How to Choose the Right Poodle Puppy
Choosing the right poodle puppy is about 1/3 personal preference, 1/3 research, and 1/3 luck. This article presents some ideas that may help you pick the poodle puppy that best suits your needs.
Show Dogs vs. Pets
If you want a show dog, you must select your poodle pup very carefully, preferably with the assistance of a qualified breeder. Study the AKC (American Kennel Club) show guidelines, and try to attend a few dog shows to see the poodles that are successful. Remember that no one can predict with 100% certainty which pup will mature into a champion. That’s where the luck comes in.
Ask the Breeder for His/Her Recommendation
Breeders who care about their dogs will probably ask you quite a few questions about your hopes for the puppy, your lifestyle, your pet preferences, etc. Based on what they know about you, they may be able to help match you up with a poodle puppy whose temperament suits yours.
Request a Vet Statement
Before you choose a poodle pup, you should have a statement from a vet who has examined the puppy stating that it is in good health. A qualified breeder will provide this kind of documentation as a matter of course, but a casual breeder might not.
Watch the Pups
Observe how they interact with their mother and with each other. You want a poodle puppy that is active and cheerful. Even though you might feel sorry for a little dog sitting by itself in the corner, this puppy probably would not make a good pet.
Observe the dogs for any signs of poor health. Is the fur around their eyes or tail matted (could indicate an eye infection or diarrhea)? Do they cough or sneeze? Do they seem excessively skinny? Remember that while it’s very noble to want to rescue a sick pup, it will like cost you a great deal financially (and much more emotionally if the pup dies).
Handle the Pups
Avoid pups that snarl, snap, or try to bite when you touch them. An inquisitive poodle may want to sniff or lick your fingers, but that’s normal and very different from a hostile reaction like biting. Look for a pup that welcomes your touch and doesn’t mind being gently picked up or handled.
Don’t Settle
You’ll likely spend several hundred dollars to purchase a purebred poodle, and if your puppy lives out its lifespan, you can expect to have it for twelve years or more. Therefore, be patient and select your new friend carefully. If you have your heart set on a white toy but all the breeder has to offer is a black standard, keep looking. The puppy you want will turn up eventually, and you’ll be glad you waited.
After all, you wouldn’t select your spouse because he or she was all that was available at the moment, and poodles live much longer than some marriages last.
Along with size and color, many people also have a gender preference when it comes to purchasing a poodle puppy. So, which makes the best pet, a male or female poodle puppy?
