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Standard Poodles - Choosing a Breeder
The following are questions that you should ask a breeder before buying a Standard Poodle. Use this as a tool to make the very best educated decision about your new Standard Poodle. Please make several copies of this pamphlet and use them to interview several candidates. Questions relate to genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. Name, address and phone number: Price of puppy: It's hard to say what the price of a Standard Poodle puppy is. It depends on the quality. Companion or Pet puppies go for less than a potential show champion. So let's just say they can range from $500 to over $2,000. Remember, you get what you pay for! Today's date: 1. Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for Progressive Retinal Atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases? If answer is yes, ask if the grandparents had been tested or has any blindness occurred in any relatives of the sire or dam. Ask to see certificates. If the answer is no, decline buying their puppy. A puppy carrying two genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at any age. There is no cure for Progressive Retinal Atrophy. 2. Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia? If the answer is yes ask for the ratings and to see a copy of the OFA certificate for each parent. Ask if all four grandparents have also had their hips x-rayed and been certified free of the disorder. If the answer is no, decline to buy their puppy. Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disorder but can be diagnosed as early as six months of age. Hip Dysplasia can be a painful and crippling disorder that in some cases can be treated by expensive surgery. 3. Have the dam and sire been tested for Sebaceous Adenitis within the past year? Is there any history of Sebaceous Adenitis in relatives of the sire and dam?
If the answer is yes, ask to see the veterinarian's report. If the answer is no, decline to buy their puppy. SA is a skin disorder that causes hair loss, and skin flaking and thickening. They usually have an odor and must be bathed weekly to maintain. There is no cure. 4. Have the sire and dam been tested and certified by DNA analysis to be free of Von Willebrand's bleeding disorder?
5. Has there been any occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion, seizure, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid disease, hemolytic anemia, allergic skin diseases, thrombocytopenia, allergic gastroenteritis or Addison's disease in the sire or dam or their relatives?
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some lines. 6. Can I see the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment. Record an answer to each of the following: Is everything clean? Do puppies have toys to play with? Do puppies have fresh water? Do puppies have room to exercise? Are puppies clean and groomed? Look at as many relatives as possible! (Note: Weeping tear-stained eyes are not normal) Are they friendly? Are they apparently healthy? This may be your only insight into your puppy's temperament and overall quality. 7. What is the average life expectancy of your dogs? Standard Poodles should live 11 to 15 years.
8. How many years of experience do they have?
9. How many litters a year do they produce and for what reason?
If the answer is "for the money," walk away. These people do not have the welfare of the dogs as a priority. 10. Do they sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
If they do sell on contract, they care enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that they are concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the best Standard Poodle possible. Producing purebred dogs should be handled by those dedicated to improving and maintaining the uniqueness of each breed. 11. Are they willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep it?
They do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after the puppy is sold. 12. Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased by them. Ask each about their dog's health and temperament. NAME PHONE # or E-MAIL ADDRESS
2. 3. Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately with the veterinarian's report. They should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health. Genetic testing is done to help avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of these points into consideration when choosing your next Standard Poodle. Happy Poodle hunting!! The Poodle Club of America has a Breeder Referral page on their site. This is probably the first place I would go to. The following is a list of Poodle breeders. They have not been screened or approved by me, except for Majestic Standard Poodles, where I got my Poodles. So, please do your homework and check them out thoroughly before purchasing a puppy.
Poodle Dog
Majestic Standard Poodles
Avonti Standard Poodles
Kirada Lodge
Black Tie Standards
Shiloh Garden Standards
Standard Poodles Online
Bellwether Kennel
The Best Poodle Breeders
poodlebreeders.com So, you're entertaining the idea of pursuing life as a dog breeder...Do you have tons of questions that you can't seem to get honest answers to from those already in the business? Then the book "Dog Breeder 101" may help you! Click Here!
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