Things You Need to Breed Poodles

Poodles are intelligent dogs that come in three different sizes. Teacup poodles are the smallest, toy poodles are about the size of a cat, and standard poodles are large dogs. Although the sizes of these poodles vary, their physical needs, personalities and appearances are similar. Responsible breeders breed their poodles to improve the breed and produce dogs that fit American Kennel Club standards.

  1. Health

    • Only healthy poodles should be bred, to prevent puppies from inheriting negative traits and health problems. Both the male and female poodle must have their general health examined by a veterinarian. Parasite tests are important, as is testing for brucellosis, a contagious venereal disease. Genetic tests are necessary to ensure the puppies will not inherit life-threatening or health-damaging genetic defects. Only poodles with a healthy weight and muscle tone should breed.

    Mentor

    • Breeding any dog can be difficult for inexperienced breeders, but each breed is different. Finding a mentor familiar with poodles helps keep new breeders from breeding dogs that are not healthy enough and from making errors during the pregnancy. A vet is a good mentor, as is someone who already breeds his own poodles. Breeding is dangerous for the female, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. A knowledgeable mentor gives you the best chances for successful pregnancies.

    Breeding Environment

    • Female and male poodles that are not fixed must be kept separate until they are ready to breed. To ensure that an excited male does not injure the female by accident, provide a comfortable environment for them. A large, clean kennel or crate dressed with clean, soft towels or blankets is an appropriate place for poodles to breed. The breeding kennel must be somewhere quiet where the dogs are not disturbed.

    Puppies

    • A pregnant female poodle requires a whelping box to give birth. A whelping box is large enough for a pregnant poodle to lie down in comfortably, with room for puppies. The box is lined with clean, washable fabric such as towels over newspapers. A heat light keeps the whelping box at 90 degrees F. for newborn puppies. For mothers that cannot or refuse to nurse, you can use an eyedropper to feed puppies with purchased puppy formula.