Instructions
Observe the entire litter of poodle puppies. If all but one or two puppies are shy, running away from you or barking out of fear, you should probably move on and find another breeder, according to "Your Purebred Puppy." Even the dogs that aren't backing away from you probably are a bit shy and timid, which can lead to fear aggression when the poodle puppy turns into an adult.
Watch the behavior of the poodle puppies. Many owners go for the pup that is running around, jumping on them, taking the toy out of their hands and is extremely outgoing. While this is fun and cute for the hour you are at the breeders, it is probably going to be annoying when the poodle puppy is in your home, chewing on and destroying everything in sight. Instead, look for the poodle puppy that doesn't bark or growl with its litter mates but who wags its tail and seems happy playing around.
Look at the appearance of the poodle puppies. White poodles are prone to tear staining---a discoloration that begins at the eyes and runs down the poodle's face, caused by eye drainage. Avoid any poodle puppies that already have this staining, suggests the "Official Poodle Guide" website, as it could be an indication of eyelid or eye shape abnormalities or infection, irritation or inflammation of the eye. In addition, avoid any puppies that have hair loss or other cosmetic issues or that appear sick or listless.
Spend time with a poodle puppy when it is away from its litter mates. It is helpful to see how a puppy will react with you when it is by itself. The puppy's personality may vary when it doesn't have its siblings around. The way the puppy behaves with you when it is alone is a better indicator of its true personality than how it acts when around its siblings.
How to Pick the Right Poodle Puppy
While many poodle lovers will claim that every poodle is perfect, it is important to choose a puppy that is perfect for you. While most poodle puppies are energetic and playful, potential owners should find a puppy that suits their lifestyles and personalities. Since the puppy will not tell you its likes, dislikes, hobbies and other personality traits, it is up to you to know what to look for in a poodle puppy. Fortunately, there are a few ways to pick the poodle puppy that is best for you.