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Finding a Reliable Poodle Breeder
from: The Complete DogYou've decided that a Poodle is the breed for you and are getting ready to bring home your new furry friend. Before you do, however, you should ask yourself a few hard questions.
1. Can you really afford a Poodle? Not including the purchase price (since you may get one for no cost), you can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $1,000 a year on food, supplies and vet bills. Professional grooming can increase the cost even more.
2. Can you spend time and energy playing with your Poodle, walking him and just hanging out together around the house? A dog abandoned, even in the most luxurious surroundings, isn't going to be a very happy dog.
If you answer "yes," there's still more to consider. You must now decide which is the right Poodle for you. What qualities are most important -- size, playfulness, health, age, temperament, looks? Do you want a dog to show, or just a loyal companion? Are you expecting your Poodle to be a watchdog? Or do tricks? Entertain the children? Sleep in till noon?
The most important element in choosing the right Poodle is finding a reliable source and should be approached with much care. A Poodle shouldn't be an impulse purchase. Do your research; a little extra time and thought will save you many months of heartache in the future. If you're looking for a puppy, find a responsible breeder. This isn't always a simple task; few breeders of this type advertise in the newspaper, and none are likely to be listed in the yellow pages.
Since it's almost impossible to make a living by breeding dogs carefully and responsibly, most good breeders are actually enjoying an expensive hobby. The price of the puppies they sell barely covers their expense. Yet, because good breeders usually breed from their homes and profit isn't their main motive, the price you will pay for a good dog is usually no more than from a commercial establishment, and you'll usually get a better quality dog.
To find this type of breeder, you're going to have to ask around. Ask your veterinarian, a groomer or knowledgeable friends. Check with your local All-Breed Kennel Club or Poodle Club. If you don't know how to find a breeder locally, go to the American Kennel Club's (AKC's) website for more information. Check out nearby dog shows and review the program to see if anyone showing Poodles lives near you (get a schedule online from the AKC). Take a look at their Poodles and see if this is the general type of dog you'd like.
If you happen to see a dog you like, pick a quiet time (usually after the judging) to ask questions of the exhibitors. If they're hurried, ask for a business card and make arrangements to call or visit sometime in the near future. Although you may get lucky discover a litter at just the right time, you'll likely have to wait to get your puppy -- maybe for as long as several months. If you insist upon a particular sex or color, your wait may be even longer.
Please note that going to a show breeder doesn't mean you'll be getting a show dog. A person interested in showing dogs will most likely take the time and care to have the necessary genetic testing done to prove their dogs are healthy and sound. Therefore, you'll get a well-bred, healthy animal who's been tested, evaluated and brought up in a home environment.
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