Spellbound was four years old when he joined Highprofile Standard Poodles. He already had all his titles, his American, Canadian, Mexican and FCI International Championships. His new owners, Giselle Bursee and Roland de Corneille, afforded him yet another brilliant show career as a Special in Canada and the United States resulting in multiple Bests in Show and four coveted Awards of Merit at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty show.

Spellbound was a very elegant and sound poodle with many outstanding virtues. His presence, stature and overall quality made him special and unique. He possessed the essence of Poodle type and also a good touch of arrogance. His head was lean with a long foreface and he had a nice amount of chiseling under his eyes. He had superb shoulder lay-back and depth of chest as well as a high tail set with that desirable shelf behind his tail. His long neck, his collective, effortless gait and his proud carriage contributed to his overall elegance. Looking at him critically one could say that he had incredible rear angulation, perhaps a tad too much, but it did not interfere with his elegant and balanced movement. Whether looking at him from the front, the side or rear or in movement, he presented a striking picture. His easy going temperament made him a cherished and much loved companion.

Perhaps his greatest contribution was as a stud dog where he had an enormous influence on many breeding programs throughout Canada and the United States.

San Bernardino – Riverside Poodle Club Specialty Show, October 11, 1992

 Judge: Mrs. Andrena Brunotte

Here are highlights of just a few of the outstanding offspring he has produced:

The unforgettable BIS Ch. La Marka Nina Oscura who received the ultimate recognition of Best in Breed at the 1994 Poodle Club of America National Specialty under Dr. Jacklyn Hungerland after Mrs. Annie Clarke had awarded her the Variety.

The most noteworthy multiple BIS son Am. Can. Bda. Ch. Dawin High Falutin who was #1 All Breeds in Canada in 1995.

Not to forget the remarkable Swedish Ch. Blue Skies Splash who was the dam of the 2004 PCA Best of Breed winner Am. Aust. Ch. Cotian Style N Splash.

Another extremely influential Spellbound daughter was the lovely Canadian Ch. Signet’s Status Symbol who could have gone far had she had a greater opportunity at being in the show light. However, her impact as a brood bitch is undeniable and anyone who ever witnessed her in the show ring will never forget her.

It is not too common for a veteran to win, but Spellbound’s son Am. Can. Int. Ch. Lyric’s Honor Guard did just that.  His owner had grown his coat back into a moderate Continental to enter him at the 2005 Cloverdale, B.C. Specialty.  What a delightful surprise for him to win Best in Specialty Show at 10 ½ years of age under Mrs. Keke Kahn and causing a whirlwind of emotions.

Other notable BIS/BISS show winners include:

Ch. La Marka Nomeolvides
Am. Can. Ch. Lemerle Lite My Fire,
Ch. Degana Cole Porter
Ch. Davroff Stolichnaya
Ch. Bunker’s Icing On The Cake
Am. Can. Ch. Highprofile Escort
Am. Columbian Ch. Sabed’s It Happened At Cole’s House
Am. Columbian Ch. Sabed’s Mamita Mira Me

Spellbound died in 1995 at the age of 12 years. But his legacy lives on. In the pioneer days of perpetuating our dogs through the use of frozen semen, Spellbound’s semen was collected in 1990 and 1991. It is now stored in Kansas City, MO. While some of the early breedings using his frozen semen failed, later when the insemination technology improved his frozen semen breedings have been very successful with one breeding resulting in 11 puppies.

Unlike many other breeders of Standard Poodles, Highprofile Poodles did not start with a “foundation” bitch. My entire breeding program is based on Spellbound. I was fortunate enough to continue with bitches bred by other breeders who used Spellbound’s frozen semen. My latest litter was born to a four year old daughter of Spellbound “Ch. Highprofile Hot Spell at Calliope” on October 31st, 2013 and a delightful grand-daughter of Spellbound is now growing up at Highprofile.

Spellbound’s coat was harsh and easy to keep and never matted. My good friend and co-owner Roland de Corneille, (a clergyman, human rights champion, who was helping Martin Luther King Jr., and former Canadian Member of Parliament), insisted we keep him in Continental show clip throughout his life for our enjoyment. His coat remained very black and when he succumbed to cancer at age 12 he still looked every inch a show dog.

We have always appreciated the admiration and respect bestowed on him by his knowledgeable fanciers.

Spellbound’s hips were OFA Good and he tested clear for SA and normal for eyes and vWD.