The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on human interaction and makes a wonderful companion. One of the greatest aspects of the Poodle is that it comes in three distinctly different sizes and in a variety of colors.  Poodles seem to take readily to obedience and agility training, and are enjoying roles as hospital therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and down home life mates. They are also appreciated for the fact that they do not shed
and seem to be tolerated to a higher degree by allergy suffers. All this coupled  with an air of independence and a great sense of humor makes the Poodle one of the most highly sought after purebred breeds.

Buying on Impulse

The decision to buy a dog should be the most educated decision
you can make. At all costs, avoid making a decision to buy an
animal based on emotions of the moment. That can be anything
from sympathy for the animal (I had to get it out of that mess it
was living in.) to pressure from the family (Please, Daddy, please,
please, please…) Dogs can live for a significant number of years
so it’s extremely important that you purchase the right animal for
 your circumstances.

Three Variety of Poodles

Those interested in the Poodle should be aware there are three
varieties of Poodles; ’ Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

There is no officially recognized Poodle variety such as a “Royal”
Standard, a “Tea Cup ” Toy or a “Tiny Toy” Poodle.

These are all just marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of
animals that are in reality just dramatically over or under in size
from the norm.

Toy Poodle- The Toy is the smallest of the three varieties of Poodle. For the
conformation show ring the Toy should be no larger than 10” high at the shoulder.
This more diminutive variety of Poodle is particularly well suited to apartment
life or as a traveling companion for retired people.

Miniature Poodle- The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized animal limited to
15” high at the shoulder for the show ring. Still it’s a sturdy compromise between
the Toy and the Standard, suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy
lifestyle of a family with children.

Standard Poodle- The Standard is the largest of the three varieties with no
restriction on size. Typically Standards will be about 21” to 27” high at the
shoulderwith the females usually a little smaller than the males. Being a larger,
more substantial animal, the Standard will usually require a little more room to
roam than the other two varieties

Considerations

Be realistic- Certainly the size of the animal and perhaps what color it is can
be important considerations when it comes to purchasing a companion animal.
However,every breed has advantages as well as some disadvantages. For
example, the Poodle is not a low-maintenance animal in that it requires regular,
periodic grooming, some of which most people can do themselves, and some
they perhaps can not. A buyer needs to learn as much as they can about any
breed in which he or she is interested. Purchasing what you thought was a
vision can often end up being a nightmare, both for you and the animal. Buyers
need to educate themselvesbefore making a purchase.

Health Issues- Animal health is equally important to consider, and we’re
not talking about the health of the animal at the time of purchase. While that’s
certainly important, there are longer-term considerations as well.
Genetically-inherited disorders (some of which do not manifest themselves
for several years) are present in virtually every line of living creature in the
world and Poodles, unfortunately, is no exception.

All three varieties of Poodles have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia,
progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, seizure disorders, thyroid disorders,
cushings and von Willebrand’sdisease. Other genetic disorders occur in each
variety as well The Toy and MiniaturePoodles are susceptible to a couple of
orthopedic problems called Legg-Perthes and Luxating Patellas.
The Standard Poodle may be afflicted with gastric torsion (bloat),
sebaceous adenitis with hyperkeratosis, or with an auto immune disorder
such as Addison’s disease or auto immune hemolytic anemia.
 
Your Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the poodle buyer to ask for and examine results of
x-rays, blood tests, eye examinations, and punch skin biopsies for the sire
and the dam of the puppy. Responsible, conscientious breeders screen all
breeding stock for hereditary health problems for which we have testing
available prior to utilizing any dog in a breeding program and are delighted
to answer any questions about the health of the puppy’s sire and dam.
However, even when the sire and dam have been tested and found free
from specific hereditary health problems, there is no iron clad assurance
that the puppy will not develop one of these problems. Buying a puppy
from a breeder who tests breeding stock considerably increases your
chances of getting a healthy puppy.

Show Quality verses Pet Quality.

A show quality puppy is one which, in the breeder’s opinion, should be able to
become a champion. A pet quality puppy is less likely, in the breeder’s
estimation, to become a champion. However, when buying a puppy at
8- 16 weeks of age, trying to guess what that puppy will look like when it is
an adult is just that-a guess.

A pet quality puppy is one that has a minor fault which would disqualify it from
being shown, i.e., a white spot on the chest or elsewhere, one testicle, oversize
or undersize Toys or Miniatures, or an improper bite. However, the feature(s)
which disqualify the puppies from the show ring, in no way, affects their
ability to be a wonderful companion. Most pet quality puppies are sold on the
AKC’s limited registration form and a spay/neuter contract. The limited
registration form is a simple way of saying that although your pet is an AKC
registered purebred dog, it cannot be bred. If it is bred, the offspring
cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club. Using this form
is the breeder’s way of ensuring that the puppy will not be bred and pass along
the disqualifying feature to future generations. Neutering your dog also
increases its chances of leading a longer, healthier and happier life.

Alternatives to Puppies

Occasionally, adult dogs are available from breeders. Some may even be
champions. Rescue dogs, too, are available from time to time from area
Poodle Clubs. Both can make excellent pets and generally readily adapt to
new homes and loving families. It is unlikely that any genetic testing will be
available for rescue dogs.

Contracts/Guarantees

What should you expect in writing from the breeder?
1. The AKC registration slip (or CKC in Canada)
2. Copies of the test results of genetic screening for the sire & dam.
3. A pedigree.
4. A printed contract including, health guarantee.
5. A timeframe to determine if the pup will fit the buyer’s household.
6. A time period for the buyer to secure a veterinary check (24 to 48 hours).
7. A statement of the breeder’s refund/return policy.
8. Feeding instructions,Vaccination and worming schedule.

Puppies can be safely shipped by air to their new homes. Generally the sales
price does not include the airfare and the shipping crate. Additionally, if the
buyer decides to return the puppy, the cost of the return airfare is the
responsibility of the buyer.

  Internet Resources

There are lots if information about Poodles on the web. Some of it is even
accurate. Two of the best sites with the most reliable information are:

Poodle Club of America- http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/

No information in this pamphlet maybe reprinted without the permission of
“The Poodle Club of America”.

©Poodle Club of America 2001