This all starts out as I remember about the age of 6. My parents purchased a purebred miniature Poodle, her name was GiGi.
It was such a wonderful time in my life for I witnessed my mother breeding and then help whelping puppies. Along with GiGi we purchased a toy Silver male. He of course was also registered. His name was Chico.
I had such wonderful times in my life with our poodles. GiGi had 5 pups at one time !! My beautiful mom was so young and passionate as well about poodles. Well these darlings sold right away with just one local ad. Our endeavour was awarded right away, we even had a waiting list.
I quickly learned what quality poodles exude. Smart, loving, friendly, entertaining, wonderful pets. Often I look back and think of those fun times as a child and my love for my poodles. The love and passion for poodles never faltered. It was fun going to antique store collecting antique porcelain poodles. To this day I still have the collection.
As a young lady in my 20”s I thought it would be wonderful to have poodles back in my life. So I went on my search well I quickly discovered it was not as easy as it was 20 years prior. I wanted to find a show quality to breed. Wow! That was an eye opener. I could not find one individual to sell me a poodle. So much competition, no one knew me. People were being so protective, went to a pet home or show home. I new nothing about a show home then and still learning, let alone handling and show cuts..
Time passed by and my love about wanting a toy poodle that would simply be the best in conformation never changed. I was fortunate to travel the world I noticed in France the French especially loved poodles! A poodle in French is caniche.
I put in an order. I waited a long time maybe 9 months and one exciting day I received my call. After all the wait I was not sold a female, but I had the pleasure of acquiring an apricot Toy male poodle. It was love at first site. Would not run from me, came right away. Let me lift his hind legs and check his mouth and hold him over ever so gentle Perfect. This little dog would run like the wind and jump like a rabbit. He would jump so high Like Magic Johnson I would tell children and he would. His name was Prince Achille.
I walked the cobblestones fairways and along the Seine with him. Quaint Paris, everyone would compliment me on my beautiful poodle. The French were bias but so was I. I would go to expensive restaurants in Paris Prince would sit at my feet or on my lap and always knew when to go. It was such fun in quaint Paris.
Prince also loved Cannes, and Monte Carlo. Once he travelled all the way to Bulgaria on my lap right through formerly Yugoslavia.
This little guy was in Switzerland and Austria and Italy in Rome and Venice. Its difficult in Venice though not a lot of grass or a few strands, so we only stayed on night. So poodles travel so well even on Yachts. They can learn where to do business. That problem solved.
My poodle and I frolicked as we travelled, he brought such love in my life and protection. Prince had an outstanding coat, hypo-allergenic.. I constantly received compliments about my little guy.He knew it I believe.
When I resided in France I served him fresh is ground steak. He was healthy and beautiful shiny coat. I brushed him out everyday as well to keep him dematted, so important. I checked him out at the vet and got whatever was necessary.
What beautiful temperaments and the female such a lady. Loved to play. Want to go on an “OUTIE”- That's all I would say and Prince would shake and we would be off on our walk or run. Maybe to get a croissant for him and a chocolate croissant for me, croissants are the best in France. So intelligent and rarely barked.
In 1988 I returned to Canada not the USA, and finally found a mate for Prince to play with, and keep him company if I had to leave home for awhile. I found her on Vancouver Island .So I named her.. guess what.. of course GiGi.
I was told by a vet I had the nicest poodles he ever saw.
I had maybe 100 dog toys. Prince knew most of them by name. My champ and my beloved poodles.
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!
