC Champion before being considered for breeding. We use the conformation ring to prove our stock by making certain the poodles we move forward in our Galavanting line are.among the best specimens of the poodle breed.

PUPPIES

Puppies are our pride and joy! All puppies at Galavanting Poodles are nurtured through the Puppy Culture program. Puppies are carefully evaluated, both by Melissa as well as outside experts, for temperment, structure and biddability before being placed in their forever homes.
Bringing new puppy lives into this world is something we take very seriously. Every puppy is carefully and meticulously planned. The dam and sire of each litter is health tested according to the Poodle Club of America health standards.

We breed poodles with the goal of bringing their natural qualities to perfection

 

Breeding purebred standard poodles is a passion for us at Galavanting Poodles. We are fortunate enough to have access to lovely pedigree lines that date back more than 100 years. Each new litter of poodle puppies that are born in our kennel, strives to improve on the previous generation. We breed to preserve the original standard poodle and its purpose as a companion and helpmate to humans.
Our puppies possess the qualities poodles were originally bred to exhibit. They are versatile poodles who are equally at home, binging Netflix, as they are hiking in the backcountry of Alaska.
Galavanting puppies are loved all over the world. They lead active lives as valuable family companions, and sporting competitors. They work as service dogs trained to meet the individual and specific needs of their people. They fly in bush planes in Alaska and lounge in brownstones in NYC.
If you think you would be a good fit for a puppy from Galavanting Poodles, please fill out the form below to begin the vetting process. Our promise to you is that your Galavanting puppy will be worth it!

 

A Galavanting Poodle is a good fit for you if…

  • You are looking for a furry companion to experience life alongside you

  • You are comfortable with a regular grooming schedule every 6-8 weeks

  • Hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and any other outdoor trekking activity is high on your list of weekly must-dos

  • Tent or RV camping with your furry best friend sounds like a dream come true

  • You prefer a 1 or 2 animal household because your pets do life with you

A Galavanting Poodle lifestyle looks like…

  • A poodle head resting in your lap while you drink your morning coffee

  • Laughter in the evenings when your poodle prances around the coffee table with her favorite toy

  • A fuzzy poodle body lying on your bare feet

  • Wet feet and paws after a day on the lake

  • Two best friends journeying through life together

 

GCH Galavanting The Road Less Traveled

 

Sojourner was born in April 2021 out of a breeding of Kluane to CH Oakridge I’ve Got This Feeling from Oakridge Standard Poodles.
Sojo is a compact, square boy with graceful and sound movement. Sojourner is light on his feet and oozes correct poodle carriage. Sojourner’s possesses a stunning headpiece and a personality equally as desirable.
Sojourner quickly finished his AKC Championship title in two weekends with three majors. He earned a group 1 from the Bred By Exhibitor class, along with other group placements. Sojourner has gone on to stud two litters for Galavanting Poodles. Out of his litters, he has produced service poodles, AKC show poodle Champions, and greatly sought after companions.
We all love this boy and are pleased with his truly versatile nature.
Keep an eye out for Sojourner’s puppies. They carry forward much of their father’s attributes!

Health:
Neonatal Encephalopathy- clear
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 
CERF eyes- normal
OFA Thyroid- normal
OFA Hips- excellent

 
Black standard poodle in continental trim standing in a stack position in the woods in Alaska

CH Galavanting with lakeridge on glacial plains

Susitna was born in August, 2022. Susi, as she’s commonly called, was born from a magical pairing of Sojourner and Grace. We are so proud of this lovely little girl and were only too happy to keep her here on the homestead as part of the future of our kennel.

Susi is a lovely square girl. She has a balanced temperament, peppered with just enough enthusiasm to make life extra fun when she’s around. Susi is biddable and eager to please her people. Susi is a lovely mover and carries herself beautifully in the show ring. Her first big adventure with showing yielded her a first place in her class at the prestigious Poodle Club of America National Specialty under judge Bill Shelton.
Susitna finished her AKC CH on the east coast amongst stiff competition. She completed her AKC CH before turning 10 months old.
Susi is will begin her back country hiking adventures in 2024 when her body has matured enough to sustain her on the long mountain hikes. This lovely girl has never met a stranger and is friendly with people and dogs alike. We look forward to her future as a loving hiking and adventure companion.
When Susitna is old enough, she will be added to the Galavanting Poodles breeding program.

Health:
Neonatal Encephalopathy- clear
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 



GCH Lakeridge Galavanting Never Out of Style

 

Grace has a unique story in that she became old enough to enter the dog show ring just as the global pandemic, COVID-19, hit our part of the world. As a result, Grace spent her puppyhood training for the show ring but never getting the chance to go play at a dog show.

When COVID-19 restrictions relaxed a bit, and Grace was finally able to enter the show ring, she surprised us all by dominating the ring during her first show season! In a short four weekends, Grace earned her AKC Championship. Grace went Best of Variety from the classes, several times. She also went on to win multiple group placements, also from the classes. Once she completed her AKC Championship, our girl went on to earn her AKC Grand Championship in five shows. This is the least number of shows with the maximum number of points a dog can earn their AKC Grand Championship.

Grace has a stunning poodle head and a wonderful expression. She has a lively spunk to her spirit. Always ready for an adventure! Grace adores humans, has a friendly and outgoing disposition and wants nothing more than to spend her days with her favorite people.

Health:
Neonatal Encephalopathy- clear
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 
CERF Eyes- normal
OFA Heart- normal
OFA Thyroid- normal
OFA Hips- excellent

 

 
White poodle at an AKC dog show in Soldotna Alaska with a woman holding the leash
White poodle on a porch with pink flowers. Poodle is wearing a blue and pink collar with pink hair wraps
Poodle laying on grass with a woman in a red dress holding two yellow dog show ribbons with spruce trees in the background

GCH Lakeridge Galavanting

 

Bryce is our first poodle in partnership with the esteemed kennel, Lakeridge Standard Poodles out of Washington. Bryce was Melissa’s very first owner-handled AKC Champion and AKC Grand Champion. Melissa learned many valuable lessons with Bryce by her side. He is holds a precious and valuable part of our hearts and we very much treasure the bond we share. Bryce has multiple AKC Group 1’s to his name as well as several other group placements in the AKC dog show ring. We are so proud of this handsome boy!

Melissa often describes Bryce as a poodle who loves love. He LOVES meeting new people. It takes him no time to climb into your lap or snuggle up around your neck. Bryce is equally as goofy as he is a lovebug. He is the court jester in the Galavanting pack and brings laughter to all who meet him.

Bryce is also an outstanding hiking dog. He's absolutely fearless when we hike. He loves to conquer boulders and will attempt to climb, jump or otherwise ascend any and every giant rock in our path. Bryce's effortless movement helps him to move quickly and gracefully over boulder fields.

Health:
Neonatal Encephalopathy- carrier
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 
OFA eyes- normal
OFA heart- normal
OFA hips- prelim good

 

 
White standard poodle boy laying down on a brown rug

GCH Lakeridge Galavanting NāPali

 

Pali has a graceful carriage, impeccable foot timing, and a quiet confidence that will draw you into her space.

Pali has had a distinguished show career. She finished her AKC Championship and AKC Grand Championship with Melissa piloting her to both honors.
Pali was the #1 Non-Sporting Dog in Alaska for 2019, winning many Group 1’s and competing in a large standard poodle show ring. She retired in the Top 20 Nationally ranked all breed and breed poodle standings. Much gratitude goes to Alison Alexander for piloting Pali to her recognitions during her 2019 specials career.

Pali is equally at home in the show ring as she is hiking in the backcountry of Alaska. Pali's favorite places to adventure are through the moss covered summits in the alpine tundra zone of a mountain top.

Health-
Neonatal Encephalopathy- carrier
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 
OFA hips- good
OFA thyroid- normal 

 
white poodle with pink dye on her ears and legs, and blue dye on her head, stands in a forest with leaves on the ground in Alaska
white poodle in the woods with birch trees in the background. Poodle is looking up while standing on a green forest floor
A happy white poodle plays in a farmer's field with a spruce tree in the background

CH Gardenpath d’Galavanting Rose

 

Klu is a lovely example of the poodle breed. She is a cobby (square) girl with a great deal of poodle personality.

Kluane quickly finished her AKC championship. Her poodley presence in the ring charmed many judges and ringside fans!

Klu loves to hike and adventure. She is a playful poodle with a lively personality. Klu is the most patient with young children and babies. She enjoys their antics and finds the unpredictability of children a fascinating distraction. This attraction to children is a trait of hers we most especially adore and appreciate. Kluane is retired from the show ring and now does her work as a service poodle.

Health-
Neonatal Encephalopathy- clear
Von Willebrand’s disease- clear
Degenerative Myelopathy- clear 
OFA thyroid- normal
OFA eyes- normal
OFA heart- normal
OFA hips- good

 

 
black poodle standing on snow on a trail in Alaska with the sunset behind her
black poodle puppy running toward the camera with a weathered cedar fence behind her
black poodle climbing a fallen tree with green trees and a lake in the background