BeforeYou Get A Poodle
• Remember – They live from 12 to 20+ years. This is a long term
commitment.
• Poodles are very smart, and require a lot of attention. They need
human companionship to be happy.
• Standard Poodles need plenty of exercise. A fenced yard is best.
• Poodles are high maintenance, requiring grooming monthly and ear
care weekly.
• Always insist on seeing the breeders’ dogs and their kennel, if they
breed from a kennel setting.
• Never buy a dog, sight-unseen, especially over the internet, unless
you are dealing with a reputable breeder. Insist on seeing the
pedigree of the puppy you want and ask if the sire is DNA certified.
• Try to see both parents of your puppy. If you cannot see them in
person, ask the breeder for pictures and size. Standards range in
size from 15” to nearly 30” at the shoulder and weigh up to 100 lbs.
The parents will be a good indicator of how your puppy will grow
up. A reputable breeder will try to answer all of your questions.
• If you want to be sure of what you are getting, always buy a dog
that is registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United
Kennel Club (UKC). American Kennel Club registers multi-color
poodles but does not recognize them for show. UKC
registers multi-color poodles and also recognizes them for show.
If you are seeking a pet only, registration does not matter that
much but you should insist on information to prove that you are
receiving a purebred puppy.
• If the breeder does not offer a health guarantee, insist on receiving
one.
• If the breeder does not offer references, especially his or her
veterinarian, ask for them. Call the references.
• Consider buying on a limited registration basis and have your
puppy spayed or neutered.
• Avoid “Puppy Mills” and pet stores or other outlets that buy from
them.
• Ask for a health record for your puppy.
• If you put a deposit on a puppy, and the breeder does not offer to do
so, insist that the breeder send you weekly photo updates of your
puppy.
• If your breeder does not volunteer to do so, insist that the puppy be
examined by the breeder’s veterinarian just prior to you receiving
your puppy. Call the breeder’s veterinarian if you have any
questions or concerns. Have the puppy examined by your
vet within 48 hours of bring him/her home.
You might be dealing with a “Puppy Mill” if:
• They are vague or won’t tell you about poodles, in general, and
especially their dogs. They offer no proof of registration, pedigree
or DNA certification.
• They are selling puppies that are less than 8 weeks old.
• They do not invite you to their home or let you see their kennel.
• If you do see them, their kennels are dirty, cramped and unkempt.
Their dogs are unfriendly, dirty & matted, listless or unhealthy
looking.
• Their dogs seem uncomfortable with people. Sometimes poodles
are a little cautious of strangers but one that is well socialized and
used to human contact will warm up quickly.
• They try to tell you that all registries are just as good as AKC and
UKC. If their dogs are not AKC or UKC registered, ask why and
then contact the registry for information or to check for suspension.
• They offer no health guarantee.
• A reputable breeder will be available to you long after the purchase
of your puppy has been finalized.
• References can verify the honesty and reputation of a breeder. A
reputable breeder should be willing to give you the names and
addresses of every owner of one of their puppies. A reputable
breeder will have record of every puppy and their placement and
should be willing to make that information available for inspection.
