Poodle Breeders And Buyers

Although the exact ancestry of the Poodle is largely disputed, the French are most commonly credited for the breed’s origins. Poodles are probably descendants of the French Bearded, which was a water dog. Poodles are very fond of water and were once used as hunting dogs retrieving waterfowl in water and on land. The name Poodle comes from the German Pudel or Pudelhund, which means dog that splashes or splashes. The word Poodle is related to the English word puddle. French Poodle breeders are credited with successfully breeding these dogs into the three sizes of poodle called miniature, toy, and standard.

The type of fur clips seen on competition poodles originated to reduce the weight of the fur and protect the joints from cold water. The hind half of the dog is shaved and rings of soft hair are left around the lower legs, part of the tail, and part of the hips. The fur on the head is combed and styled in a pompadour, making the Poodle appear both handsome and haughty. Continental and English Saddle pet clips are complex and necessary in American Kennel Club competition. The poodle’s appearance makes this breed quite an intimidating competitor.

Competition Poodles can be any solid color; however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow poodles with multicolored or pied coats to compete. All three sizes of Poodle can compete if they meet the size requirements. The three sizes of poodle, miniature, toy, and standard, have similar general characteristics but differ in height and weight.

Miniature Poodles are fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches tall at the shoulder, Toy Poodles are six to nine pounds and up to ten inches at the shoulder, and Standard Poodles are forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches at the shoulder. Poodle breeders must ensure that competition poodles reflect all of the AKC breed standard characteristics. Examples of traits required in purebred Poodles are: high activity level, intelligence, elegant demeanor, straight delicate muzzle, alertness, dark eyes, oval feet, half-cropped tail, and thick curly hair. The poodle’s coat is curly or corded and is hypoallergenic to most humans.

Before considering a purebred Poodle for a pet, potential buyers should research the breed and find as much Poodle information and history as they can. After looking at common poodle health problems and care requirements, buyers can decide if their home is suitable for a poodle. Buyers can then start contacting local poodle breeders and rescue centers. Buyers should look for AKC-certified breeders or reference breeders, and should interview poodle breeders before purchasing a purebred poodle. By doing this, buyers can ask specific questions to weed out any illegitimate poodle breeders.

Purebred Poodles must come with a pedigree or documented ancestry showing evidence of previous champions in the genetic line. Poodle breeders must make ancestry documentation and medical records available to buyers. They should educate buyers on common health issues, historical facts, and proper poodle care and grooming. Breeders must be willing to allow buyers to visit their kennels and meet the parents of Poodle pups. A good breeder will never sell a Poodle to a pet store. No good breeder is in business just to make a profit. Good poodle breeders want poodle puppies to go to loving, permanent homes.