How to Choose the Right Poodle Breeder

You've used networking and perhaps other methods to identify three or four quality poodle breeders in your area. Now it's time to narrow down the choices and find the one poodle breeder who is right for you. There are several things to consider in making your choice.

Do You Want a Pet or a Show Dog?

No breeder can guarantee that an animal will become a good show dog. (If a poodle breeder tries to make this guarantee to you, run--do not walk--away!) The poodle breeder can, however, look at the puppy's lineage and look at the puppy itself and state that the puppy probably is of show quality. That is, there is currently nothing that would disqualify it from participating and doing well in shows.

On the other hand, some dogs are immediately and obviously not show quality. These dogs, referred to as "pet quality," make ideal companion animals but have some feature or deficit that would put them out of the running in a show. It might be something as trivial as a low-set tail or a head that isn't rounded enough.

Tell your poodle breeder how you want to use your dog, and expect him or her to be honest and forthcoming in assessing your dog's capabilities.

What Paperwork Will the Poodle Breeder Provide?

At the very least, you'll want your puppy's health records, stating the dates of such treatments as immunizations, wormings, spaying/neutering, etc. You'll also need a note signed by the puppy's veterinarian indicating the dog is in good health.

If you want your poodle to be registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club), you'll need a blue AKC application which will be signed by both you and the poodle breeder. It's important to send this document in promptly, especially if you want to try to show your puppy.

Finally, a reputable breeder will supply you with papers tracing your puppy's ancestry. A qualified poodle breeder will probably know your pup's ancestry from several generations back. A "backyard breeder," someone who decided to let their female poodle get pregnant for fun or profit, may not even be completely clear about the identity of the puppy's father! The more information your breeder is able to supply, the better.

If you run into a breeder who will not supply this paperwork, don't buy from him or her. If they can't manage something as basic as standard paperwork, heaven only knows what kind of training and socialization your puppy has gotten.

What Does the Breeder Expect from You?

Good poodle breeders love their animals and choose their clients carefully. They want their poodles to go to the best possible environment. Some breeders will actually have you fill out a questionnaire as to why you want a poodle, what experience you have with poodles, how you plan to train and socialize your poodle, etc. Potential buyers may be offended by all these questions, but this kind of screening on the part of a poodle breeder is actually a positive sign.

Poodle breeders may also place other conditions on the sale of their dogs. For instance, they may make you sign an agreement to have the animal spayed or neutered. Another common condition is that you will return the dog to them if you can no longer keep your poodle.

Once you have chosen the poodle breeder you want to work with, it's time to start looking at poodle puppies.

Attention: To discover how YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Poodle, get a copy of this Poodle Guide NOW!