How To Find Poodle Breeders

The Poodle is one of the most loved and hated dog breeds. Often seen fully coiffed either in competition or strolling with their owners, their fur simultaneously pouffed high and trimmed close, poodles appear to be a haughty and decadent dog breed to the Poodle layman.

Surprisingly, the history of the poodle is actually very down-to-earth. Poodles are water dogs. They are naturals at hunting birds in water and on land. The name Poodle comes from the German words Pudel or Pudelhund, which means splashing and splashing dog respectively. The name for Poodles is related to the English word puddle. Knowing Poodles are named after a simple puddle makes the breed seem less intimidating already. Poodles most likely originated in Eastern Europe and they have been popular throughout Europe for hundreds of years. However, it is the French who are given credit for the breed. French Poodle breeders successfully cultivated all three sizes of Poodle: miniature, toy and standard.
The three sizes of Poodle: miniature, toy and standard have similar traits of all Poodles but differ in height and weight. Miniature Poodles are fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height at the shoulder. Toy Poodles are six to nine pounds and up to ten inches at the shoulder. Standard Poodles are forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches at the shoulder.

Poodle breeders breed for overall traits such as high energy level, intelligence, proud or regal carriage, straight, delicate muzzle, small, oval feet, and curly, dense fur among other characteristics. There are many champion lines of Poodle due to the many winners of American Kennel Club and other canine association competitions. Purebred Poodles should come with a documented pedigree or ancestry showing evidence of past champions in the genetic line.

Poodles, like other purebred dogs, have some common genetic flaws, which lead to medical conditions. Poodle breeders should discontinue breeding any line found to have these conditions. Some of the likely health problems are: Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), thyroid and renal conditions, hip dysplasia, and cancer.
Buyers can find reputable Poodle breeders by asking for referrals from local animal shelters. The American Kennel Club or local dog clubs and organizations are other good places to begin. Buyers must research Poodles and have a good understanding of Poodle information so that nefarious breeders won't take advantage of them. Unfortunately, there are breeders working only to make a profit with no regard for the health or happiness of the dogs they produce- or their potential buyers. These backyard breeders raise Poodles in puppy mills where they breed dogs continuously, keeping the mothers and puppies in cages with little socialization and no freedom or play. Buyers can avoid bad breeders by asking to see the kennel where puppies are raised, requesting pedigree information, registration papers and medical records, and by interviewing breeders to make sure they do not mass market puppies or sell them to pet stores. Good Poodle breeders will interview buyers to make sure they can give Poodles a good home.

Finding Poodle breeders begins with asking the right questions. This article will provide Poodle information and information on Poodle breeders.