Who We Are
Western Reserve Poodle Club, Inc. (WRPC) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization based in northeast Ohio, dedicated to the betterment of the Poodle breed through education, ethical breeding, performance and companion events, and rescue.
Since our official founding in 1960, our members have shared a common passion: celebrating the versatility, intelligence, and charm of the Poodle while serving Poodles and their people across the Western Reserve region and beyond.
Our History
In the late 1950s, a small group of Poodle enthusiasts in Ohio began meeting informally to discuss their dogs, exchange knowledge, and raise public awareness of the Poodle’s unique qualities.
Recognizing the need for a more formal presence in the dog community, they organized as the WRPC in 1960. Since then, the club has grown into a long‑standing part of the Cleveland‑area purebred dog community and an affiliate of the Poodle Club of America (PCA).
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
- Create, foster, and promote interest in Poodles, helping the public appreciate the breed’s intelligence, athleticism, and companionship.
- As an affiliate club of the Poodle Club of America (PCA), we encourage responsible, quality breeding that prioritizes health, temperament, and sound structure, in line with the Poodle breed standard.
- Support Poodles in all venues where they excel, including Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Rally, Hunting, and Tracking.
- Provide education and mentorship to Poodle owners, breeders, and exhibitors at every experience level.
What We Do
Breed & Performance Events
As a PCA affiliate, WRPC hosts and supports Poodle specialty events in conjunction with American Kennel Club (AKC)‑licensed shows. For example, the club’s upcoming 2026 specialty will be held concurrently with the Ashtabula Kennel Club in Madison, Ohio, with MB‑F serving as superintendent.
Our members participate in:
- Conformation shows, showcasing Poodles that conform to the AKC standard.
- Obedience and Rally, highlighting the breed’s trainability and teamwork.
- Agility, demonstrating Poodles’ speed and athleticism.
- Hunting and Tracking, honoring the Poodle’s history as an intelligent working dog.
Rescue & Rescue Referral
Through the WRPC Rescue and Referral, the club is committed to rescuing and placing homeless Poodles in northeast Ohio. As a non‑profit rescue program, WRPC helps:
- Take in Poodles in need and place them in responsible, loving homes.
- Provide referrals for Poodle‑specific rescue resources across the region.
- Support Poodle rescue efforts as part of its broader 501(c)(3) mission.
Education & Community
The club also works to educate the public about:
- Finding responsible Poodle breeders (as reflected by their listing under PCA’s “Find a Poodle Breeder” resources).
- Health, grooming, and training needs vary by Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles.
- Ethical ownership, including spay/neuter decisions, training, and long‑term responsibility.
Affiliations & Recognition
WRPC is proud to be:
- An affiliate club of the PCA, recognized among Poodle specialty clubs nationwide.
- Listed with the AKC as Western Reserve Poodle Club, Inc.
- Included in national directories of Miniature and Standard Poodle clubs, noting its Cleveland, Ohio base.
These affiliations reflect the club’s longstanding commitment to AKC standards, ethical practices, and collaboration within the broader Poodle community.
Membership & Getting Involved
Membership in WRPC is open to any Poodle enthusiast who is willing to follow the club’s Constitution & Bylaws and Code of Ethics.
Whether you are:
- A long‑time breeder or exhibitor,
- A performance‑sport competitor, or
- A new Poodle owner eager to learn,
WRPC offers a place to connect, learn, and give back to the breed.
