Let's say you have reached a decision already that a delightful toy poodle is the perfect canine companion for you. How do you make certain that you find the healthiest, best adjusted new pet, while avoiding the pit-falls you have heard about from others? Of course, we recommend a poodle puppy from Toy Poodle Love, but here's some thoughts to keep in mind as you begin your search.
Toy poodles are a very popular breed in North America, and with any popular breed of dog the risks of encountering puppies that result from unscrupulous breeding, over-breeding, poor maternal care and insufficient upbringing are increased. I love toy poodles, it saddens me to say this, as all puppies deserve good homes and long happy lives, but obtaining a puppy from the wrong source can leave you with an emotionally and physically challenged dog that burdens you and your whole family with frustration and expense.
Many people head directly to the local pet store to obtain their new toy poodle, believing that a reputable franchise would perform extensive well-being checks and background investigation into the lifestyle and source of the puppies they sell. Sadly, this couldn't be further from the truth. It seems the larger the operation, the more disconnected from the local community of dog owners, the less likely a pet store chain is to ensure that the puppies they sell are from a healthy, genetically sound background. Again and again we have found in the news, stories of the major chains buying puppies in bulk from operations proven to be some of the largest and most tragic examples of puppy mills in this country. If the store doesn't do the background check, then you have no way to do it yourself! Don't get your toy poodle from a store, there is no 'guarantee' a store can give you that will protect you from the heartbreak and expense of a sickly poodle.
One of the very best ways to find your new Toy Poodle is to visit a dog show and meet poodle breeders. Almost every region will have one or more dog shows on the go any month of the year. You and your whole family will have a delightful time, you can see the behavior and appearance of members of your potential toy poodle's family, get references from other breeders and learn so much about the unique care and special qualities of the excellent breed of dog you have chosen.
If you must start your search for a toy poodle from the classified ads do be careful. There are some awkward pitfalls you can encounter here, because you are often finding listings for litters of puppies that were not planned or wanted, are falsely claimed to be pedigreed, or from poodles that should never have been bred to begin with. Your questioning of these breeders needs to be thorough before you even agree to come see the litter of toy poodles. A breeder should fill you with confidence and enthusiasm. They should exude a love and concern for toy poodles with every word they speak.
Here are some important questions you should ask:
1) Are your puppies purebred? Are they registered with the AKC?
2) Are your puppies from champion bloodlines?
3) Was your litter intentional?
4) Do you own both the sire and dam? Can I meet them if I come to see your puppies?
5) How often do you have puppies available? How many litters do you have each year?
6) Tell me about your kennel. What are your facilities like?
7) Do your puppies come with a health guarantee?
8)Are the parents of the puppies in perfect health and have they been cleared for all genetic conditions? Hips? Eyes?
9) Could I please have some references from people who know you and your puppies?
10) What kind of vet care will my puppy have had when I adopt him?
11) Will he have been wormed? Vaccinated? Tattooed? Micro-chipped?
12) Are your puppies show quality? Have any of your other puppies won championships?
13) What are you feeding the puppies now? What would you recommend I feed my new puppy?
14) Tell me about the unique personality of your puppies. Are they confident or timid?
15) Will my puppy be housebroken? Has he learned to walk on a leash?
16) What kind of owners are you looking for for your puppies? Do you have any special rules or expectations?
Of course, we hope that you would consider a puppy from Toy Poodle Love as your new companion. We will happily answer all of these questions and more, and share with you our love of toy poodles and our beautiful puppies. In our hearts, there is no better dog in the world than the toy poodle and no finer example than the poodle puppies from Toy Poodle Love!
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