Mount Bethel Poodles

Raising quality Poodles with purpose—temperament, conformation, and health.

My name is Darcy Smith, and I have been raising Standard Poodles since 2002. I have worked with dogs nearly my entire life, and breeding, training, and caring for dogs is both my profession and my lifelong passion. While I am currently based in Limestone, Tennessee, I am originally from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and I maintain long-standing relationships with families and clients throughout the United States and abroad.

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With more than two decades of hands-on experience, my dogs have gone on to excel as cherished companions, performance and sport partners, service dog prospects, and conformation champions. I am an active exhibitor in conformation and dog sports and have produced and owned multiple champions in both Standard and Miniature Poodles.

 

My breeding program is rooted in a deep respect for breed type, sound structure, and stable temperament, with careful attention to genetics and long-term health. I adhere closely to the American Kennel Club breed standard and continually strive to improve the quality of each generation I produce.

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In addition to being a breeder, I am a Registered Nurse and the owner of Mountain View Pet Care, Mount Bethel Poodles, and Mount Bethel Lagotti, each operating with its own independent focus and website. My professional background in healthcare strongly influences my breeding philosophy—from sanitation and disease prevention to vaccination protocols, developmental care, and ethical decision-making.

All breeding dogs are fully health tested and, whenever possible, hold CHIC numbers verifiable through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). While rare, exigent circumstances may require thoughtful deviation from this standard; such decisions are made with great caution and always with the dogs’ long-term well-being as the top priority.

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Puppies are raised with extensive socialization and enrichment, including exposure to people, animals, sounds, environments, and experiences appropriate to their developmental stage. I utilize Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Puppy Culture principles as guidelines for raising confident, resilient puppies.

 

Potty training begins early using puppy litter systems, and positive foundational training is introduced in a way that keeps learning engaging and stress-free.

Each puppy undergoes temperament testing using the Volhard method, along with a structural evaluation to support appropriate placement—whether the goal is companionship, performance, service work, or conformation showing. Puppies with potential for service work also undergo professional temperament testing; however, no working outcome is guaranteed, as continued development, training, and environment all play critical roles. Final placement decisions are guided by my experience, observation, and hands-on evaluation to ensure each puppy is matched with the home best suited to their temperament, lifestyle, and goals.

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I thoughtfully place puppies in companion homes, performance and sport homes, conformation homes, and select service-dog placements. Puppies are not placed based on color or availability alone, and I reserve the right to decline placement if I believe it is not in the puppy’s best interest.

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I place puppies nationwide and internationally and work closely with each buyer to ensure their puppy arrives safely and appropriately, regardless of location. Depending on the situation, I offer personal delivery, flight nanny services, and ground transport, with fees determined by distance, logistics, and individual needs. My goal is to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for both puppy and owner.

Puppies are vaccinated according to Dr. Jean Dodds’ protocol, examined by a veterinarian prior to placement, microchipped with AKC Reunite, and sent home with a comprehensive puppy packet that includes health records, educational materials, and starter supplies.

Begin the Placement Process

The puppy application is the first step in working with me and allows me to learn about you, your experience, and what you are hoping for in a Poodle. Completing an application does not obligate you to a puppy, but it helps ensure thoughtful communication and appropriate matching as litters become available.

I encourage interested families and individuals to complete the application early, even if timing is flexible or you are in the research phase. This allows me to better assist you when the right puppy becomes available.

Next Steps:
Please explore our planned litters and available puppies, then complete the puppy application to begin the placement process. I would be honored to work with you and help you welcome the right puppy into your home—wherever you are located.