Above the Pines Poodles
- Julian, CA ·
- Responds within a day
Meet the breeder
I'm Melissa C., the breeder behind Above the Pines Poodles located in Julian, CA. Nestled in the historic town of Julian, CA, we are raising puppies as sweet as pie. Focusing on health, temperament, and companionship. We only have one female and truly believe in quality over quantity.
Q. & A. with Melissa
Why did you start breeding?
I grew up in Washington state with my grandfather. He raised and trained sporting dogs for hunting. I learned from a young age that I love the process and I also grew to understand the importance of the first weeks in a puppies life.What makes your program special?
We like to say we make “small batch” or “craft” poodles, because we are not a large scale breeder. Puppies are raised in home where they learn daily life among our family. We personality test, as well as introduce grooming and potty training. We really strive to produce lifelong companions and help others realize what a great breed poodles are.What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Our puppies are standard size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include brown, cafe au lait, and parti. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Jonagold
Went homeMale
Sugarbee
Went homeMale
McIntosh
Went homeMale
Gala
Went homeFemale
-brown-male-poodle-puppy-in-julian-california-from-above-the-pines-poodles.jpg?type=dog&crop=334x276)
Benny (Blue)
Went homeMale
Braeburn
Went homeMale
Smitten
Went homeMale
-brown-male-poodle-puppy-in-julian-california-from-above-the-pines-poodles.jpg?type=dog&crop=334x276)
Smalls (orange)
Went homeMale
Pink Lady
Went homeFemale
Cortland
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Melissa
Melissa has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Melissa partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 7 weeks old.
“We love hearing about your family, lifestyle, and what you're hoping for in a future companion. Every puppy is unique, and our goal is to create matches where both puppies and families can thrive. We spend a great deal of time with our puppies and begin to see their personalities develop from a very young age. Around 7 weeks, temperament evaluations provide additional insight into each puppy's natural tendencies, helping us guide families toward the puppy that may be the best fit for their home and lifestyle.”
Price
“All puppies are priced equally regardless of color, size, and gender. $500 holds your spot for a puppy to be decided after temperament evaluation, unless discussed otherwise. The deposit will go toward final price of puppy.”
Contract & health guarantee
Melissa may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Melissa offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Melissa directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Puppy starter kit
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Food & treats
- Initial potty training
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Melissa.
Breeder's location
Meet in Julian, CA
2207 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at San Diego Airport
2247 miles away
·
Meet in Temecula, CA
2225 miles away
·
More about Melissa
Certifications & recognitions
CHIC Certified.
Melissa has been a member of Good Dog for 2 months
Melissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Melissa’s links
Melissa is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Above the Pines Poodles meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Melissa C.
Litter update on 14 Aug •Our last boy🥹 we can’t believe he is still an option. He has a couple siblings here to play with until they are picked up, but he would love to find his family too.
Smokey and Heidi's litter
Melissa C.
Litter update on 03 Aug •Puppies are willing to brave the heat in hopes for some bbq
Smokey and Heidi's litter
Melissa C.
Litter update on 18 July •…The vet gave us high praise for these baby’s cleanliness and temperaments. Every puppy checked out perfect. He said it doesn’t happen often in large litters where not one puppy has any fault. We are very happy and proud❤️ vaccines are done. I can’t believe we are almost at the 8 week mark
Smokey and Heidi's litter
Melissa C.
Litter update on 15 July •Temperament testing was today. Had so much fun with these babies❤️
Smokey and Heidi's litter
Melissa C.
Litter update on 05 July •Puppies got introduced to water on this warm weekend💙❤️🌊
Smokey and Heidi's litter
Parent dogs
Heidi, mom
Poodle
About Heidi
I can’t say enough great things about Heidi. My kids joke that she’s a human in a dog costume. She will stay by my side anywhere we go-no leash required. She seems to know my thoughts and aims to please. She really is my soul dog. OFA tested to CHIC and Embark clear. She would play ball all day, but is just as happy laying around the house with us.
Great health testing
Full Embark Panel, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +4 more.
Parent health testing
Great level
Above the Pines Poodles reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Standard Poodles.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Gangliosidosis GM2, Japanese Chin Type, Chondrodystrophy and IVDD Risk (CDDY-IVDD), von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Generalized, Osteochondrodysplasia, Miniature Poodle Type, Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS), GM2 Gangliosidosis, Poodle Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
