So you've done all your homework. You know for sure that the
poodle is the right dog for you. Then, one day as if by fate,
you come across the sign: Poodle Puppies for Sale. Should you
buy one on the spot? Only if you want to risk making a bad mistake.
Instead of getting a poodle pup on the spot, take a little time
and think about the following questions.
Who's Selling the Poodles?
Chances are, it's a backyard or casual breeder (an owner who
has allowed a female poodle to give birth for fun or profit) who
won't be able to vouch for your poodle pup's health or lineage.
Worse still, it might be a pet store that obtains its dogs from
puppy mills. Puppy mills exist only to make a profit. No thought
is given to the animal's comfort or health. Animals from puppy
mills tend to be poorly socialized and sickly. You may think you're
doing a kind thing by "rescuing" a poodle from a pet
store, but in truth every dollar you spend on a pet store poodle
convinces the pet store that there's a profit to be made from
using puppy mills.
When you buy a poodle, you want to work with an established an
ethical breeder who cares deeply for his or her dogs and can produce
documents to show that they are healthy purebreds.
What Does the Seller Know about the Poodles?
A professional breeder should be able to give you a poodle puppy's
ancestry from several generations back. A casual breeder might
not even be certain as to the identity of the father, let alone
the great-grandmother.
Look for a seller who has gotten to know the puppies well and
who can discuss their personalities, individual quirks, and health
issues knowledgeably.
What Paperwork Does the Seller Offer?
Ideally, you should expect a blue AKC (American Kennel Club)
registration form, the poodle puppy's veterinary record with a
list of any treatments and vaccinations and the dates they occurred;
and a statement from a vet that to the best of his or her knowledge
the poodle pup is healthy.
Is the Price Fair?
Prices for poodles can very widely, depending on whether they
are purebreds, whether the breeder thinks they have good show
potential, and whether they are healthy. Do a little research
online, talk to breeders, and check the local newspaper to find
the average going rate of poodle puppies. If the person selling
the puppies is asking for much more or much less, be wary. Highballing
the price could mean the breeder isn't familiar with his or her
market; lowballing the price might indicate that something is
wrong with pups.
Are You Really Ready for a Poodle?
Have you thought through your choice carefully? Do you have the
supplies you need to take care of a puppy? Are all family members
on board with this decision? Remember, buying a poodle is a twelve
to fifteen year commitment.
Poodle puppies are extremely cute. It may take a willpower of
iron to pass up that sweet, intelligent face and those huge dark
eyes, but you want to be sure you get the best puppy you see,
not just the first puppy you see.
