Our dog recently died of cancer and we'll be looking for a new dog later this spring or summer. We're interested in getting a minature poodle. We'll consider adopting from a local shelter first (and would consider a poodle mix), but we also want to look into getting a poodle puppy. We're not interested in a show dog, just a healthy, easily trainable family pet. How do we find and evaluate breeders?
Tags: Adopting, Spring, mid-Atllantic area, Recently, Human Interestmalinois breeders mid atlantic
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Find the date & location of the AKC shows nearby & GO!
Meet real people who know & care about their dogs. Reputable & responsible breeders SHOW.
infodog.com has a “search-by-state” feature
You start with the breed Parent Club:
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/breederref.htm
Yes, these people probably breed show dogs, but they also breed healthy, trainable pets, with generations of genetic testing behind them.
If you are interested in adopting an adult, Poodle rescue is a great resource…
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/rescue.htm
ADD: Here is a great resource on what to look for in a good Poodle breeder:
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/forms/PurchasingaPoodle.pdf
Note the information on genetic health testing. EVERY responsible breeder does this testing. If they don’t do the testing, don’t buy the puppy!
Here is the poodle club of america:
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/breederref.htm
Start there, read up on their code of ethics, etc. Then start contacting local or however far you are willing to drive poodle breeders and asking questions. You need to state you want a pet quality poodle. Ask to be put on a waiting list if she/he doesnt plan on breeding soon and/or doesnt have a pup available. If the breeder seems to always have pups available, run.
Well if you’re interested in a puppy, you can still definitely rescue.
Just like finding a reputable and responsible breeding, finding the right dog in the shelter takes time too–and may require traveling.
A great website you can check is http://www.petfinder.com/ and you can search for miniature poodles (and other breeds) in your area that need homes.
When looking for a breeder, this will require quiet a bit of work. To find a responsible and ethical breeder, you’ll want to visit dog shows or visit the breed parent club.http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/
There is a link to a site. Not only should it have helpful information on the breed, but it should have a list of breeders who are ethical, reputable, and responsible who breed for the love of the breed. (and rescues)
When purchasing your dog, AVOID at all costs:
-Buying online or pet stores (These dogs come from puppymills, which are nothing more than factories for the mass production of dogs to ship across the country to pet stores) To learn more about the horrors of pet stores and puppymills click http://www.stoppuppymills.org/
-Buying dogs from newspaper Ads. (People who sell through newspapers, excluding adoption ads from rescues, are ‘backyard breeders’ they don’t breed for the love of the dog, they breed for profit and you don’t want to support that)
–
Add:
when looking at breeders you’ll always want someone who does genetic/health testing on their dogs (and only breeds those dogs who pass those tests well), does NOT breed mixes, is active in work/show, is knowledgable about the breed, the breed standard, genetic issues in the breed, questions you as much (or more) than you question, and is interested in matching the best pup/dog to you rather than making a profit. They should breed for the love of the breed and only to the breed standard, never breed dogs younger than 2 years old, keeps the pups in clean, safe environment, and rarely has pups available (1-2 litters per year).
This is just a general overview, but the parent site may have more on how to find an ethical and responsible breeder.
Good luck on your search
If you already have a dog, you probably have a Veterinarian. Try checking with him or her.
Check the AKC website. The link to the main page is the first one in the source box. The second link is to the referral page.
What kind of Poodle?
Standards are my favorite.
There are many Teacup breeders in the mid-Atlantic area here: http://www.pets4you.com/teapoodle.html
Miniature poodles here: http://www.pets4you.com/poodle.html
Standards here: http://www.pets4you.com/spoodle.html
Good Luck,
Lane
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