How to Pick a Good Poodle Puppy

Are You Looking For a Show Dog Or A Family Pet?

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  According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), poodles originated in Germany where they were bred as water dogs for retrieving purposes. The classic shaved cut served a functional purpose then, reducing the resistance on the dog as they swam. The tufted, cloud-like sections of fur that were not shaved were left on the dog to protect joints and organs from the cold, thus resulting in the cut that is now mandatory for all show quality poodles. When selecting a poodle puppy, there is one primary consideration before you address specifics: are you looking for a show quality dog, or just a family pet?

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  In either case, make sure you purchase your poodle from a reputable, registered poodle breeder. The best breeders, according to the AKC, will be focused on producing top quality dogs that meet breed standards and have exceptional health. Purchasing a dog from a puppy mill or money-oriented breeder can have serious ramifications. For one, you'll support less-than-humane conditions for the animals themselves; perhaps you'll rescue one puppy, but the mill or unscrupulous breeder then has all the more reason to continue his or her practices. Secondly, poorly bred puppies can have serious health problems that can cost you quite a bit of money at the vet. Save yourself the trouble by checking breeders' references and contacting their affiliate organizations to see if they are in good standing. For poodles, you can check with both the AKC and The Poodle Club of America.

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  Whether you want a show dog or family pet comes into play once you are at the breeder's location. According to the Poodle Club of America, even the best breeders will typically only have one or two puppies in a litter that are "show quality." The rest may have exceptional health and temperament, but certain features may lessen their chances of success in the show ring. The Poodle Club of America states, "The differences will be so small that only an expert judge will be able to make the distinction; the eyes may be a bit too light, the tail a bit gay or the hocks a bit straight." If you're selecting a dog for show purposes, you'll want to visit several breeders and closely review the breed standards as represented by the AKC. If you're selecting a family pet, you'll want to focus more on the puppies' temperaments and health. Dealing with a reputable breeder should allow you to relax, knowing that all of the puppies will be healthy and strong. In fact, a truly responsible breeder will almost always include a health guarantee with any puppy you select.

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  Just to be sure, though, there are a few questions you should ask even if your breeder is the best in the business. All purebred varieties have certain congenital conditions that they are susceptible to, and though the best breeders can produce puppies that don't have these flaws it still pays to verify for yourself. Poodle Place, an Internet resource for future poodle owners, notes that progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, and von Willebrand's disease all show up in poodles. Make a checklist of these conditions to take to the breeder. They should be able to produce test results for assurance, and breeders will have the mother (dam) and perhaps even the father (sire) on site for you to inspect as well. The answers to these questions are important, but asking them will also let the breeder know that you are informed and educated about the breed. This provides them with extra incentive to be candid and sincere with you during the selection process.