TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR AMAZING STRIKINGLY FAMILIES!

“We picked up our Gracie (Pecan) in March 2023. She is so smart and funny and we love her so much. She is her daddy’s shadow and won’t let him do anything alone. 

You can really tell that Cris loves all her dogs and takes great care to ensure you are getting a happy, healthy and socialized puppy. Our girl excelled in puppy training and obedience training and lives to please. She has never been sick and is always happy. I can’t wait to get another Strikingly Standard Poodle in the future!”

Gracie “Pecan” Cocoa & Amara”s Nut Litter DOB 01.15.2023

“In early 2025, I started my search for an AKC Standard Poodle. searched in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee to find exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a Standard Poodle on the smaller side, with a natural tail, and who would keep her dewclaws.

I was fortunate enough to find Cris Berry with Strikingly Standard Poodles less than an hour from my home in Raleigh, NC. I began chatting with her, asking many, MANY questions, all of which she answered promptly and in a friendly manner. Two of her females had puppies on February 3 and 4, and I was anxious to meet them in person. When they were three weeks old, I was invited to visit, and I was impressed with her “biosecurity” measures to keep the puppies safe: I had to wash my hands and put protective booties over my shoes.

The smallest female immediately stole my heart. She was part of the “snack” litter, and her name was Zebra Cake. It’s hard to tell a puppy’s personality at only three weeks old but I knew she was something special. Cris raises her puppies in her home, as part of her family, which is so evident as they grow: they are smart, confident, well-socialized, and they LOVE children!

I was impressed with how much Cris does with the puppies from day one. She highlights her “puppy curriculum” on her website, and posts lots of photos and videos to her social media as the puppies grow so I was able to watch “Zebra Cake” grow and mature until I was able to bring her home when she was nine weeks old.

Now named Kiplyn, I could not be happier with my sweet girl. As I write this, she is 13 months old and already has two AKC titles: She is a S.T.A.R. Puppy and a Canine Good Citizen. We take her everywhere with us: She’s a regular at Lowe’s and Home Depot, she goes to restaurants, has stayed in hotels, has been to the beach, on docks, swimming at White Lake, in elevators, and she takes everything in stride, with no fear. Ever!

We live on a farm with horses and goats, and she is great with them (we did have to teach her not to chase the horses, but she’s perfect now). My husband and I are also part of a search and rescue” team, and we have started bringing her to training. She will start scent work soon and is starting a Rally class in two weeks. I know there’s nothing she can’t do!”

“With fond memories of a Standard Poodle I had in my younger years; I was hoping to return to that breed but wanted to find a program I could trust. I kept looking online but was intimidated by a sort of elitism from some of the breeders and others seemed more committed to making money than to raising healthy happy dogs. I learned about Strikingly Standard Poodles through word of mouth and reached out to Cris.

Cris at Strikingly Standard Poodles was phenomenal from the first hello. She enthusiastically described the hallmark characteristics of her bloodlines: parti coloring, friendly companions, happy to be couch potatoes but physically able to do so much more. She described the careful process of breeding and raising her pups to be well socialized with kids, other dogs, vets, groomers and visitors. She took time to explain the details of genetic testing and the careful attention she pays to healthcare and nutrition.

Our puppy was born to the ICE CREAM litter July 13, 2023, and was named Cookie Dough. As awesome as Cris was during the exploration phase, I have been bowled over by her support ever since our puppy was born. She kept us updated on all the milestones and helped ease our separation anxiety with lots of pictures and videos. Cris was very accommodating about visits to her home. She has always responded to the many many questions about continuing the care and training of our puppy. An added bonus is her Strikingly Standard Families FB page where we can all share our pictures, experiences and questions.

Margarita is 10 1/2 months old at the time of this testimonial. She has been such a blessing to us and our extended family. She draws a lot of attention with her looks and frequent compliments about her demeanor in public. The groomer and veterinary staff all love her. Her athletic ability surpasses anything I expected, yet she is very calm in the house. This young dog became my best friend immediately and I am so grateful I learned about her dedicated breeder at Strikingly Standard Poodles in Zebulon.”

Margarita “Cookie Dough”

Arie & Asher Ice Cream Litter July 13, 2023

Nox “Pepper”

Amara & Ollivander Spice Litter March 05, 2022

Me and my partner found Strikingly when we were searching for a well-bred dog for service training and I couldn’t be happier with our choice! Nox has been a blessing in our lives. Plus, it’s nice to know that we can always contact Cris with any questions or concerns.

Beck & Remus

Nox with her mama Amara

I cannot recommend Cris at Strikingly Standard Poodles highly enough. I have two of her standard poodles, Dexter Morgan and Fitz Gerald, and they have exceeded every expectation I could have had.

The first thing people notice is how absolutely stunning they are. Everywhere we go, people stop to complement their beautiful parti coats and their long, natural tails. They are striking dogs, and they turn heads wherever they go. Once people meet them, however, they’re just as impressed by their personalities. Dexter and Fitz genuinely love all people and all dogs. Whether we’re at the veterinarian, out in public, or meeting someone new, they greet everyone with confidence, kindness, and wagging tails. Their temperaments are exactly what every poodle owner hopes for.

What impresses me even more is how gentle they are. I also have a tiny toy poodle, Quincey, who weighs only a fraction of what they do. Despite their size, Dexter and Fitz are remarkably careful with him when they play. They instinctively adjust their play style to make sure he is safe, and watching the three of them together is a testament to their wonderful dispositions.

Their health has been just as impressive as their personalities. My veterinarian has complimented Cris multiple times on the exceptional condition of her puppies, commenting on how healthy, well cared for, and well-bred they are. As an owner, there is no greater peace of mind than hearing unsolicited praise from a veterinary professional.

Dexter is one of the most empathetic dogs I’ve ever known. He seems to instinctively know when I need comfort and is always by my side. Fitz is full of confidence and has a natural instinct to watch over me. Every night, without being asked, he sleeps between my bed and the front door, as if making sure I’m safe before he settles in for the night. It’s simply part of who he is. He also brings endless joy and laughter into my home every day. While their personalities are different, they both share the same exceptional intelligence, stable temperaments, and loving hearts.

What sets Cris apart isn’t just that she produces beautiful standard poodles—it’s that she raises dogs with exceptional health, stable temperaments, and a solid foundation before they ever leave her home. It is obvious how much love, knowledge, and dedication she pours into every litter.

If I were looking for another standard poodle tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. I would go right back to Cris at Strikingly Standard Poodles.

Fitz “Countdown”

Ginny & Wolf’s

Happy New Year Litter

01.02.2026

Quincey, not a Strikingly pup, but still adorable