April Jane & Jesten
Meet April Jane and Jesten Herrild, the heart and soul behind Whidbey Island Poodles. This dynamic young couple made the scenic move to Whidbey Island to embrace a slower-paced, family-oriented lifestyle, perfectly complementing their love of dogs. April Jane grew up on a hobby farm surrounded by Australian Cattle Dogs, Jack Russel Terriers, and a few mixed breeds. It was clear very early on that April Jane had an unusually deep love of dogs, puppies in particular. Jesten, who is unfortunately allergic to most dog breeds, grew up with poodles and introduced April Jane to his childhood dogs at Christmas with his family in 2014. This sparked in April Jane a deep affection for the breed and desire to learn more about ethical breeding practices – the first step on the journey to begin their own business. April Jane and Jesten’s first companion poodle, Eobard, joined the family in 2016, followed by the joyful addition of Bexley in 2020, just as the pandemic unfolded. Their personal experience and genuine affection for their dogs shine through in their commitment to producing loving, well-socialized puppies for other families to cherish. Outside of their puppy life, they enjoy the tranquility of their lush five-acre property, where they revel in the company of seven goofy runner ducks and the frequent visits of wild deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
Our Dogs
Eobard
Meet Eobard (pronounced ee-oh-bard), our dearest black Miniature Poodle and the first dog April Jane and Jesten welcomed into their lives as a couple. Eobard is not just any poodle; he is the epitome of athleticism and intelligence, the offspring of agility champions. His quirky personality and extreme smarts make him a standout, and his love for snuggling is unmatched. Affectionately dubbed “the parrot” for his endearing habit of perching on our shoulders, Eobard brings endless joy with his playful antics. He and April Jane bond over nose work classes, a canine sport they both enjoy, while Eobard and Jesten used to train for marathons together—Eobard’s longest run stretching over 11 miles. Although often mistaken for Bexley’s mate, Eobard and Bexley are more like siblings. His human-focused nature and occasional playdates with close dog friends make him a cherished member of our family.
Bexley
“Liberty’s Autumn Grove”
This is Bexley, our founding breeding dog and most beloved baby girl. An AKC-registered purebred apricot Miniature Poodle who truly embodies elegance and beauty — admittedly, we might be a bit biased, but she’s nothing short of a princess. With her striking, non-faded red coat and perfect square body, Bexley captures hearts with her regal presence. While she can be a touch shy around new faces, she warms up quickly, showing her playful side with her human companions and favorite dog friends. A natural hiker and a fetch enthusiast, Bexley is as content running through trails as she is snuggling on the couch. Though she stands slightly taller than the breed standard at 17 inches, her straight tail and charming temperament more than make up for it. Bexley is a delightful mix of grace, energy, and affectionate cuddles, an integral part of our family.
Family Dogs
Our extended family’s love for Miniature Poodles plays a pivotal role in our family business, adding a vibrant blend of personalities to our poodle passion. April Jane’s mom, Barb, is the proud owner of Poppy, Bexley’s cream-colored littermate. Poppy is the embodiment of energy and fun, showering her people with boundless devotion and affection. Jesten’s parents, Beth and David, contribute to our poodle family with Penelope, or “Penny,” a sweet and floppy white Miniature Poodle who melts hearts with her gentle nature, and Piper, a tiny, spunky apricot Miniature Poodle who is Bexley’s closest friend. Additionally, several other family members have their own poodles and poodle mixes, each bringing their unique charm and character to our collective love for the breed. You may see these dogs and others in our photos and videos occasionally, as we love getting them all together to play and bond!